Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala – Puccini: La Boheme (1999) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Decca – 470 624-2]

Title: Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala – Puccini: La Boheme (1999) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Decca’s new recording of La Bohème with Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna, conducted by Riccardo Chailly, joins iconic performances by Tebaldi and Bergonzi (1950s) and Freni and Pavarotti (1970s), delivering a standout interpretation for the new millennium. Chailly’s sensitive phrasing and brisk yet unhurried tempos, paired with the La Scala Orchestra and Chorus’s innate feel for Puccini, create a compelling performance, enhanced by Francesco Degrada’s 1988 critical edition with subtle, polished changes like Alagna’s romantic E at Act One’s close. Gheorghiu and Alagna, a real-life couple, bring heartfelt synergy to Mimì and Rodolfo, with Gheorghiu’s dark, skillful voice shining in “Mi chiamano Mimì” and Alagna’s boyish charm peaking in “Che gelida manina.” Simon Keenlyside’s ardent Marcello and Anna Scano’s sparkling Musetta, alongside vivid portrayals by the other Bohemians and Alfredo Mariotti’s lively Benoit and Alcindoro, add depth, making this Bohème a highly recommended, near-perfect addition to the opera’s discography.

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Tracklist:

Disc 1:
01. Questo Mar Rosso mi ammollisce e assidera
02. Pensier profondo!
03. Legna! – Sigari! – Bordò!
04. Si può?
05. Io resto per terminar l’articolo di fondo
06. Chi è là?! – Scusi
07. Si sente meglio?
08. Che gelida manina
09. Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì
10. O soave fanciulla
11. Aranci, datteri, caldi i marroni!
12. Chi guardi?
13. Viva Parpignol!
14. Oh! – Essa! – Musetta!
15. Quando me n’vò
16. Chi l’ha richiesto?

Disc 2:
01. Ohè, là, le guardie! Aprite!
02. Sa dirmi, scusi, qual’è l’osteria
03. Mimì! – Speravo di trovarvi qui
04. Marcello. Finalmente!
05. Mimì è una civetta
06. Mimì è tanto malata
07. Donde lieta uscì al tuo grido d’amore
08. Dunque è proprio finita!
09. In un coupé?
10. O Mimì, tu più non torni
11. Gavotta! – Minuetto! – Pavanella! – Fandango!
12. C’è Mimì!
13. Vecchia zimarra, senti
14. Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire
15. Che avvien? – Nulla. Sto bene

Personnel:

Angela Gheorghiu – soprano (as Mimì)
Roberto Alagna – tenor (as Rodolfo)
Elisabetta Scano – soprano (as Musetta)
Simon Keenlyside – baritone (as Marcello)
Roberto de Candia – baritone (as Schaunard)
Ildebrando D’Arcangelo – bass (as Colline)
Orchestra & Chorus of Milano’s La Scala – Conducted by Riccardo Chailly

Note:

Recorded on October 16-29, 1998.
First studio recording of the new critical edition.
Edited from original sources by Francesco Degrada.

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