HD-Vinyls 24/96 (DGG) G. Bizet ? Carmen [Baltsa/Carreras] (1983)

HD-Vinyls 24/96 (DGG) G. Bizet ? Carmen [Baltsa/Carreras] (1983)
EAC Rip | Flac (Tracks) | 03 CD | 3.15 Gb | Full Scans
Genre: Classical / Label: Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft

I fully agree with Ted Libbey: this marvelous recording can be a perfect introduction to the world of opera. Maestro Von Karajan achieves his trademark perfection with the Berliners and with the cast of ideal singers for Biset's masterpiece. Baltsa is simultaneously playful witty self-indulgent and dangerous Carmen. She has a very long vocal phrase; and what a fiery rendition of "Les tringles des sistres tintailent"! Jose Carreras shows Don Jose's character development extremely well from ardent and passionate ready-to-leave-everything young soldier to a man obsessed; gradually you begin to believe Don Jose could kill. His Flower Song is very gentle and tender as opposed to the war-cries often displayed by others.
The final scene is so vividly acted I had "tingles down my spine". Katia Ricciarelli is fully "at home" with a role of angel-like Micaela her 1st Act duet with Carreras is one of the most beautiful things one could ever hear. Van Dam brings out everything we like to see in Escamillo: single-mindedness arrogance and swagger. Karajan uses an interesting orchestral arrangement of the Toreador Song before "Tout d'un coup on fait silence..." making you imagine the pause just before the bull charges. He also slows it down a bit increasing the tension throughout and the last chords of it are like wineglasses clashing triumphantly together. Supporting roles are taken by some impressive vocal powers including Jane Barbie and Gino Quilico. Digital recording and great liner notes made this set more preferable to me than the celebrated Solti set although that one too has great singing and conducting. Nothing else comes close. Btw there is a Carmen video featuring Baltsa and Carreras also from DG fantastically sang and recorded.
Download from filesonic.com

Download from filejungle.com

Download from fileserve.com