Bizet: Carmen

This remastered Callas Carmen cd (EMI 1997) is the best Carmen that I have ever heard. Callas sings the role so convincingly that she IS Carmen. Her greatness was her ability to become one with the character she portrays and this is most evident with Carmen. The audio quality of this cd is very fine as this sounds like a new recording. As others have stated, the entire cast is very fine with no weak links in any roles. The Paris Opera Orchestra is excellent. This is one of the greatest operas ever written and it is a tragedy that Bizet was not aware of its great appeal and success before he died.

I bought this on recommendation of a friend as I prepared to sing Carmen in a chorus, so I have listened to it perhaps 20 times. I never get tired of Callas. Some of the other reviewers said she was past her prime. Maybe that's true for pure vocal quality, but her feel for the role is outstanding and, though this is just audio, you can see her sneer, watch her flirt, and chuckle with her intonation. The chorus isn't great, but mine will be better.

If you are new to opera, then Carmen is your "must have" introduction. Many familiar songs. This recording is well produced and will make you a fan of this music genre.

I got this cd set for a gift when I was in England, When I returned to the states I found I had left disc one in England, so I bought this set to get disc one. Any-one out there need disc 2? As, I have an extra!

Imagine what she would sound like with modern recording equipment! I can listen all day long.

Greatest Opera singer ever. Haunting and mesmerizing voice. This was never performed live. Incredible performances by everyone involved in a recording that was never performed live.

This seems to be a good quality recording and an excellent addition to any Opera fan's collection. I looked at the reviews from other people who have this set and was not disappointed in my selection.

Unfortunately Callas recorded this after her voice had peaked. It is still lovely but not as good as it would have been earlier in her career. It is enjoyable to listen to separately but not with other operatic recordings.

Cd in perfette condizioni. Consegna in tempi rapidi. Servizio eccellente. Consigliatissimo

CD is in great condition. Good value. Worth the purchase. Came quickly enough.

カラスの声をステレオで聴いてみたかったので購入しました。　　星３つなのは、やはりオペラの魅力のひとつである高音に限界があることです。全盛期の50年代を聴いているだけに、余計にそう思うのかもしれません。

Bellissima

I like her very much and her carmen is very well, because her middle registser (it is a mezzesoprano role in Carmen instead of soprano) was stil OK when she recorded this one.