Bizet: Carmen (Levine, Baltsa, Carreras, Metropolitan Opera.1987)

Directed by: Brian Large
Conducted by: James Levine
Cast: Agnes Baltsa (Carmen), Jose Carreras (Don José), Samuel Ramey (Escamillo), Leona Mitchell (Micaëla), Myra Merritt (Frasquita), Diane Kesling (Mercédès), Bruce Hubbard (Dancaïre), Anthony Laciura (Remendado), Ara Berberian (Zuniga), Vernon Hartman (Moralès)
Metropolitan Opera Chorus & Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

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This outstanding work is given no better a performance than here from the principles and the fine Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. The role of Carmen is sung with a fiery passion by the very powerful mezzo of Agnes Baltsa. Her interaction with Carreras is emotionally powerful as well as musically satisfying. Special mention must be given to the wonderful interpretation of the role of Don Jose by Carreras- the best interpretation available in audio today( note the brilliant recording with Karajan). He is vocally powerful in the finale of Act three as well as exquisite in the Flower Song with a soaring B-flat sung pianissimo. He totally identifies with the character( as in all his roles really). James Levine and the Orchestra provide impressive accompaniment, providing a pillow for the principles(Levine's interpretation is less rigid than Maazel but not as creative as Karajan). Regardless of this , the performance is indicative of what a night at the opera should be. musicman@cww.octec.org.au @ amazon.com

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