Puccini: Tosca 1953

Item received on time and intact

Callas, Gobbi, and DeStefano at their peak

I compared this A/B with my 1989 release of the same recording, and I must tell you that where I did hear a difference, I preferred the earlier release. If you already have a different release of this same recording, don't bother. If you don't, the price is sure right if you choose the right Amazon seller. My primary problem is an obvious audio compression that keeps everything "louder'. It's not horrible by any stretch, but I much prefer the dynamic range of my earlier release. The other problem is the packaging. This the same package that would be in the new Warner Classics Callas Remastered set. Trying to pull the two discs out of this cardboard sleeve is a pain. And there is no libretto (if you care). Don't have this recording in any form? You will love this. But I much prefer the 1989 release which one Amazon seller has used for 25 cents plus shipping as I write this.

Probably the best recording by Maria Callas

Don't feel the need to critique this world famous version as anyone looking here already been given plenty of info..So I will address ONLY the quality of the remaster.. I have tried 4 different remasters of this Tosca. To be honest, they all sucked. Big time. But THIS one is a revelation. Remarkable clarity for a early 50s mono recording. You can finally hear the orchestra at all frequencies and NO hiss or distortion in the orchestra and vocals at climaxes or high notes. You will finally hear everything you expected considering the adulation heaped upon it.While still no demonstration quality, this is far and away the best remastering this issue has ever had and I doubt any better will ever be done. .This is the final one necessary.

This is the version of "Tosca" to have! Callas is fabulous. You will really enjoy this recording made in 1953. Avoid all others.

A most moving recording. The older times had a magic that is rarely found today. This performance is simply splendid.

Great recording

No problem with Madame Callas et al. However, the CDs sit in flimsy paper envelopes ( photocopy paper weight), and these sit in a cheap card wallet. To look after this musical investment I am going to have to buy my own double CD jewel case, which only on in pack of 5 minimum. So, add another £6 to the price. I am baffled, because I bought the Warner issue of Manon Lescaut, and that came in the proper jewel case. Shoddy!

Excellent.

Wonderful

Esta Tosca, realizada en 1953 con las fuerzas de La Scala, es un hito en la historia discográfica.Dirigida con una intensidad abrasadora por Victor de Sabata, reúne a Callas con dos de sus colegas más cercanos, el tenor Giuseppe di Stefano y el barítono Tito Gobbi, un intérprete que podría rivalizar con Callas en fuerza y ​​delicadeza dramática.Callas profundizó en la psicología del papel para descubrir todos los celos y el histrionismo de Tosca, pero también su escrupulosidad, amabilidad y piedad. Sus dúos con di Stefano son fascinantes, pero lo más destacado es, por supuesto, su conmovedora interpretación de "Vissi d'arte".Tito Gobbi aporta una malevolencia despiadada al papel de Scarpia. Es el contraste perfecto para las súplicas celosas y la ira vengativa de Callas, y para las vanas hazañas de di Stefano.

Tja, was soll ich da schreiben? Die Sänger überzeugen auf ganzer Linie. Auf jeden Fall eine der besten Einspielungen der Tosca. Nicht nur stimmlich, auch der Klang der ganzen CD ist um Längen besser als in der 1965er Stereo-Version. Der Monomix ist kraftvoll und sauber, einfach voluminöser als die 1965er. Kauf die 1953 und scheiss auf Stereo.