This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.
As a hot-blooded young corporal in the Spanish cavalry stationed near Seville, Don Jose is ordered to arrest Carmen, a young, flirtatious Gypsy woman, for assaulting a co-worker. Greatly charmed by her, Jose allows her to escape. He deserts the army, kills two men on Carmen's account, and takes up a life as a robber and smuggler. He is insanely jealous of Carmen, who is unfaithful to him, and when she refuses to change on his behalf, he kills her and surrenders himself to the authorities.… (more)
This version with Risë Stevens came highly recommended by Jim Svejda, who is nothing if not opinionated. It's the only cd version I have and I hadn't compared it favorably against my LPs of Marilyn Horne, Tatiana Troyanos, etc. But now that it has been years since I've listened to the LPs (my turntable needing repair but is a 70s Garrard worth it?), it's sounding better to me. And Carmen is just sooo listenable. There's probably a reason it's America's favorite opera ... or was at one point. Jan Peerce is a bit annoying, for the same reason I find many opera singers annoying - the resonant nasal quality that sounds like they're singing for themselves instead of the back of the house. Maria Callas springs to mind. Terrific actress and in her early days sounded great. Why sing like you have a mouth full of marbles? Anyway, good recording. Great opera for newbies, introducing motives and, like, other serious stuff.
Please use only for audio recordings of the complete opera -- do not combine with audio highlight editions, nor with video recordings of individual performances, nor with print editions of the libretto or the vocal or the complete score.
As a hot-blooded young corporal in the Spanish cavalry stationed near Seville, Don Jose is ordered to arrest Carmen, a young, flirtatious Gypsy woman, for assaulting a co-worker. Greatly charmed by her, Jose allows her to escape. He deserts the army, kills two men on Carmen's account, and takes up a life as a robber and smuggler. He is insanely jealous of Carmen, who is unfaithful to him, and when she refuses to change on his behalf, he kills her and surrenders himself to the authorities.
Anyway, good recording. Great opera for newbies, introducing motives and, like, other serious stuff.