REVIEW

Puccini G. - Tosca an opera in 3 acts, Victor de Sabata - La Scala Opera Orchestra & Chorus EMI Angel 56304

Maria Callas -Floria Tosca

Guiseppi di Stefano- Cavaradossi

Titto Gobbi - Scarpia

This summer EMI recalled all copies of 20 Opera recordings by Maria Callas in the United States.A short time later EMI then announced that they were re-releasing the 20 Operas, remastered with new documentation to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of Maria Callas's death.

This week the new Opera CD's were released. Upon opening the new edition of "Tosca",several things were immediately apparent:

new photos had been added to the liner notes; a synopsis of the opera as well as the complete libretto,both were marked with track indications so you can easily follow the opera from either document ation. A convenience, a little thing, but it shows that some thought went into making it easier to use. The big question is: how is the sound? is it better than the previous version or is it just the same, or is it not as good? Putting the CD in the player answered this question immediately! The sound, the recording was better, much better. The orchestral sound was clear in every detail, never overshadowing the singers in any way. The subtle details, the undertones, have become more accessible. The tones the inflections, the feelings are all there as before but now they are more lifelike.

Close your eyes, and you can almost imagine that you are there listening to the performance in person; from the sneer and evil in Scarpia's voice to the jealousy in Tosca's voice and finally to the fury and anguish of the final scene. I said to myself. " hold on, wait until you have heard the Opera through. You're just being enthusiastic because it a new recording a new sound, after you have heard it a few times you may come to the conclusion that the sound and performance is about the same as the previous version." Well, I have listened to the opera four times now,and my initial opinion has not changed.

The new recording is better. I have not had the opportunity to listen to any of the other remastered operas, but if they are anywhere near as good I'm afraid I am going to be in the market to buy several(to pefectly honest quite a few) new opera recordings.

I highly recommend this CD, especially the last scenes. The shock of finding her lover dead, the remorse of not being able to exact her vengeance on Scarpia comes though in her voice. The final vehement cry cursing Scarpia as she throws herself over the parapet to her death left me choked up. Twenty remastered operas of this quality form a fitting tribute to Maria Callas and her artistry.