For anyone old enough to cringe at the mention of tenor Richard Tucker, whose bawling and sobbing ruined more than a few prime operas from the Fifties and Sixties (e.g., EMI's Aida and Forza del Destino with Callas) or who long ago wrote off the stiff, cold conducting of Erich Leinsdorf, this 1961 La Boheme brings a few rays of sunshine. The Gramophone called it adorable, and at the very least Tucker dials down his overacting and Leinsdorf does professional work. He only goes dead in the water fifty percent of the time, which is twice as good as his norm. But let's be honest -- the only attraction here is the beloved Anna Moffo, a visual beauty whose dark but appealing voice gave out too soon.

Mim fits her voice perfectly, and she really does come in a close second to Freni for pathos and touching naturalness. Robert Merrill also deserves praise for his Marcello, gorgeous of tone if a bit lacking in Italiante believability. What this Boheme amounts to is a memento of a very good night at the Met circa 1960, and for that reason alone -- and for Moffo -- I can see why fans will be attracted.

What a great performance! Also, the sound on this disc set is just exploded from loudspeakers with utmost realism and transparency. If you have a SACD player with 3-channel stereo set up you will definitely feel like you are inside the Rome Opera House. The conventional 2-channel stereo version is amazing as well in its own right. Highly recommended in every way.

I'm new to this wonderful medium, but am finding that as with any other, some recordings or transfers are better than others.
I compared this to my LPs, which are the lousy-looking "floppies" from the 1970s, and expected the SACD version to trounce it. Unfortunately, Moffo is a bit shrill and Tucker a bit boomy on SACD. The vinyl has a natural ease to it, making the performance an incredible experience. Ms. Moffo on vinyl is delightfully delicate, and Mr. Tucker emotionally gripping, without the sound crossing over into the harshness of the SACD version.
Too bad - I had high hopes!

This recording has always been tied with the classic Beecham version (EMI) for pride of place as my reference recording of this warhorse. Moffo's Mimi really sounds like a fragile young woman, not a prima donna star turn. Costa's Musetta is likewise well sung and characterized. Whatever happened to her?

Of the men, Merrill and Tozzi are paricularly satisfying with plush voices and good vocal acting. Maero does journeyman's work - here's much better here than as the "evil brother" in the RCA "Lucia" with Roberta Peters. Corena makes something memorable of his brief appearance as the landlord.

Tucker is not in the same league as Bjoerling (or Pavarotti or Bergonzi for that matter)for tonal allure. It's a thoroughly professional performance that has its moments - its just that the voice seems more suited to heavier roles.

Leinsdorf was a star conductor who's posthumous reputation is somewhat diminished. He is viewed in some quarters as cold and analytical. I think he strikes an near ideal balance between classical restraint and romantic sweep. He reveals many engaging details in Puccini's colorful orchestration. The fact that many of the participants were Met roster artists who appeared together regularly adds to the fine ensemble.

Finally, this is a very good example of DSD/SACD technology applied to analog source material. The results of the remastering are much more musical and accurate than previous my earlier RCA Victor Opera Series version. Plus, if you have multi-channel capability, you'll get a nice sound stage on the front three channels - no rear channel artifical reverb, thank goodness.

Classic performance, great sound and reasonable price - who could ask for more?

One could not escape the charm and fervor contained in this cd edition of Puccini's masterwork (unless you're opera-phobic)--
highly recommended!