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From: ktw@whuxi.UUCP (WOLMAN)
Newsgroups: net.music.classical
Subject: Live Performances, Esp. Operatic
Message-ID: <193@whuxi.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Dec-84 16:50:12 EST
Article-I.D.: whuxi.193
Posted: Wed Dec 12 16:50:12 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Dec-84 04:37:11 EST
Organization: Bell Labs, Whippany, N.J.
Lines: 23

With reference to live performances, there are too few of
them committed to disk or tape, particularly with respect to
opera, which almost demands such recording.  At least a few
years ago, many live performances could be had only on "pirate"
labels or at least from companies using abysmal equipment.  
Nevertheless, the electricity of a fine live operatic performance
tends to compensate for the sound quality.  I am thinking of 
the 1953 La Scala production of Cherubini's "Medea" starring
Callas and conducted by Bernstein and the 1951 Toscanini recording
of Verdi's "Falstaff" with Giuseppe Valdengo.  Many operatic
artists do not record well, at least in studio settings; they
almost demand the ambiance of the theater for their full impact
to be felt.  Callas is the obvious example; but so is Leonie
Rysanek and, to a lesser extent, Jon Vickers.  While Vickers
has made some wonderful recordings, his live performances are
often overwhelming: I would love to find a tape of a Pagliacci
in which I saw him perform in January 1965 with Teresa Stratas.


Ken Wolman
Bell Communications Research
Livingston
whuxi!ktw