The Best Opera Recording Ever Is Maria Callas Singing Tosca. Hear Why.

[elleng]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/29/arts/music/maria-callas-tosca-recording.html?

[longship]

1. Yup! It is an extraordinary recording.

Victor de Sabata at La Scala.
Here's Vissi d'arte from that recording:

I would also put up Thomas Beecham's La Boheme with Victoria de Los Angeles and Jussi Björling as tops as well.
A clip:

I am hard pressed to choose which one is greater.

Some times elements come together to produce something remarkable. These two recordings are exemplars of such coincidental events.

[Lunabell]

2. I've never liked her voice.

Too warbly. I prefer a Joan Sutherland or Eileen Farrell.

[elleng]

3. How about Elina Garanca?

[longship]

4. It's not about her voice; it's about her expression.

And the ensemble, most important. I am also particularly drawn to the orchestration. The whole performance is important. That's why the 1953 de Sabata Tosca recording is held in such high esteem. Tito Gobbi is an ever menacing Scarpia. BTW, when I talk about opera with those unfamiliar, I always recommend Tosca. You know when the drama is over when the last one dies.

My favorite opera is Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro because it has all of those elements put together in one narrative. My favorite recording is the Giulini recording with Schwarzkopf, Moffo, Taddei, Wächter, Cossotto. It isn't perfect, and Giulini makes some cuts, but the orchestration and the ensemble work is beyond criticism. The second act is astounding. That and Fiorenza Cossotto as the greatest Cherubino I have ever heard.

(And I heard Frederica von Stade sing that role live at the Met!)

YMMV, of course. It's fun to share such experiences. Music is damned wonderful! Opera is the highest art of music.

[Lunabell]

5. As a classically trained soprano,

It is about her voice. No control. She should have just been a stage actress. Horrible voice.

[longship]

6. I listen to the whole performance.

Opera is about ensemble, not just any one voice. Opera performers don't just stand on stage and sing. They act.

And Tosca is a very passionate role. Callas works for me. For Christ sakes, the opera ends by her pitching herself off the parapet of Castle Sant Angelo, singing "Scarpia, I will see you before god!" And she murders Scarpia in the second act by plunging a butter knife into his chest singing "This is Tosca's kiss!"

Passion is called for in such a role, IMHO. Vocal purity less so. There's a very good reason why Callas's performance is so legendary.

YMMV, as it clearly does.

I will try to take in the Eileen Farrell Tosca, if I can find a copy.

Thanks much. My best.