Reissued on two rather than three CDs, Claudio Abbado's 1977 set of Bizet's "Carmen" has long been a top recommendation . . . Plácido Domingo gives what is probably the best of his several Don Josés . . .
Berganza's role début at Edinburgh and subsequent performances elsewhere were widely hailed. She is supported by Plácido Domingo and Ileana Cotrubas, both in excellent voice and committed dramatically . . . and a satisfying supporting cast led by Robert Lloyd (Zuniga), always expert in French repertoire . . . Abbado gives a no-nonsense reading of exceptional detail and intelligence, with his wonted theatrical flair much in evidence.
Essential recording
. . . un Abbado que no tiene miedo a recrearse con absoluto detalle en una partitura que en sus manos se revela fuego puro, sin incurrir en las superficialidades de otras versiones.
Teresa Berganza, Robert Lloyd, Alicia Nafé, Yvonne Kenny, Sherrill Milnes, Jean Lainé, George Main, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, The Ambrosian Singers, John McCarthy
Sherrill Milnes, George Main, Robert Lloyd, Teresa Berganza, Yvonne Kenny, Gordon Sandison, Geoffrey Pogson, Alicia Nafé, Jean Lainé, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, The Ambrosian Singers, John McCarthy
Robert Lloyd, Plácido Domingo, Teresa Berganza, Gordon Sandison, Geoffrey Pogson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, The Ambrosian Singers, John McCarthy
Teresa Berganza, Alicia Nafé, Yvonne Kenny, Gordon Sandison, Geoffrey Pogson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, The Ambrosian Singers, John McCarthy
Geoffrey Pogson, Teresa Berganza, Gordon Sandison, Plácido Domingo, Ileana Cotrubas, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, The Ambrosian Singers, John McCarthy