Bizet - Carmen / Levine, Baltsa, Carreras, Metropolitan Opera @ richardeward.com

Bizet - Carmen / Levine, Baltsa, Carreras, Metropolitan Opera
from Deutsche Grammophon
starring Agnes Baltsa, Jose Carreras, Samuel Ramey, Leona Mitchell, Myra Merritt
directed by Brian Large

Features:

• Classical
• Color
• DVD-Video
• Full Screen

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• "Carmen" the Opera
  For ages I have been familiar with this opera, and once upon a time designed costumes for it, too. This version was somewhat different, but very good. The settings didn't always appear as though it was the cigarette factory or the café of Lilas Pastias, but the acting was good and the singing excellent. Not a recent production, it still shows how good Jose Carreras is. Unfortunately Samuel Ramey didn't seem as convincing as Escamillo as he could have. Though a smaller role, it is nevertheless very... more info

• The star 'Jose'
  This MET production in 1987 is in many ways illustrious: two top opera stars in the lead roles, big staging and festive choruses plus good dancers.
  Agnes Baltsa shined vocally here, but really, Carmen is a bit of a stretch for her in 1987 visually.
  I have heard Samuel Ramey elsewhere, and must say that his Escamillo is somewhat mediocre in this production. His two big arias lacked charisma, especially when you have Jose Carreras as Don Jose. It would be difficult to convince the audience that... more info

• Excellent Voices... BUT
  If you are looking for a version with excellent voices, this is it!!!
  If you are looking for a great "theatrical" production, this is it!!!
  BUT I must say that I found a terrible issue in this version: Carmen (Baltsa) and Escamillo (Ramey) were not Carmen and Escamillo.
  CARMEN, as far as I understand these character... she must be sensual, sexy, seductive, graceful, not rigid but loose while dancing, surrounding with its charisma, mysterious and at the same time cold, jealous and interested.... more info

• Carreras shines in "Carmen"
  If you are relatively new to opera as I am, Baltsa's performance of Carmen may have to grow on you - as it did on me - but you'll have no trouble admiring and appreciating Carreras' Don Jose character right away. (The role is one of his specialties.) Back to Baltsa: You'll have to get over her physical apperance -Carmen is supposed to be 17!- as a temptress
  and then you will enjoy her portrayal. Magnificent voice!
  Samuel Ramey is dripping with confidence as Escamillo, the bullfighter, and his... more info

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