Puccini - Tosca / Patane, Tebaldi, London, Tobin

Rating:
Summary: The disc might merit the 5th star, but ...
Review: But the Cavaradossi, a tenor called Eugene Tobin whom I didn't know of, conspires against my granting it outright, as he is simply of a lower level than Tebaldi's or London's. The stage production itself also contributes, out of its own anodyne-ness. But let's not complain too much: we are to thank heavens for the fact that this video tape was kept in the vaults of SDR, the South German Broadcasting Corp., and survived in such a good condition four decades of storage for it allows us to see a legend of 20th century opera singing in one of her signature roles, in full command of her conditions and in a complete performance at that. From the other great Tosca of the times, Maria Callas, we only have the second act, in two separate performances that I know of (are there more stashed away in the archives of some european TV station or opera house?) but her vocal conditions in those two videos were not the most adequate, even in the earlier of the two, her Paris debut. She of course was the better actress (Tebaldi's suffering of Polio infection in her childhood reputedly limited her stage movements, according to critics) but "La signorina"'s voice was unique and in a class of its own, far more subtle and cultivated than Callas's. George London was a masterful Scarpia, a nasty impersonation with a master degree in cynicism, and he proved also a very accomplished actor; his voice was enormous, powerful as perhaps none other of his generation. Both he and Tebaldi are featured in Decca's late 1950's stereo recording to good effect, accompanied by Del Monaco's short on subtlety Cavaradossi. Callas is, of course much better served in the rightfully legendary 1954 EMI recording than in the videos I made reference to, and far less well so in the 1964 stereo remake.

The rest of the cast are downright substandard: the Spoletta barely bothers to sing, preferring to speak many of his interventions, the Sacristan and Angelotti fare better but sing in some sort of semi-italian that would be booed today.

Patané was well known, as was also his brother Giuseppe, as exponent of a tradition of opera conducting that was earned after hard work in the orchestra pit in provincial theatres in the deep Italian boot. That tradition hardly exists now. Sound is alright as is also the video image, rather fuzzy by today's standard but mind this dvd comes from a 1962 black and white video tape.

Rating:
Summary: Visual is so-so. But the Voices!! Buy this now.
Review: I agree with everything the first reviewer said except about the visual qualities of the DVD. Clearly, this was in the early days of video recording. The lighting is sometimes harsh; the singers sometime stand outside the light; they sometime stand in one another's light so a singer sings in shadow.

All that in mind, so what? Opera is, first and foremost, singing. The singing on this DVD is pure heaven. And that's not to say that this DVD is not visually striking, it is. Tebaldi and London occupy their roles through voice and stage presence that makes for a great, video recorded opera. Tebaldi is Tosca; and London is one of the best Scarpia's I have seen or heard. The remaineder of the cast, Eugene Tobin especially, perform with nary a missed step. The orchestra? Well, the tremendously hard french horn passage that opens the third act is near perfect; the french horns play as one instrument.

This may not be the most visually accomplished Tosca (it was recorded 40 years ago), but even in black and white anyone with a drop of imagination can see the beauty of the costuming, the sets and the singers themselves. It is the singing and the fullness with which Tebaldi and London create visually believable characters that make this DVD a must. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

Rating:
Summary: Great singing, but very dated production
Review: Tebaldi and London clearly have this opera down pat--they can emerge after grueling singing and still smile sweetly like movie stars at the audience. The sets are primitive by today's standards, the staging/lighting is also very elementary although London manages somes effective serpentine movements. It is fantastic to see Tebaldi and London perform but the picture quality is only fair and the sound not nearly as good as the contemporary (1960) London/Decca CD set with T, L, and Del Monaco.

Rating:
Summary: Renata Tebaldi Sizzles in her Signature Role -- TOSCA
Review: This extraordinary DVD brings the talents of Renata Tebaldi and George London to digital excitement.

The picture is smooth and very detailed, while the sound is of CD quality. For those who have this performance on video, this release tops it, in both sound and picture. The menu photos are glorious, and the natural sound of the original venue comes through like never before. This DVD is playable in ALL regions, and comes with optional English subtitles.

This is the BEST quality of an actual opera performance, complete, with Renata Tebaldi and George London. In fact, it's London's ONLY complete opera captured on video. It's also terrific to jump to favorite parts of the opera, as well as repeat those you love. The packaging is sleek as well. Truly a DVD for your library.

Let's hope that the CHENIER and OTELLO find their way to DVD as well. But none will have the quality of this Stuttgart TOSCA. Grab it now!!!