Regina Resnick: A Carmen to Treasure
I've been listening to the new Simon Rattle recording of Bizet's Carmen a bit recently, you can read my review here. It has left me wanting more.
More that is, of a Carmen with personality. While there are many famous interpretations on disc, including those from Callas, De los Angeles, Bumbry etc, the one I always return to is the classic Decca recording by Thomas Schippers.
More that is, of a Carmen with personality. While there are many famous interpretations on disc, including those from Callas, De los Angeles, Bumbry etc, the one I always return to is the classic Decca recording by Thomas Schippers.
It is pure over the top enjoyment right from the start complete with vintage Culshaw inspired sound effects and atmosphere. Of course, it also has the larger than life performances of Mario del Monaco as Don Jose and Joan Sutherland as Micaela to match the extroverted Carmen of Regina Resnick.
While I admit it is definitely not to everyone's taste (there is not a lot of subtlety going on here), for pure excitement and Mediterranean colour you must hear it at least once.
Fortunately the Bell Telephone Hour captured Resnick at her campest best in Act 2's Gypsy Song. It's pure gold.
While I admit it is definitely not to everyone's taste (there is not a lot of subtlety going on here), for pure excitement and Mediterranean colour you must hear it at least once.
Fortunately the Bell Telephone Hour captured Resnick at her campest best in Act 2's Gypsy Song. It's pure gold.
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