This first recording of La Boheme was first published in 1918. As with the other operas in the La Scala series, the cast was typical of the house, rather than featuring stars - whose availability would have been problematic over the long period apparently required. Nevertheless, it is of interest vocally as well as historically, particularly because it precedes the Toscanini standardization which has defined performance practice.
Carlo Sabajno conducting La Scala
Mimi: Gemma Bosini
Rodolfo: Remo
Andreini
Musetta: Adalgisa Giana
Marcello: Ernesto Badini
Colline:
Vincenzo Bottone
Schaunard: Aristide Baracchi
Benoit: Uraldo Ceccarelli
Parpignol:
C. Maestri
The forces of La Scala recorded the opera again under Sabajno in 1928, then in 1930 with Lorenzo Molajoli on the podium. The latter is offered here as documentation of the changes in perception of the work and of recording. The brisk tempi and involved performances surely reflect the influence of Toscanini; the recording seems to be taken more seriously by this time - and their next recording, with Albanese and Gigli, was clearly intended to be a document for posterity.
Lorenzo Molajoli conducting La Scala
Mimi: Rosetta Pampanini
Rodolfo:
Luigi Marini
Musetta: Luba Mirella
Marcello: Gino Vanelli
Colline:
Tancredi Pasero
Schaunard: Aristide Baracchi
Benoit: Salvatore Baccaloni
Parpignol:
Giuseppe Nessi
There was a memorable performance in Boston on 1 May 1966. I was not there
and do not know the source of my tape - but I am happy to share it in spite of
its poor sound quality.
Vincent La Selva conducts the Boston Opera Group
Mimi:
Renata Tebaldi
Rodolfo: Placido Domingo
Marcello: Peter Glossop
Musetta:
Adele Leigh
Colline (?): Boris Carmeli
1918 | 1930
| 1966 Act I
1918
| 1930 | 1966
Introduction
1918
| 1930 | 1966 Che
gelida manina
1918
| 1930 | 1966 Si, mi
chiamano Mimi
1918 | 1930
| 1966 Act II
1918
| 1930 | 1966
Introduction
1918
| 1930 | 1966
Musetta's Waltz
1918 | 1930
| 1966 Act III
1918
|
1930
| 1966 Introduction
1918
| 1930
| 1966 Mimi e una civetta
1918 | 1930
| 1966 Act IV
1918
| 1930 | 1966
Introduction
1918
| 1930 | 1966