The first complete opera recording with substantial musical value (in my opinion, of course) is the German-language Carmen of 1908. The variations from the score are numerous in detail, yet the result is faithful to at least one conception of who the characters are and of how they interact. Interestingly, no conductor or company appears ever to have been listed.
Carmen: Emmy Destinn
Don Jose: Karl Jörn
Micaela: Minnie Nast
Escamillo:
Hermann Bachmann
Zuniga / Morales: Felix Dahn
The 1931 La Scala recording of Carmen is of interest primarily in preserving Besanzoni's unique reading of the title rôle. The language (Italian), conducting and other singers are significant drawbacks, but her contralto instrument and direct style fully compensate - at least, for me.
Carlo Sabajno conducting La Scala
Carmen: Gabriella Besanzoni
Don
Jose: Pauli
Micaela: Carbena
Escamillo: Ernesto Besanzoni
Zuniga:
Spada
Morales: Bordonelli
1908 | 1931
Act I
1908 | 1931
Overture and opening
1908 |
1931 Habanera
1908 | 1931
Parle-moi de ma mère
1908 | 1931
Seguidilla
1908 | 1931
Act II
1908 | 1931
Entr'acte and opening
1908 | 1931 Votre
toast
1908 | 1931 Quintet
1908 | 1931 La
fleur
1908 | 1931
Act III
1908 | 1931
Entr'acte and opening
1908 | 1931 Card
Scene
1908 | 1931
Micaela's Air
1908 | 1931 Entr'acte and Act IV
About 1964, Carmen was featured at Spoleto and Act IV was broadcast.
It is included here for the two principal singers: Shirley Verrett(-Carter) and
George Shirley and for the conducting of Thomas Schippers.
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