Suzuki In Dub - Tosca

Advantages: Arguably the best cast for this opera on disc
Disadvantages: Some fans do not take to Callas' voice and the sound is old and mono

...This is probably the single finest recording of Giacomo Puccini's opera "TOSCA". The combination of quality singers, a great conductor and an excellent orchestra make this a very worthwhile version to own. Maria Callas, that most controversial of sopranos, is famed for her portrayal as Floria Tosca with this arguably being the finer of her two 'official' recordings of the work. In 1953 when this was recorded Callas was arguably at her finest with a big strong voice full of colour and without some of those infamous wiry high notes. She seems aware of all the different facets of her character and this makes for an exciting and interesting listen - compare the full voice screams and drama during her confrontation with Tito Gobbi's unsurpassed Baron Scarpia and the muted, tender "Vissi d'arte" one of the most beautiful arias in all opera... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Caballe and Carreras are excellent
Disadvantages: Wixell not the best

...I am going to compare some performances of Tosca which retail around the same price and probably appeal to the same market. The recording with Renata Scotto, Placido Domingo and Renato Bruson and another Tosca recording with [what looks like on paper] a stellar cast - the remarkable Davis set with Carreras and Caballe. Scotto proves to be a more dramatic Tosca than Caballe, but Caballe sounds somewhat fresher. Just before this recording Caballe sang the role in Tokyo with an ageing Giuseppe di Stefano in a production originally meant for Maria Callas who should have returned to the stage after 8-9 years since her last live performance as Tosca at Covent Garden. That did not work out but the performances went ahead with Caballe who was more than equal to the role as a divaesque Tosca. Arguably the comparison with Scotto or Callas is... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful

Advantages: Good music to relax to and appreciate as well as dance to.
Disadvantages: none

...This music and album is one to appreciate. Salmonella Dub hails from Kaikoura, New Zealand and were formed in 1994. One Drop East is Salmonella Dub's second major album released in New Zealand in 2004. This albums shows that the bands dub music has matured since their first album Killervision was released in 1999, which was released to critical acclaim. Tracks such as 'Nu Steppa', 'Pure', 'Simmer Down', 'Octopus' and 'Bubble' have made me forget the world and go into my own world. If you like dub music and want to chill out buy it. The album displays influences quintessential to the new wave of New Zealand, which was first displayed in Killervision in 1999 and has been improved upon... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful