New Deutsche Grammophon ‘La Boheme’ CD showcases Netrebko, Villazon

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This article was published 03/06/2008 (6424 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“La Boheme”

Giacomo Puccini (Deutsche Grammophon)

With at least a dozen recordings of Puccini’s “La Boheme” readily available from Amazon.com, why another?

The answer lies in the commercial opportunities suggested by the pairing of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon, two of the more glamorous young singers on today’s opera scene. In numerous joint appearances at major houses they have demonstrated a palpable on-stage chemistry (though in real life they are not romantically linked).

The new two-CD set was recorded during live concert performances in Munich in April 2007. That was just about the time Villazon encountered a vocal crisis that caused him to crack on some high notes and display other signs of fatigue. (He returned to performing early this year after a break of five months.) But you’d never suspect the problems from the evidence here. He sounds relaxed and lyrical as the young poet. His high notes in the climaxes are vibrant and attacked cleanly, though he omits the high C at the end of Act 1.

Netrebko, too, is in excellent voice, her gleaming soprano filling out Mimi’s wistful phrases with grace and sensitivity. But the qualities that make her so special as an artist have to do with more than her voice – it’s the way she throws herself into her roles on stage and that visual element is, unavoidably, missing here. What’s left is a more-than-passable vocal performance but it’s not likely to eclipse memories of Renata Tebaldi, Victoria de los Angeles or Mirella Freni, to name just a few of her recorded competitors.

Heading the supporting cast that surrounds the bohemian lovers is the young American soprano Nicole Cabell, an emerging star in her own right. She makes a strong impression as the flirtatious Musetta, the soft grain of her voice contrasting well with Netrebko’s slightly metallic sound. Boaz Daniel, an Israeli-born baritone, proves a sturdy Marcello.

Bertrand de Billy conducts the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in a brisk performance of the tuneful score.

All in all, this “Boheme” will appeal most to fans of the two principals. For those seeking a definitive interpretation of Puccini’s masterpiece, there are worthier choices, starting with the classic EMI recording with de los Angeles and tenor Jussi Bjoerling, and Thomas Beecham conducting.