Review by threerandot April 20, 2008
Performance: 5
Sonics: 4 1/2 (MCH)

Leontyne Price gives a stellar performance in this legendary recording of Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

Although Madama Butterfly has been recorded many times, this is probably one of the very best versions. Erich Leinsdorf proves an excellent dramatist, pushing the limits of the RCA Italiana Orchestra and Chorus. There is an exceptional cast in this recording, with Leontyne Price stealing the show. Price is able to use her voice to paint the raw emotions of Butterfly, her joys and her sorrows. We really sympathize with her plight as we near the end of the performance. Price had an incredible vocal range and absolute control from top to bottom. I don't think you are likely to find a more powerful Butterfly portrayal than hers on record. A staggering achievement.
Richard Tucker is a great Pinkerton, Philip Maero a sympathetic Sharpless with Rosalind Elias as a wonderful Suzuki. Highlights include the remarkable duet between Butterfly and Pinkerton at the end of Act 1 with voices that leap into your living room. Neither of these vocalists shows any strain at all. The "Un bel di" is also remarkable as are the choruses.

Erich Leinsdorf proves he was capable of coaxing masterful performances from his singers and this entire recording never becomes dull or routine. The RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra were a magnificent body of musicians and Leinsdorf paints the drama of this story in very broad strokes. I appreciate this transfer, which has great depth and it is easy to hear singers moving closer, further away or to the left or right to enhance the drama. The recording has a beautifully open and spacious sound and the bass is plentiful when it needs to be, especially when the cannon shot is heard in Act 2. What the engineers in 1962 were capable of is quite remarkable. I do notice some distortion in this recording however, but this is to be expected of a recording of this vintage.

All lovers of Puccini and Madama Butterfly are in for a special treat when they acquire this recording. With an amazing peformance from Lenontyne Price as a girlish and naive Butterfly played to perfection, a strong supporting cast, the powerful RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra and Chorus and this impressive 3 channel recording, we have a winning recording of Butterfly to add to your collection. Very Highly Recommended.

(This review refers to the Multichannel portion of this disc.)