Puccini: La Bohème

Vividly recorded, vigorously conducted and sung by a distinguished cast still in their relatively youthful prime, it presents the score with an appeal that will be readily felt by newcomers and with a freshness that will make us of riper years feel...young again...The various elements...are all well defined and the great ensemble runs its joyful course so that we can almost feel ourselves to be part of it...

Rolando Villazon is magnificent, by turns ardent and angry and there's a stream of bright golden tone in a rining 'O soave fanciulla'...Bertrand de Billy and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra make Puccini's score as fresh as a new coat of paint...

...there is no question that both these singers are striking and deserve a considerable proportion of the attention that they have been receiving...[Netrebko] sings the part with insight and often with lovely tone...In Act 2 we encounter Nicole Cabell and I'm happy to report that she is a success...here she is secure, delightful, and an integral part of a lively team of performers.

...the central duo and the fine conductor are excellent reasons for sampling this performance...Netrebko sings with expansive, gleaming tone...The jewel of the set is Villazon's impassioned Rodolfo, a portrayal of overwhelming generosity of spirit...

It is succulently dramatic - a tribute both to the stars power and the conductor Bertrand de Billy's dramatic ability to steer the score at the drop of a note from uproarious jollity to the shiver that spells death.

...frisson between the lovers is supplied by Roland Villazon's impassioned, impulsive, gloriously sung Rodolfo. Fellow bohemians Marcello and Schanard are lively and quick-witted...Nicole Cabell sings with gusto in Musetta's irresistible waltz song.

Netrebko and Villazon do bring character to their roles in a way seldom approached...Both the chorus and the orchestra are excellent.

This new recording is surely the La boheme for our time...