A summer performance of a wintry treat is this week’s bonbon from the Mike Richter collection, this time from his “Opera from Munich” CD-ROM, AE204. It’s a live, in-house performance of La bohème under the magical baton of Carlos Kleiber, with a couple of guest artists named Freni and Pavarotti.

Puccini: La bohème
Nationaltheater, 16 July 1983

Mimi – Mirella Freni
Rodolfo – Luciano Pavarotti
Marcello – Wolfgang Brendel
Musetta – Margherita Guglielmi
Schaunard – John Janssen
Colline – Jan-Hendrik Rootering
Benoit – Claudio Giombi
Alcindoro – Gerhard Auer
Parpignol – Georg Paskuda

Carlos Kleiber, conductor

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

Comments