Puccini: Tosca - Crespin, Di Stefano, O. Kraus, Robinson; Downes. London, 1961

Tosca Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) DESCRIPTION This performance of Tosca finds Régine Crespin at a point in her career when she had complete command of her upper register, which she employs here with remarkable power to thrilling effect, while maintaining an uncompromised legato and, at times, exquisite delicacy. Giuseppe Di Stefano is likewise in fine voice on this occasion, bringing his characteristic ardor and instinctive stylistic assurance to the role of Cavaradossi. Otakar Kraus delivers a Scarpia of exceptional menace without allowing the character to descend into a stock villain. CAST Tosca – Régine Crespin Cavaradossi – Giuseppe Di Stefano Scarpia – Otakar Kraus Angelotti – David Kelly Il Sagrestano – Forbes Robinson Spoletta – Robert Bowman Sciarrone – Victor Godfrey Il Carceriere – Rhydwen Davis Un Pastore – John Pyle DETAILS Location: London Date: May 26, 1961 Conductor: Edward Downes Catalogue Number: OD 12392-2 Label: Opera Depot Number of Discs: 2 In Mono