ⓒ Le Soir
Un automne avec Puccini concludes with a remarkable recording of La Bohème, conducted by the late Thomas Schippers. This 1963 performance, a decade prior to Karajan’s celebrated version, features a vibrant Mirella Freni as Mimi at the young age of 28. Her interpretation is marked by a captivating freshness, alongside the characteristic candor and fragility that defined her performances. She is superbly supported by the Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda, at the peak of his vocal prowess and stylistic mastery. Schippers, a significant American conductor whose career was tragically cut short, brings his considerable experience – despite being only 33 at the time of recording – to create a truly exceptional rendition of Puccini’s masterpiece. This recording showcases not only the talents of the principal singers but also the conductor’s unique vision and understanding of the opera.
