OPD 7017 Puccini-Madama Butterfly: Italian-English Libretto (Opera d'Oro Grand Tier)

PUCCINI: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) Newly translated libretto, program notes, and synopsis. Link to audio tracks.

Renata Scotto, Franca Mattiucci, Luciana Palombi, Renato Cioni, et al., vocal soloists/RAI Symphony Orchestra & Chorus,Turin/Arturo Basile, conductor

Italian soprano Renata Scotto is perhaps the most acclaimed of all singers in the role of Madame Butterfly which was one of her specialties. She brought to it a perfection of style and youthful voice which have never been surpassed.

At the time of this recording Mme. Scotto was at the peak of her long career. The singing here is breathtakingly beautiful.

Presented for the first time at mid-price with original artwork by Rafal Olbinski and complete libretto, newly translated by Bill Parker, with a special essay on the performance by Ira Siff.

Live performance, Turin, 1967.

"Scotto [is] in complete control of all her faculties. Her portrait is that of a lovely, sad, victimized girl, who retains her dignity to the end. Remarkable!" - ClassicsToday.com

Ilustration © Rafal Olbinski,
Courtesy of Patinae Inc.