VIDEOS
To order any of these VHS Tapes, please visit
the Bel Canto Society Store.
Many pages reprint reviews or contain essays about the singers or titles.
The following are VHS videos. Many are available as DVDs.
Videos are available in both NTSC VHS, the video format used in North America and Japan, and PAL VHS, widely used elsewhere.
CORELLI
Corelli in Tosca (1956). With the voices of Caniglia and Guelfi; De Fabritiis. The film that made Corelli a star. Two versions: #453 (Non-letter-boxed, English narration) and #540 (Cinemascope, letterboxed, no narration or subtitles). Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 (each)
“This is the Cavaradossi of post-World War II opera and, as such, a performance not to be missed.” —David McKee, Opera Quarterly
Corelli in Tosca (1955). With Heredia-Capnist, Tagliabue; Votto; RAI. #660 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
Corelli's Favorite Corelli. #122 US19.95
Corelli in Concert (1971). #91 US$19.95
“A major souvenir of a giant singer.” John Ardoin, The Dallas Morning News
Corelli in Pagliacci (1954). With Gobbi and Micheluzzi. #669 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
“Among the complete Canios left us, only Gigli really rivals this.” Robert Levine, The Metropolitan Opera Guide to Opera on Video
Interviews with Corelli (1990-1993 ), by Stefan Zucker, on “Opera Fanatic” radio program and in the theater. Video cassettes with audio tracks only, no picture. Seven different sets—26 hours total—each originally US$16.95 to US$29.95, NOW US$12.95 to US$19.95
These programs reveal Corelli as intelligent and analytical. They give the lie to the idea that he was a stud with a fabulous larynx but no brains.
Corelli's Comeback in 1981, with Zeani and Ferruccio Tagliavini. #85 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Corelli in Scenes from Don Carlo, Bohème and Aïda + TV Interview and Songs, with Janowitz, Ligabue, Cossotto, Freni and Nilsson. Live. #87 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Franco Corelli & Renata Tebaldi: Joint Operatic Concert with Orchestra (1973). #92 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$14.95
Corelli at His Zenith. #120 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Corelli Rarities. #106 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Corelli, Bergonzi and Bechi. #88 Originally US$29.95, NOW US$19.95
Opera Fanatic: Stefan and the Divas (1998). Adami Corradetti, Barbieri, Cerquetti, Cigna, Frazzoni, Gavazzi, Gencer, Olivero, Pobbe, Simionato; Zucker; Schmidt-Garre, dir. In English and in Italian, English subtitles. #700 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$19.95
“What are the various aspects of expressive singing?” is one of the questions I put to the divas. They discuss and demonstrate their interpretations, singing brief excerpts from Norma, Butterfly, Trovatore, Traviata, Tosca, Fanciulla and Adriana (Olivero, age 86, performs the “Monologo”). They take opposing positions about chest voice and the voce infantile. —Stefan Zucker
This web site entry includes many pages of essays, biographies—and dish. A PDF file may also be downloaded.
Tristan und Isolde (April 10, 1967). Nilsson, Töpper, Windgassen, Andersson, Hotter, Nienstedt, Paskuda, Feiersinger; Boulez, cond.; Osaka Festival. #462 Originally US$39.95, SALE US$26.95
“An overwhelming experience.”—Paul Thomason, Opera News
CALLAS
Callas: A Documentary (1978). Ardoin, writer; Zeffirelli, narrator. Bonus (1978): never seen before—more on Callas from Ardoin, Gobbi, Menotti, Rescigno and Scotto. VHS: #194 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$18.95 | DVD: #D194 US$18.95
“Not to be missed.”—John Steane, Gramophone
Callas Reveals Herself. The extraordinary, suppressed 1974 interview. #197 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Conversations with Callas with Lord Harewood + bonus: Callas in Paris, 1965: Manon, Sonnambula, Schicchi and interview in French + second bonus: Norma (highlights) #199 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95 LIMITED SUPPLY! While they last!
Caruso: A Documentary (As seen on A&E,1998). + Caruso in My Cousin: a 1918 silent feature with an added soundtrack. #186 Regularly US$24.95, CLOSEOUT US$12.95
Six Great Basses. Anthology of arias and songs with Pinza, Pasero, Neri, Treigle, Siepi, Christoff, with Thebom, De Taranto, Gobbi #35 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
The Tenors of the 78 Era. Four-cassette set featuring Caruso, Gigli, Schipa, Tauber, Slezak, Schmidt, Melchior, Rosvaenge, Björling, Thill and Kozlovsky. Discussion in English or subtitled in English. #401-405.
Each cassette Regularly US$29.95, SALE US$26.95.
4-pack regularly US$99.95, now just US$89.95, a 25% savings!
“No other video about opera singers matches the depth and breadth of The Tenors of the 78 Era, no other was produced so lavishly. This is a series to enjoy, study and watch repeatedly.”—Stefan Zucker
ONLY the 4-pack is available in PAL VHS video format.
Ten Tenors, A Treasury of Rare Footage. Anthology of arias and songs with Bergonzi, Corelli, Gigli, Kiepura, Lauri Volpi, Martini, McCormack, Piccaver, Schipa and Tagliavini. #34 Regularly US$19.95, SALEUS$16.95
Great Tenors, Vol. 1 Anthology of arias and songs with Björling, Caruso, Gigli, Kiepura, Rosvaenge, Schmidt, Slezak, Tauber, Wittrisch, Wunderlich #10 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Great Tenors, Vol. 2 Anthology of arias and songs with Corelli (with Simionato), Björling, Di Stefano, Bergonzi, Gedda, Bonisolli (“Di quella pira” + encore!), Kraus, Luchetti, Vanzo, Wunderlich #12 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$14.95
Opera Titans. Anthology of arias and songs with Björling (in superb voice), Gigli, Tetrazzini (“M’appari”—we kid you not!), Schipa, Caniglia, Carosio, (w. Masini, Mascagni, cond.), Tagliavini, Del Monaco (5 selections), Gobbi (2), De Taranto, Scala Chor. #7 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Carnegie Hall (1947). Feature film starring Marsha Hunt, with Walter Damrosch and Olin Downes. Performances by Heifetz, Rubinstein, Pinza, Lily Pons, Risë Stevens, Peerce, Piatigorsky, Stokowski, Bruno Walter, Fritz Reiner, Harry James, Vaughn Monroe, and the New York Philharmonic. English. VHS: #791 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$18.95 | DVD: #D791 US$18.95
Mad About Opera (Follie per l’opera) (1948). Feature film starring Gina Lollobrigida, with performances by Bechi, Caniglia, Gigli, Gobbi, Schipa, the La Scala Ballet; Costa, dir. Arias, song, instrumental selections. Italian, non-optional English subtitles. VHS: #493 US$18.95 | DVD: #D493 US$18.95
WUNDERLICH and others
Fritz Wunderlich Live! Arias and song. #654 US$19.95
“This tape is a unique treasure.”—Joseph McLellan, The Washington Post
Il barbiere di Siviglia (1959) (Sung in German). Köth, Wunderlich, Prey, Proebstl, Hotter. #603A Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
“With the German translation as fleetly delivered by all as the original Italian can and should be, this is just about a dream German cast.”—Bert Wechsler of Opera News
Il maestro di musica (Pergolesi). Sciutti, Wunderlich, Berry; Svarovsky. In German. #597 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
KRAUS and others
Werther (1987). Kraus, Scotto, M. A. Peters, Sardinero; Guingal; De Tomasi, stage dir. In French. #457 Regularly US$29.95, SALE US$16.95
Werther (1982). Kraus, J. Davidson, D. Cava, Saccomani; García Asensio. #579 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Faust (1985). Kraus, A. Gonzales, Ghiuselev, Coviello, Vespasiani; Guingal #640 Regularly US$29.95, SALE US$19.95
Les Contes d’Hoffmann (1988). Kraus, R. Welting, Hendricks, Ghiuselev; Guingal #675 Regularly US$29.95, SALE US$19.95
La favorita (1971). Kraus, Cossotto, Bruscantini, R. Raimondi; De Fabritiis #569 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Roméo et Juliette (1985). Kraus, Faye Robinson, Bizzi, Coviello, Martinovich; Guingal #692 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Rigoletto (1987). Kraus, L. Serra, Nucci, Pertusi; Campori #691 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$12.95
La Fille du régiment (1984). J. Anderson, Kraus, Coviello; Campori #693 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
La Fille du régiment (1986). J. Anderson, Kraus, Trempont, T’Hezan; Campanella. #628 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Alfredo Kraus: Two Recitals. #99 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Alfredo Kraus Aria Concert with Orchestra, Vol. 1. #98 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Alfredo Kraus Aria Concert with Orchestra, Vol. 2. #102 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Gayarre (1959). #96 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
El Vagabundo y la Estrella (1960). Plus arias and songs. Spanish, no subtitles. #97 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Alfredo Kraus Zarzuela & Spanish Song Concert. #103 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Kraus, Bergonzi, Siepi, McDaniel, Cappuccilli with Orchestra (1970). #566 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
CARRERAS
Carreras & Ricciarelli in Concert (1984) Arias, 2 orchestral selections. #564 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US $12.95
Un ballo in maschera (1981). Ricciarelli, Carreras, Nucci. #664 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Carreras and Baltsa in Concert, Vol. 1 (1987). #109 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Carreras and Baltsa in Concert, Vol. 2 (1991). #110 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
José Carreras Aria Concert with Orchestra Jose (1984). #563 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
CABALLE
Norma (1978). Caballé, Cossotto, Lavirgen, Vinco; García Asensio #698 Regularly US$29.95 SALE US$19.95
“Because of the mix of her usual vocal beauty with a great deal of emotional intensity, this is my favorite Caballé performance.”—Stefan Zucker
Caballé at Her Most Ravishing (1975). Recital. Gianfranco Masini, cond. Puccini arias #121 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Salome (1988). Caballé, Brinkmann, Baniewicz, Hiestermann, Sojer; Mund. #599 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Il viaggio a Reims (1988). Caballé, Cuberli, Gasdia, Valentini-Terrani, Chris Merritt, R. Raimondi, F. Furlanetto, Dara; Abbado; Ronconi, dir. #A59 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Semiramide (1980). Caballé, Horne, Araiza, Ramey; Lopez-Cobos. #620 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Ermione (1988). Caballé, Zimmermann, Chris Merritt, D. Gonzalez; Zedda. #615 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$14.95
GIGLI and others. Click for an online Gigli biography.
Ave Maria (1936). Gigli, Erna Berger. Arias + songs.
In German, with English subtitles. Singing is in Italian. #492 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
In Italian, with English subtitles. #511 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
“Gigli’s voice pours out of him in that well-known, heartfelt manner, uniquely his, the honeyed mezza voce a thing to wonder at.”—Alan Blyth, reviewing Ave Maria and Non Ti Scordar Di Me in Gramophone
Mamma (1941). Gigli, Marcella Govoni; Ricci, cond. Arias + songs. Italian, new English subtitles. #499 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Gigli’s most famous film, in part because he did not otherwise sing Otello.
Non Ti Scordar di Me (1935). Gigli. Dialog filmed in English, not dubbed. VHS: #504 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 | DVD: #D504 US$18.95
DVD comes with a 24-page booklet with an analysis of Gigli's singing by Stefan Zucker plus many rare photos.
This is the title customers most frequently reorder to give as a gift. And no wonder. One woman wrote Gigli that in 30 days she had seen the film 76 times.
Ridi pagliaccio (1942). Gigli, Alida Valli, Paul Hörbiger. Italian, non-optional English subtitles VHS: #513 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95 | DVD: #D513 US$18.95
“To express the drama, Gigli colors his voice far more than any other Canio on film or record.”—Stefan Zucker
Lache Bajazzo (1942). German dialog version of Ridi, pagliaccio. No subtitles #512 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Solo per te (1938). Gigli, Cebotari, Bohnen, Neri; Gallone, dir. Arias + songs. Italian, new English subtitles. #502 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
A marvelous film, full of great singing.
This page has short biographies of Cebotari and Bohnen plus a short essay about whether or not Gigli’s mezza-voce was really falsetto.
Mutterlied (1939). Gigli, Cebotari. German dialog version of Solo per te. No subtitles. #503 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Puccini (1953). Film biography with Gray, Sinimberghi, Corradi, Stoppa. The voices of Gigli, Stella, Carteri, Neri. Conductors: Previtali, Molinari Pradelli; Gallone, dir. In English. #663 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Mad About Opera (Follie per l’opera) (1948). Feature film starring Gina Lollobrigida, with performances by Bechi, Caniglia, Gigli, Gobbi, Schipa, the La Scala Ballet; Costa, dir. Arias, song, instrumental selections. Italian, non-optional English subtitles. VHS: #493 US$18.95 | DVD: #D493 US$18.95
Du bist mein Glück (1939) Gigli, Ranczak, M. Cornelius, L. Weber. Bavarian State Opera Orch. & Chor. Arias from Aïda, Tosca, Manon Lescaut, songs. German & some Italian dialog, no subtitles. #500 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
The most glorious singing on film.—Stefan Zucker
Marionette (1938). Gigli. Marta, Rigoletto, Nina, Italian songs, lieder. Italian, no subtitles #507 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$12.95
Achtung! Aufnahme (1943). Gigli. German dialog, no subtitles. #510 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Voglio bene soltanto a te (1947). Gigli. Italian, no subtitles. #509 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$12.95
Casa lontana (1937). Gigli. Italian, no subtitles. #514 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Giuseppe Verdi: Divine armonie (1938). Gigli, Cebotari (as Strepponi), Tassinari, Gatti, Granforte, Gobbi, Domenici, Mazziotti, Ungaro; Serafin, Rome Opera Orch. & Chor. Italian, no subtitles. #519 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Taxi di notte (1951). Gigli. Italian, no subtitles. #516 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$12.95
Traummusik (1940). Gigli, Favero. Bohème, Penelope (Zandonai, who appears on screen). Excellent print. German dialog, Dutch subtitles. #508 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Ritorno. Gigli. Italian version of Traummusik, no subtitles. + Gigli Documentary. #515 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Gigli Documentaries. Musical excerpts from films. Narration in German. #518 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Die Stimme des herzens (a k a Der Sänger ihrer Hoheit) (1937). Gigli. Arias, many songs. German dialog, no subtitles. #517 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
He sings more than in any other film. High spirited.
Carosello napoletano (1953). Loren, Rondinella; voices of Gigli, Tagliabue. Italian and Neapolitan, no subtitles. #8 Originally US$19.95, NOW US $12.95
Schipa in I Sing for You Alone (1932). Made in English. #662 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
5 stars (highest rating) from Classic CD
“Schipa is at his most caressing and works his magic on eight songs including ‘Marechiare.’”—Stefan Zucker
Entry features an essay on Schipa’s life and vocal style.
Trois Hommes en habit (1932). Schipa. French dialog version of I Sing for You Alone. No subtitles but not a lot of dialog. Lovely print. #655 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Mad About Opera (Follie per l’opera) (1948). Feature film starring Gina Lollobrigida, with performances by Bechi, Caniglia, Gigli, Gobbi, Schipa, the La Scala Ballet; Costa, dir. Arias, song, instrumental selections. Italian, non-optional English subtitles. VHS: #493 US$18.95 | DVD: #D493 US$18.95
DEL MONACO
Del Monaco at His Most Thrilling! (1969) Arias and song. #112 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
“There’s an excitement about Del Monaco that comes through vividly on this tape. This is one of the most charismatic vocal performances ever captured on film.”—Steve Cohen, The Philadelphia Jewish Times
Del Monaco: The Singing Volcano. Anthology of arias and songs from 1952-60 + his last interview, 1978. #123 US$19.95
“Del Monaco’s sound has elemental excitement because of its ring or ping, what the Italians call ‘squillo,’ heard to advantage on this tape.”—Stefan Zucker
Further discussion of squillo is on this page.
Otello (1959). Tucci, Del Monaco, Gobbi; Erede. Live, from kinescope #16 Originally US$19.95, NOW $14.95
The Young Caruso (1951). Lollobrigida. The voice of Del Monaco. Arias + songs. English dialog. + Del Monaco Highlights: Arias. + Caruso documentary + My Cousin (excerpt) #677 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Page contains essay on how Caruso changed tenor singing for the worse.
Mario Del Monaco: “Nothing Is Forgiven Me.” Arias and songs. Some discussion in Italian, no subtitles #678 Originally $24.95, NOW $12.95
Del Monaco on TV. Arias and songs. #113 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Del Monaco, Simionato, Tucci in Carmen Highlights + Tagliavini, Tucci, Adani, Colombo, Protti, Taddei in extended live excerpts from 3 operas. #21 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Mario Del Monaco Concert with Orchestra. #565 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Di Stefano in Canto per te (1953). Lucia + songs. Italian, with English subtitles. #409 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
“GDS at his most seductive, the voice fresh as dew.”—Stefan Zucker
SCHMIDT
My Song Goes 'Round the World (Ein Lied geht um die Welt) Schmidt. (1933). L’Africaine, songs. German, English subtitles. VHS: #529 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 DVD: #D529 US$18.95
A Star Fell From Heaven (Ein Stern fällt vom Himmel) Schmidt. (1936). Elisir + songs. German, with new, non-optional English subtitles VHS: #406 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 | DVD: #D406 US$18.95
“The film is full of vocal high points. His rendering of ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ provides a deep experience, a real lesson in the art of singing.”—Alfred Fassbind, Joseph Schmidt
Martini in One Night With You (1948) Arias and songs. English. #668 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Rated 5 stars out of a possible 5 by Michael Tannen, Classic CD
BJORLING
Jussi Björling's Saga (1977). Documentary in Swedish; occasionally, English. Musical scenes from his two films. Recordings of Jussi and his brothers as boys. Interviews with Barbieri, Merrill, others. No subtitles #578 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
Fram för Framgång (1938). Björling. Bjorling. Bjoerling. High jinks and high Cs. + bonus. Arias and songs. Swedish, no subtitles #527 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
TAUBER
Blossom Time (1934). Tauber portrays Schubert and sings his lieder. English. #648 US$19.95
“This videotape should be preserved and handed down to the next generation of people who love the art of song.”—Steve Cohen in The Delaware Jewish Voice and The Philadelphia Jewish Times
Heart's Desire and Forbidden Music, both with Tauber and Napier. Heart’s Desire: Carmen + many songs, including some by Tauber. + Forbidden Music, with Durante. Songs. Both in English. #673 Regularly US $24.95, SALE US$14.95
“Tauber was never in better voice than in Heart’s Desire.”—Stefan Zucker
Das Land des Lächelns Lachelns (1935). Tauber. German, no subtitles. #532 US$12.95
Pagliacci (1937). Tauber, Napier; Coates, cond. + City of Song (1931). Kiepura, Stockfield, Wakefield. Gallone, dir., music by Enrico Tagliaferri. Both in English #688 Regularly US $24.95, SALE US$14.95
Waltz Time (1945). Tauber appears in a bon-bon of old Vienna; Stein, dir. Music by Hans May. English VHS: #413 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95 | DVD: #D413 US$18.95
KIEPURA & EGGERTH
The Charm of La Bohème (Zauber der Bohème). (1936) Eggerth and Kiepura. German, English subtitles. VHS: #534 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95 | DVD: #D534 US$18.95
“A tender, sorrowful, musically enchanting film....it has strength of its own and the gift of weaving Puccini, singers, cast and sub-plot into a sadsweet romance which must be called one of the most impressive of our cinema operas.”—The New York Times
My Song for You (1934). Kiepura. Arias + songs. English. #667 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Die Csardasfürstin Die Csardasfurstin Czardasfurstin (1938). Marta Eggerth, Kemp. German, no subtitles. #524 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Mado Robin Live! Arias. 1940s and 50s. #107 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Robin is listed in some editions of the Guinness Book of World Records on account of her B-flat above high C, heard here in the Lucia “Mad Scene.”
Grace Moore and Georges Thill in Louise (1938). Gance, dir. French. VHS: #670 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95 | DVD: #D670 US$18.95
“...rapturous singing.”—John Ardoin, The Dallas Morning News
Page features biographies of Grace Moore, Georges Thill and Abel Gance.
GEDDA
Nicolai Gedda in Concert, Vol. 1. Arias and Russian songs. #583 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Nicolai Gedda in Concert, Vol. 2 (1985). #658 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
“In addition to tearing the roof off with those top notes, it is almost embarrassing to watch a singer of his years so enjoying himself! Most highly recommended.”—Joe Pearce
Page has essays on Gedda.
Faust (1972). Gedda, Freni, Soyer, Krause; Mackerras #586 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$16.95
GOBBI and others
Gobbi in Rigoletto (1947). Filippeschi, Neri, and the voice of Pagliughi; Serafin. #550 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
“Without question, this is one of the classics of filmed opera.” —John Ardoin
Pagliacci (1948). Gobbi, Lollobrigida, Poli. Voices of Fineschi and Masini; Morelli. Italian, English subtitles. + Highlights from Guglielmo Tell (1947). Gobbi. Voices of G. Gatti and Soler; Questa. VHS: #657 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95 | DVD: #D657 US$18.95
“The fiery performance knocks all recent digital efforts into a cocked hat. This is surely one of the best films of an opera.” —Tully Potter, International Opera Collector
Pagliacci (1954). With Corelli, Gobbi and Micheluzzi. #669 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
“Among the complete Canios left us, only Gigli really rivals this.” Robert Levine, The Metropolitan Opera Guide to Opera on Video
A Tito Gobbi Feast Musica proibita (1943). Gobbi; Gallone, dir. Arias and songs. Italian, English subtitles. Bonus: Gobbi in Arias and song. #679 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
The Glass Mountain (1950). Gobbi, Rizzieri. With V. Cortese, D. Gray, M. Denison; Chor. and Orch. of Teatro La Fenice; Ferrara; Cass, dir. Songs plus The Glass Mountain by Nino Rota. Made in the U.K. and Italy, with sequences shot in La Fenice. Dialog in Engl. (not dubbed), singing in Ital. Plus Lucia di Lammermoor highlights (1948). Gobbi and voices of Rossi, Prandelli (Edgardo), Valletti, Neroni; Questa; Rome Opera Chor. & Orch. Ital., with some unobtrusive Engl. narration. VHS: #538 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95 | DVD: #D538 US$18.95
Mad About Opera (Follie per l’opera) (1948). Feature film starring Gina Lollobrigida, with performances by Bechi, Caniglia, Gigli, Gobbi, Schipa, the La Scala Ballet; Costa, dir. Arias, song, instrumental selections. Italian, non-optional English subtitles. VHS: #493 US$18.95 | DVD: #D493 US$18.95
L'elisir d'amore (1946). Corradi, di Lelio, Sinimberghi, Gobbi, Tajo; Morelli; Costa, dir. #684 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
La forza del destino (1949). Corradi, Gobbi, Sinimberghi, Neri, De Taranto + voices of Mancini, Elmo, Masini; Santini; Chor. & Orch. of the Rome Opera; Gallone, dir. Some unobtrusive English narration. #577 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
O sole mio (1943). Gobbi. Italian, no subtitles. #6 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
VERDI
Aïda (1951). Sophia Loren, and the voices of Tebaldi, Stignani, Campora, Bechi. Italian, English narration. #553 US$19.95
“An opulent spectacle, the most famous opera film of its time, in a wonderful print.” —Stefan Zucker
Obraztsova in Aïda (1988). Chiara, Martinucci, Pola, Siepi; Renzetti, cond. #694 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Gobbi in Rigoletto (1947). Filippeschi, Neri, and the voice of Pagliughi; Serafin. #550 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
“Without question, this is one of the classics of filmed opera.” —John Ardoin
Rigoletto (1987). Kraus, L. Serra, Nucci, Pertusi; Campori #691 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$12.95
La forza del destino (1949). Corradi, Gobbi, Sinimberghi, Neri, De Taranto + voices of Mancini, Elmo, Masini; Santini; Chor. & Orch. of the Rome Opera; Gallone, dir. Some unobtrusive English narration. #577 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
Jérusalem (1985). Ricciarelli, Luchetti, Siepi, Colla, Manganotti, Marchica; Renzetti; Giacchieri, dir. #689 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Bergonzi in Luisa Miller (1986). Rubin, Salazar, Passigli, Pasquetto, Pertusi, Zanellato; Campori. #690 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Un ballo in maschera (1967). Bergonzi, Stella, Zanasi, Guglielmi, Danieli, Clabassi; De Fabritiis. #650 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$14.95
You can’t find a Ballo of this consistent quality today. Highly recommended! —Joe Pearce
Un ballo in maschera (1981). Ricciarelli, Carreras, Nucci. #664 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
La traviata (1954) Carteri, Filacuridi, Tagliabue, di Lelio. #551 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
Il trovatore (1949). Colonnello, Pederzini, Sinimberghi, Mascherini; Santini; Gallone, dir. In place of Ferrando’s narrative, the film substitutes a dramatization of the burning of Azucena’s mother for witchcraft #552 Regularly US $24.95, SALE US$12.95
Nabucco (1977). Deutekom, Todisco, Carbacho, Nimsgern, Giaiotti; Muti. #624 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Bergonzi Sings Verdi, with Orchestra + Interview (in Italian). (1981). #118 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Verdi: Complete Songs (1989). Scotto, Washington; Scalera, piano. Beautiful print. #636 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
BERGONZI
Bergonzi in Luisa Miller (1986). Rubin, Salazar, Passigli, Pasquetto, Pertusi, Zanellato; Campori. #690 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Un ballo in maschera (1967). Bergonzi, Stella, Zanasi, Guglielmi, Danieli, Clabassi; De Fabritiis. #650 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$14.95
Pagliacci (1980). Bergonzi, Baggiore. #559 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Bergonzi really throws himself into the finale.
Carlo Bergonzi in Recital. Arias + songs. #582 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
ROSSINI
Tagliavini in Il barbiere di Siviglia (1947). Corradi, Gobbi, De Taranto, Tajo; Morelli. #546 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
“The most personality of any Barbiere—no film or telecast since has come close.” —Stefan Zucker
Il barbiere di Siviglia (1954). Pastori, Monti, Calabrese, Panerai; Giulini, cond.; Enriquez, dir. Chor. & Orch. of RAI. #548 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95
Rossini (1943) Feature film with Pederzini, Pasero, G. Gatti, Stabile, De Muro Lomanto, P. Pauli, De Taranto; Gui. Italian, English subtitles VHS: #656 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95 | DVD: #D656 US$18.95
Five star review (highest rating) from Classical CD
The only footage of some of these artists. An engrossing, accurate dramatization of the composer’s life from Elisabetta to Tell.—Stefan Zucker
L'Italiana in Algeri (1998). Di Micco, Pertusi, Matteuzzi, Praticò, Dell’Oste, Zaramella, Novaro; Callegari; Pizzi, dir. #674 Regularly US $24.95, SALE US$14.95
Page features an essay on singing Rossini.
Il viaggio a Reims (1988). Caballé, Cuberli, Gasdia, Valentini-Terrani, Chris Merritt, R. Raimondi, F. Furlanetto, Dara; Abbado; Ronconi, dir. #A59 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Semiramide (1980). Caballé, Horne, Araiza, Ramey; Lopez-Cobos. #620 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Ermione (1988). Caballé, Zimmermann, Chris Merritt, D. Gonzalez; Zedda. #615 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$14.95
Tancredi (1989). Horne, Lloris, Palacio, Martinovich; Lewis. #595 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$16.95
Click for more Rossini titles, available only in DVD or NTSC VHS, the video format used in North America, Central America, Japan, South Korea and to a degree in South America.
Vento di primavera (1958). Ferruccio Tagliavini. Sonnambula, Elisir, Africana plus many songs. In Italian, no subtitles. #681 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$12.95
L’elisir d’amore (1954) Valletti, Noni, Capecchi, Taddei; Rossi, cond., Brissoni, dir. Chor. & Orch. of RAI. VHS: #687 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 | DVD: #D687 US$18.95
L'elisir d'amore (1959). Ferruccio Tagliavini, Adani, Montarsolo, La Porta; Erede. #585 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
For other titles with Tagliavini, available only in NTSC VHS, see Index to Singers
FRENI
Fedora (1998). Freni, Larin, Scarabelli, Antonucci; Ranzani; De Tomasi, stage dir. #459 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Freni & Siepi Aria Concert (1985). Amaducci, cond. Philemon et Baucis (Gounod), Mefistofele, Boccanegra, Tosca, Schicchi, Don Carlo. Stereo #126 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Freni in Manon Lescaut (1990). Dvorsky, E. Serra; Varviso. #589 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
“This is a must-see video for dedicated opera filberts. You know who you are.” —Stephanie von Buchau, The Oakland Tribune
Faust (1972). Gedda, Freni, Soyer, Krause; Mackerras. #586 Originally US$24.95, NOW US$16.95
Mirella Freni Aria Concert with Orchestra (1988). #613 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Freni at times has been a cold performer, but here she sings her heart out.
Lucia di Lammermoor (1947). Corradi, Filippeschi, Poli, Tajo, di Lelio, Zagonara; De Fabritiis; Rome Opera Chor. & Orch.; Ballerini, dir. #682 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
Don Giovanni (1989). Bruson, Araiza, Dessì, Scarabelli, Faix Brown, Trimarchi, Crisman, Holle; Graf. #695 Regularly US$29.95, SALE US$19.95
Lanza Live! (1954, 1957). Tosca, songs. #125 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
Lanza on TV (1954). Betty Grable, Harry James. Pagliacci, songs. #128 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
Renata Tebaldi Live! Arias + song. #114 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Paderewski in Moonlight Sonata (1937). Tempest, Portman. English. VHS: #24 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95 | DVD: #D24 US$18.95
Supervia and Laye in Evensong (1934). English. #526 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
“Supervia is shameless, unhinged and unforgettable...The unique magic of an irreplaceable performer makes this one of the great opera-themed films.”—Albert Innaurato, Opera News
Jan Peerce in If I Were a Rich Man (1990). A Documentary Hosted by Isaac Stern, with Toscanini, Antonioni. Songs & arias. #198 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$12.95
PRINTEMPS. Two videos plus essays, including “Yvonne Printemps, Enchantress.”
Paris Waltz (La Valse de Paris) (1948). Printemps, Fresnay, music by Offenbach. French, English subtitles. #754 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
“Delightful, witty, with 20 songs. In a selection from Fortunio, Printemps’ is singing that is sensed in the soul.”—Stefan Zucker
Three Waltzes (Les Trois Valses) (1938). Yvonne Printemps, Fresnay. Music by Oscar Straus, with adaptations of music by Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II. French, English subtitles. #756 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
ROBESON
The Proud Valley (1940). Robeson. English + Jericho (Dark Sands ) (1937). Robeson. English #757 Regularly US$24.95, SALE $14.95
Song of Freedom (1936). Paul Robeson, Elizabeth Welch, George Mozart, Esme Percy. #752 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Fidelio (1977). Janowitz, Vickers, Adam, Workmann, Richmond, Raitzin. #612 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95 WHILE THEY LAST!
Fidelio (1981). Marton, Winkler, Wildermann; Sawallisch. #A90 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Salome. Rysanek, Weikl, Hesse, Beirer, Hollreiser. #571 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95 WHILE THEY LAST!
“A superb artistic performance.”—Hal de Becker, New Times
Maria di Rohan (Donizetti) (1988). Nicolesco, Morino, Coni; De Barnart. #629 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
La sonnambula (1949). Bertini, Sinimberghi, Colella, Tamantini and the voices of Ortis, Francardi, Colella, Tamantini. Chor., Orch. and Ballet of the Rome Opera; Mucci. #575 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Le nozze di Figaro (1949). Voices of Lemnitz, Berger, Klose, W. Domgraf-Fassbaender. Sung in German. #94 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
Die Verkaufte Braut (The Bartered Bride) + The Last Waltz (1932). German. Novotná, Domgraf-Fassbaender; Orphüls, dir. + The Last Waltz (1935), English, Novotná, music by O. Straus. #671 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$14.95
Chiara & Giacomini in Concert (Modena, 1994). Arias. Enrico De Mori, cond.; Orch. dei Teatri di Padova e Treviso. #124 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Régine Crespin (1985). Interview in French plus arias and songs; also Wälkure rehearsal with Karajan. #642 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Virginia Zeani. #652 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$9.95
Pavarotti in Recital (1978). Lucia, two Liszt Petrarch Sonnets, songs. #645 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Opera Gala 1 (1988). Chiara, Marton, Ricciarelli, Zampieri, Berganza, Ludwig, von Stade, Aragall, Kraus, Gedda, Cappuccilli, Manuguerra, Hampson, Rydl. #605 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Opera Gala 2 (1989). Caballé, De Los Angeles, Carreras, Kraus, Gonzales, J. Pons. Color. #606 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Birgit Nilsson Concert with Orchestra. #581 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Franco Bonisolli and Maria Chiara in Concert (1977). Plus bonus. Arias. #610 Originally US$12.95, NOW US$9.95
Francisco Araiza in Concert. Well-known songs in German, Russian and Italian. #609 Originally US14.95, NOW US$9.95
Boris Christoff in Concert (1978). Includes interview in Italian. #634 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
El Capitán Aventurrero. Mojica. Spanish, no subtitles. #659 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
Amami Alfredo. (1939). Cebotari, Stoppa, voices of Stabile and Malipiero; Ricci; Rome Opera Chor., Orch. & Corps de Ballet. Gallone, dir. Italian, no subtitles. #412 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
Premiere der Butterfly (1935). German, no subtitles. Cebotari. #536 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
Cuore di mamma. (1954). Dal Monte, Rondinella. Italian, no subtitles. #2 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$12.95
Casta diva. A romanticized biography of Bellini (1954). M. Ronet, A. Lusualdi, N. Gray. Voices of Mancini, G. Poggi, Neri, Matera, Formichi, De Fabritiis; Chor. & Orch. of the Rome Opera; Gallone, dir. Arias. In English. Beautiful print. VHS: #410 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 | DVD: #D410 US$18.95
Life and Loves of Mozart (1955). Oskar Werner, Gueden, Köth, Dermota, Kunz, Frick; Swarowsky, cond. Features the renowned Vienna Mozart ensemble of the 50s. In English. VHS: #411 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$16.95 | DVD: #D411 US$18.95
Great Conductors, Vol. 1. Performances with Walter, Klemperer, Blech, Busch, Keilberth, Elmendorff (Götterdämmerung excerpt with Leider and Lorenz from Bayreuth), Fricsay, Knappertsbusch (w. Berger and Ralf), Schurich, E. Kleiber. #51 Originally US$16.95, NOW US$9.95
Great Conductors of the Third Reich: Art in the Service of Evil. Blech, Böhm, Furtwängler, Karajan, Knappertsbusch, Krauss, Schillings with Hitler, Goebbels, Berger, Ralf, Rode, Rosvaenge and the Berlin Philharmonic. Performance footage plus newsreels: excerpts from Tell, Meistersinger, the Beethoven Ninth and the Schubert “Unfinished” Symphonies. Includes a booklet with exposés and biographies by Frederic Spotts VHS: #52 Regularly US$24.95, SALE US$19.95 | DVD: #D52 US$19.95
The Dybbuk (1937). Feature film with cantorial selection by Sirota + songs. Yiddish, English subtitles. VHS: #305 US$18.95 | DVD: #D305 US$18.95
The Three-Penny Opera (Dreigroschenoper) (1931). Lenya, Forster, Sodoloff; Pabst, dir. German, English subtitles. #303 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
“One of the ten best films of all time”—a 1952 Cinémathèque Belgique International poll
The Lottery Bride (1930). MacDonald, John Garrick, Joe E. Brown, ZaSu Pitts, R. Chisholm. #715 Regularly US$19.95, SALE US$14.95
Legendary Singers on TV. Melchior, Shirley Jones, Lanza, Traubel, Pinza, Thebom, Del Monaco, Mado Robin, John Charles Thomas, Schwarzkopf, Baccaloni, Novotná, Marian Anderson, Bechi, Bergonzi, Corelli. #32 Originally US$19.95, NOW US$12.95
The History of Recording. Galli-Curci, Nat Gonella, Gigli (a very vivid “Ombra mai fù”), Elgar, Menuhin, Tetrazzini (“M’appari”), Gracie Fields, Jack Hilton, Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller, Solti, Helen Shapiro, The Beatles and the voices of Edison, Berliner, Florence Nightingale, Alfred Tennyson, Henry Irving, Caruso, Melba, Patti, Marie Lloyd, McCormack, Butt, Crosby, Jack Smith, Robeson, Presley. #576 Originally US$14.95, NOW US$9.95
