PUCCINI – Tosca (Excerpts) 

SLPX 12227

Product Features

• Format: Vinyl, LP
• Label: Qualiton
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1960s
• Genre: Classical
• Format: Mono, high-fidelity vinyl
• Libretto Language: Italian (sung), with liner notes in Hungarian, German, and English
• Catalogue Number: SLPX 12227
• Label: Qualiton

Overview

Puccini’s Tosca stands as a work of stark contradictions—once lambasted for its brutal realism and now acknowledged for its innovative dramatic and orchestral mastery. This Hungarian recording of key excerpts brings the passion of Tosca vividly to life under the baton of Miklós Erdélyi, with celebrated soloists of the Hungarian State Opera House.

Featuring soprano Mária Mátyás as the passionate Tosca, József Simándy as the noble Cavaradossi, and György Radnay as the menacing Scarpia, the selections included showcase the work's defining arias and scenes—from the beloved "Vissi d'arte" to the chilling confrontation in Scarpia’s study.

Magyar / German / English liner notes provide insightful commentary on Tosca's reception history, its dramatic strengths, and the interpretative nuances of this Hungarian production.

Product Features

• Excerpts from Puccini’s dramatic opera Tosca, including “Vissi d’arte” and the Act II confrontation
• Renowned Hungarian vocalists bring authenticity and emotional intensity to their roles
• Conductor Miklós Erdélyi delivers a reading praised for its precision, passion, and theatricality
• Issued by Hungary’s state-run Qualiton label with multilingual liner notes
• A valuable addition for collectors of Eastern European operatic recordings

Track Listing (Selected Excerpts)

• Act I: “Recondita armonia” (Cavaradossi)
• Act II: “Vissi d’arte” (Tosca)
• Act II: Tosca–Scarpia confrontation scene
• Act III: Execution scene and Cavaradossi’s final moments

All arias and scenes performed in Italian

Key Credits

• Tosca: Mária Mátyás (soprano)
• Cavaradossi: József Simándy (tenor)
• Scarpia: György Radnay (baritone)
• Angelotti: Tibor Nádas (bass)
• Sacristan: Lajos Katona (baritone)
• Spoletta: Árpád Kishegyi (tenor)
• Jailer: Sándor Mészáros
• Conductor: Miklós Erdélyi
• Orchestra & Chorus: Hungarian State Opera House

BOX #59