Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera recorded in 1958 & 1959)

"This classic Beecham set was originally welcomed in Gramophone with a glowing review from Philip Hope Wallace: 'I send up a loud "Ole".' It certainly stands the test of time, sparkling, swaggering and seducing in a way that is uniquely Beecham's. It now comes with brightened, freshened and clarified sound. Beecham's sensuous way with the orchestra is well matched by the soloists here...a spacious recording in which the atmospheric off-stage effects are vividly caught. What is so individual is the way that Beecham points rhythms to captivate the ear, as well as his persuasive moulding of phrases. I think, for example, of the sensuous way he coaxes the string phrase leading into the second half of the Don Jose/Micaela duet in Act 2, 'Parle-moi de ma mere!' In those qualities Beecham is delectably matched by Victoria de los Angeles in the title-role." (Gramophone)