Search - Gwyn Griffiths, Giacomo Puccini, Bryan Balkwill :: Puccini: Madam Butterfly (Highlights)

One Of The Few Recordings of Marie Collier

James S. Eisenberg | 04/07/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Marie Collier, who died tragically young, under mysterious circumstances, had a beautiful voice, solid technique, dramatic commitment and a beautiful stage presence. She made only a handful of recordings, but had huge successes at Covent Garden and the Met. This English language set of highlights from MADAMA BUTTERFLY may not be the best way to judge her work. (There is a remarkable video of her in the big scene from Act II of TOSCA with Tito Gobbi ,(she is even more intense than Callas !) that is worth seeking out.), She reveals genuine involvement with Butterfly's character,perfect English diction,and sings like an angel. Charles Craig in mid-career is also a wonderful Pinkerton.

Characteristically good early 1960's sound from EMI."