I have 2 Carmen's; Callas on EMI recorded in the mid 60's (European Pressing) and Marylin Horne on Philips or DG with the Metrpoolitian Opera recorded in the mid 80's. Both are very good performances and are very different from each other both in recording and playback quality as well as the performances themselves.
Sonically the newer recording has the most dynamic range and Ms. Horn's performance is very good. The recording is quiet, good depth & staging, visceral slam, and very good tonality.
There's something special about the Callas performance however. Sonicaly it is crystal clear and a bit on the thin side. There is a bit of tape his and/or record noise. Doesn't have the slam or spatial charactictics the newer recording has. Callas's performance however is remarkable. She seems to grab you by the throat and doesn't let go.
Others may have a different opinions on these two fine performances and I'm sure there are other fine one's out there. Just keep listning and find the one YOU like.
Sonically the newer recording has the most dynamic range and Ms. Horn's performance is very good. The recording is quiet, good depth & staging, visceral slam, and very good tonality.
There's something special about the Callas performance however. Sonicaly it is crystal clear and a bit on the thin side. There is a bit of tape his and/or record noise. Doesn't have the slam or spatial charactictics the newer recording has. Callas's performance however is remarkable. She seems to grab you by the throat and doesn't let go.
Others may have a different opinions on these two fine performances and I'm sure there are other fine one's out there. Just keep listning and find the one YOU like.