Description

This recording of Carmen, sung in German, is one of the first efforts to record a complete opera. The Gramophone Company in Berlin began recording Carmen during the week of 14 October 1908 and because of Emmy Destinn s remarkable portrayal of the bohemian heroine, this recording has become known as “The Destinn Carmen.” Emmy Destinn (1878-1930) completely dominates this recording. Destinn was in her prime and her voice leaps out of the grooves with youthful vitality. Her musicality, highly developed acting skills and earthy personality create one of the most remarkable characterizations of Carmen the recorded world has known. The German language seems to sharpen the edge of the opera which sustains a dramatic intensity. Karl Jörn, Minnie Nast, and Hermann Bachmann round out the cast as Don José, Micaëla and Escamillo.