Carmen (The Black Dog Opera Library)
The story of Carmen, the fatalistic gypsy, and Don José, her murderous soldier lover, is a perennial favorite of an overwhelming majority of opera lovers.Carmenhas it all: vivid characters, wonderful tunes, stirring crowd scenes, and a setting that's just exotic enough without becoming outlandish. The Black Dog Opera Library has issued a fine introduction to this classic tragedy. This hardcover book (small enough to tuck into a handbag and take along to the opera) includes an essay that explores the opera's origins and performance history; a plot synopsis; a libretto in French and English, with a running commentary on the action; and, on two compact discs, a complete recording of the opera itself. It's a very attractive package for the price.The recording, made in 1969-70, stars mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry as the eponymous gypsy; an incredibly intense Jon Vickers as Don José; soprano Mirella Freni, in melting voice, as his would-be wife; and Kostas Paskalis as a dark-voiced Escamillo. Rafael Fruehbeck de Burgos conducts his soloists,  the chorus, and the orchestra of the Theatre National de l'Opera in idiosyncratic fashion.