Do we really need a Tosca in English? Well, forget the question, because if you think we do you’ll want this set regardless of its other qualities or flaws. But if you’re skeptical, as I am, you should give this a listen anyway. Jane Eaglen’s Tosca is wonderfully sung (and surprisingly well enunciated), and while she certainly doesn’t move us the way Callas does, she’s far better than Dame Kiri (but then again, so are most of my great aunts). Eaglen won’t vulgarize by pushing dramatic moments into her chest voice and I have to admit that I wish she would. Dennis O’Neill is such a dedicated artist that I wish I liked his voice better. He offers a nuanced Cavaradossi that turns somewhat unpleasant at forte above the staff; but one could mistake that for drama. Gregory Yurisich’s Scarpia is nicely snarling and just about every nasty word he sings can be understood. Conductor David Parry seems somewhat out of his element–he leads a sleepy performance, even if it is a well-played sleepy performance. This is for Eaglen fans and those who prefer “All the stars shone in heaven” to “E lucevan le stelle”. And you know who you are.
