Recommended CDs of operas by Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
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Choosing the right recording can be a nightmare, with dozens of recordings of the same work available. We've done the research for you and looked up the most reliable sources of recommendation, and we've listed only the very best. Our database is growing steadily: we have recommended CDs for over 400 operas and other works, and a small number of DVDs. Choose any or all of the composer, work or performer that you want to listen to, or press "More" for composers not listed in the first page.

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CDs & DVDs

Gianni Schicchi See live
Guiseppe Patanè, Conductor
Helen Donath, Soprano
Vera Baniewicz, Contralto
Rolando Panerai, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - Gianni Schicchi
RCA 74321252852 (Mid price, 1987)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 8-Jun-2005

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Gianni Schicchi See live

Album title: Puccini - Gianni Schicchi (Live at Glyndebourne)
Opus Arte OA 0918D (DVD, 2004)

DVD choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 8-Jun-2005

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Puccini - Il Trittico
Gianni Schicchi See live
Il Tabarro
Suor Angelica

Antonio Pappano, Conductor

Album title: Puccini - Il Trittico
EMI 5565872 (3-CD, mid-price, 1997)

First choice: Il Trittico complete
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 8-Jun-2005

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La Bohème See live
Antonio Pappano, Conductor
Thomas Hampson, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - La Bohème
EMI CDS 5 56120-2 (2-CD, 1995)

Modern choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Jeremy Sams, 20-Feb-1999

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La Bohème See live
Tullio Serafin, Conductor

Album title: Puccini - La Bohème
Decca 425 534-2 (2-CD, 1959)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Jeremy Sams, 24-Oct-1998

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La Fanciulla del West See live
Zubin Mehta, Conductor
Carol Neblett, Soprano
Sherrill Milnes, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - La fanciulla del West
Deutche Grammophon 419 640-2GH2 (2-CD)

Legendary
Gramophone Good CD Guide, 1-Jan-2007

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Madama Butterfly See live
Tullio Serafin, Conductor
Fiorenza Cossotto, Mezzo-soprano
Enzo Sordello, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - Madama Butterfly
Decca 452 594-2 (2-CD, mid-price, 1958)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Rodney Milnes, 25-Sep-2004

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Manon Lescaut See live
Jonel Perlea, Conductor
Robert Merrill, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - Manon Lescaut
Naxos 8.111030-31 (2-CD, budget, 1954)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 29-Apr-2006

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Manon Lescaut See live
Tullio Serafin, Conductor
Maria Callas, Soprano

Album title: Puccini - Manon Lescaut
EMI 5563012 (2-CD, mid-price, 1957)

Alternative first choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 29-Apr-2006

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Manon Lescaut See live
Mirella Freni, Soprano
Renato Bruson, Baritone
Kurt Rydl, Bass

Album title: Puccini - Manon Lescaut
Deutche Grammophon 4138932 (2-CD, 1983)

Modern choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Alexandra Wilson, 29-Apr-2006

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Download:
Link to Universal Classics download

Tosca See live
Victor de Sabata, Conductor
Maria Callas, Soprano
Tito Gobbi, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - Tosca
EMI CMS 5 67756 2 (2-CD, mid-price, 1953)

Historic mono choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Rodney Milnes, 29-Jun-2002

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Tosca See live
Giuseppe Taddei, Baritone

Album title: Puccini - Tosca
Decca 466 384-2 (2-CD, mid-price, 1962)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Rodney Milnes, 29-Jun-2002

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Turandot See live
Zubin Mehta, Conductor

Album title: Puccini - Turandot
Decca 414 264-2 (2-CD)

First choice
BBC Radio 3 Building a Library, Jeremy Sams, 31-May-1998

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