Deutsche Grammophon is proud to continue its Hardback Opera Series and the Bernstein Centenary celebrations with Bernstein’s triumphant recording of Bizet’s Carmen:

- Remastered in 96kHz/24-bit audio from the original quadrophonic tapes
- Presented on 3CDs + High Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray disc containing the complete opera in 24-bit audio in 4.0 Surround Sound
- Presented in a 160pp deluxe hard-back book (E/D/F) with libretto and synopsis, plus images from the recordings sessions and the live performance at the Metropolitan Opera House, as well as a new introductory text by John Mauceri – who was for many years Bernstein’s assistant, editing his music and conducting many of the premieres of Bernstein’s works at the composer’s request.

“Bernstein is clearly no mere accompanist, but a conductor who has infused vitality and enthusiasm into every scene, while realising to the full the richly varied and subtile colouring of Bizet’s enchanting score […] The recorded sound is faultlessly balanced, perfectly clear, smooth, warm and apparently free of blemishes. Stage movement and offstage perspectives are nicely simulated and there is a vivid sense of excitement in the crowd scenes.” – Records & Recording, 1973

“Bernstein has rarely if ever on record excelled his achievement here … Need I say that here is a clear first choice even over Beecham and Karajan.” – Gramophone

“In sum, no other recording of ‘Carmen’ has ever given so fine a realisation of Bizet's music and spirit.” – Washington Post

“‘Carmen is above all great theatre’. That remark of Winton Dean’s has never before been so vividly illustrated on record as here in this glowing new account under Bernstein.” – Gramophone, 1973

“It’s difficult to imagine a more provocative, musically distinguished ‘Carmen’ than this.” –  The New York Times