I have some very fond memories of Beecham's Carmen with de Los Angeles, Gedda, Blanc, and Michaeu in the leads. It has been some time since I've heard it, but I recall it as a good one. One that is surprisingly good is the LaserLight Carmen that I picked up a while ago for four bucks, a Bulgarian recording whose cast escapes me now. The woman who sings Carmen excellently projects the character--totally self-centered and not caring who she craps on to get what she wants. Jose and Escamillo are likewise very good, as are the orchestra and most of the remaining singers--only Micaela leaves me wanting better. Their French diction may drive you nuts, but this production certainly want nothing for drama and guts. Aaron J. Rabushka [log in to unmask] http://www.cowtown.net/users/arabushk/