The soundtrack was recorded during the film's premiere in 1974, with Karajan joined by stars Mirella Freni, Christa Ludwig, and Plácido Domingo. The result is simply sensational: an elegant and voluptuous drama whose striking imagery is complemented by the Vienna Philharmonic's sublime interpretation of the score. From the first meeting of Pinkerton and Cio-Cio-San, with Mirella Freni emerging from the mist singing "Ah ! Quanto cielo" in traditional makeup, we find ourselves transported by this enchanting masterpiece.
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's choice to oppose the two protagonists during the climax of the final act is also a master stroke—as if to underline, through Pinkerton's fleeing, the failure of communication between opposing worlds: East and West, woman and man, reality and dreams. Nevertheless, the film does not end without optimism, as the couple's son Dolore symbolizes the hope for a brighter future…
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