I do believe it is, but perhaps it’s just wishful thinking since I actually like the solo. (You have to listen about 3/4 of the way in, but there’s a bit of an important oboe ditty there!)

Remember when I blogged about Christopher Bengochea? Turns out the article also includes two audio links. Not that we were asked ….

I checked Mr. Bengochea’s site, and the only listings for these operas is with Opera San José. From the sound of both the clips, and if these are truly OSJ, I am guessing they were done during a rehearsal. I know that some of the singers bring in mini tape recorders during these rehearsals so they can listen to themselves. (No, they aren’t supposed to, but I’ve seen ’em.)

The first clip is “Ah! lève-toi, soleil!,” Romeo’s aria from Romeo et Juliette and the second is “Che gelida manina,” Rodolfo’s aria from La Bohème.