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Delibes: Lakme (Highlights) / Sutherland, Bonynge
Leo Delibes, Richard Bonynge, Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Delibes: Lakme (Highlights) / Sutherland, Bonynge
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Delibes's opera Lakmé is full of gorgeous melodies, even if you don't count the coloratura sensation, the famous "Bell Song." That aria virtually demands a soprano of Sutherland's agility and ease, and it gets it here...  more »

     
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Delibes's opera Lakmé is full of gorgeous melodies, even if you don't count the coloratura sensation, the famous "Bell Song." That aria virtually demands a soprano of Sutherland's agility and ease, and it gets it here (this is the highlights version of Sutherland's complete recording). Even the few singers who can match her in the upper altitudes can't do it with a voice so rich and full. Sutherland's is a Lakmé beyond comparison with twittering, thin-voiced, coloratura specialists. She did make this recording at a time when her diction was mushy and her vocal lines sometimes drooped, so she's not beyond criticism. But revel in the voice; after all, Lakmé is a cardboard character, and the opera, for all its considerable charms, isn't another Ring cycle. Sutherland's colleagues are excellent too. Vanzo was one of the finest lyric tenors of his generation, and he's by far the best Gérald on disc. Jane Berbié and Gabriel Bacquier are also unmatched, and Bonynge's conducting is idiomatic and flowing. Add engineering from Decca/London's golden age of recording, and here's a Lakmé to treasure. --Dan Davis

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CD Reviews

The perfect vehicle for Sutherland
06/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a fan of those great operas that for whatever reason aren't immediately thought of by the general public when asked to name an opera. So Lakme is no Carmen- it doesn't need to be. So the plot is paper-thin: that's what Verdi and Wagner are for. I was glad to hear Joan paired with another great soprano for the flower duet. Jane Berbie comes dangerously close to overshadowing Joan Sutherland, with her sultry, rich style. I have one other recording of Joan Sutherland singing the Bell Song. It is on her Art of the Prima Donna CD. That rendition is slower, more technically precise, with less flourishes. On this recording of Lakme, she speeds it up considerably, with a few more flourishes. A third highlight is her duet with Alain Vanzo, "Lakme! Lakme! C'est toi..." What a wonderful, wonderful pairing and performance. Curiously enough, this gorgeous duet isn't even mentioned on the back of the CD jewel case as one of the high points of this highlights package!Not every "highlight" here will take your breath away, but if nothing else, you can push the repeat button, and listen to the meltingly beautiful flower song again and again."
The Most Beautiful Music
10/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This incredible music moved me to tears and lifted my spirits to the heights. I heartily recommend it!"
Incomparable voice
Musicologist | Seattle | 11/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those both familiar and unfamiliar with Sutherland's beautiful voice, this CD won't disappoint. It's a nice compilation. Sutherland's performance singing the "Flower Song" has got to be among the most beautiful musical experiences I know of. I bought myself one recently and one for a friend. I plan to buy more for Christmas presents!"