Search - Joan Sutherland :: Recitals

A Splendid, Essential Disc of Prime Performances

Aronne | 10/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, let me give the sources of the performances on this disc:



1957 Recital on the Bel Canto Disc label

1. Spohr: Zemira and Azor 'Rose softly blooming' (not sung in English though)

2. Rossini: 'La Fiorala Fiorentina'

3. Donizetti: Emilia di Liverpool 'Confusa è l'alma mia'

Richard Bonynge, piano



1957 Emilia di Liverpool (abridged) broadcast (available in whole here and here with excerpts from 1959 live Lucia)

4. 'Non intende il mio contento

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, John Pritchard



1962 W.A. Mozart: Die Zauberflöte - debut as the Queen of the Night

5. 'O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn!'

6. 'Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinen Herzen' (JS's only preserved performance of this piece)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Otto Klemperer



1959 Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - second performance in debut production, available here or here

7. 'Regnava nel silenzio... Quando rapita in estasi'

Margreta Elkins, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Tullio Serafin



1962 Amsterdam Concert

8. Handel: Alcina 'Ah! Ruggiero crudel, tu non mi anastil!... Ombre palide'

9. Bellini: I Puritani 'Son vergin vezzosa'

10. Verdi: La Traviata 'E strano!... Ah, fors'e lui... Sempre libera'

11. Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor 'Il dolce suono... Ardon gli incensi... Spargi d'amaro pianto' (Mad Scene)

12. Encore of 'Spargi d'amaro pianto'

Omroep-Orkest en koor, Fulvio Vernizzi





My praise for this disc cannot sum up how wonderful it is. The only downside is the sound quality, all of which is monoaural and takes a bit of getting used to. But believe me, it is worth it.



The Bel Canto Disc recital shows Sutherland in youthful voice, though her E-flats are not as secure as they were to become over the next two years. Still, the beauty of tone and delicacy of approach is ravishing.



Again, the Mozart excerpts show Sutherland moving out of her comfort zone, but she still does wonderfully. A pity she did not sing the Queen of the Night after this production ended.



What good fortune that Joan Sutherland's debut performance as Lucia was preserved in the form of a radio broadcast. This is the second performance in the production that sent her to international stardom. Best 'Regnava nel silenzio... Quando rapita in estasi' that she ever sang. Lots of punch, lots of gorgeous singing. An excellent Alisa in Margreta Elkins too.



During the 1962 concert that rounds out this disc, Joan was suffering excruciating back pain, but modified her breathing techniques so she could go on - so she didn't disappoint her fans! She was a true professional. Her singing is amazing too. She turns in the best 'Son virgin vezzosa' of her carreer. An amazingly quick tempo and a high D at the end that leaves you gasping. Excellent Mad Scene too.



Overall, a beautiful disc that every Joan Sutherland fan should have. Rest in peace, Dame Joan, we'll miss you.



1926-2010"