Search - Bellini, Levine, Scotto :: Norma

This Norma IS alive!

Gapare Pacchierrotti | Canada | 01/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was knocked over with this Norma. It was simply moving, very dramatic, and beyond description. I must say, I am a Callas and Sutherland fan, and their Normas were for me unmatchable, that is until this one. Scotto reminds me more of Callas, with her harsh sounds, but she has the vocal skills in many ways more like Sutherland. And she has her own unique characterization that only adds to this extremely difficult opera.Troyanos is wonderful as Adalgisa and blends remarkably well with Scotto. Sadly, as good as the other leads are, they just didn't leave a lasting impression -- and that is not too surprising as they haven't that much to sing.As a note for those accustomed to the added high note endings in Sutherland recordings, and in some Callas ones too, and cut postludes ( which are at times extremely interesting ), this recording restores much of those cuts, and one hears passages where Adalgisa ascends higher than Norma. Bellini's original conception that closes the first act ( no high D written here ) is actually very refreshing to hear. The additional music, amounting to only a few bars really, in the Mira Norma duet give a much grander ending than usually one is accustomed to with the cuts. This is an all-round good buy. The stereo sound is good too."

A Gripping Norma

DANIEL G. MADIGAN | 04/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Renata Scotto's Norma has all of the elements that one loves in Maria Callas' Norma, but Scotto has her own unique take on this role, with her own special voice, which I would never compare to Callas', whose 1955 live Norma is unbeatable. But this set has many treasures, Casta Diva, e.g. and a lot of dramatic power between Scotto and Troyanos in the great duets, O Rimembranza, and Mira O Norma!..the opened cuts are welcome, and while the conducting is not very good this gives Renata Scotto the chance to take over and delve into the title role as she loves to do with bel canto pieces, and find the sources of power in the Bellini score, a search that eludes so many, including Sutherland and Caballe. Renata rules here.A great opera, and seering dramatics all through it.For even more spectacular interpretations get Scotto with Muti in Norma LIVE...Bellini with the artistic commitment he deserves."

Wonderful recording

Pirooz Aghssa | Ann Arbor, MI United States | 12/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was raised on the various recordings of Norma with Callas (live and studio) and I consider them great but Renata Scotto is one of the greatest artists of all times. She has the bel canto technique and the soul of an artist. I recommend this recording so very highly. Tatiana Troyanos is marvellous. You will not be disappointed. This recording breaks one's heart."