Search - Giacomo Puccini, Richard Bonynge, National Philharmonic Orchestra :: Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland

Tones like a crystal bell

Fay Crayne | Tokyo Japan | 07/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In Suor Angelica Puccini ranges from childlike playfulness to deepest despair in a short opera easily enjoyed in one sitting. And the voices on this CD are all clear and harmonious. However I feel Bonynge's interpretation focuses on voice rather than mood. Rather than spritely as in other versions, here the tempo feels held back, dampening some of the excitement, so the listener feels as if nostalgically looking back at a distant event rather than being alive in the moment's laughter, excitement, and agony. However Dame Sutherland, of course, is incomparable, with a voice like clear light."

A Sutherland treat

D. Fair | Baltimore, MD | 06/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a treat! Hearing Sutherland doing non-Bel Canto is always kinda exciting. She's thrilled to be doing something outside of her safety-net. Though this was recorded past Joan's prime (she was 52) she still gives her best efforts and ultimately, an honest and compelling portrayl. As Joan got older, the voice lost gleam and power -- which made her more committed to the dramatic aspect of her performances. Sutherland makes you want to cry as she performs this delicate role. Joan does a great job at portraying the frail Suor Angelica, sent to live in a Convent because of her child born in wedlock. Angelica is weak with sadness, and Joan does a great job at getting that through. Christa Ludwig, La zia Principessa, does an expert job at not portraying the cold hurtful heartless powerful woman, but a character with real depth and back story. Ludwig's strong hand is at her truthful acting,how she creates and encompasses real and honest characters and brings life to her roles. At 52, this mezzo still has a lot of voice left in her.An exciting moment is when La zia Principessa/Ludwig snears, "...you have stained our white crest" and Angelica unexpectedly spits in her face, "Sorella di mia madre, voi siete inesorable (My mother's siter, you are unrelenting!" Now THAT'S was exciting! You don't expect that, and Sutherland does it amazingly well! And that classic Puccini moment of climax is when La zia Principessa tells Angelica that Angelica's child died. Angelica says "É morto? (He's dead?)" and Angelica lets out this Tosca howling scream! Pretty chilling and cool."Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto" is touching. Renata Scotto's is my favorite, and I hear Mirella Freni, Ilona Tokody, and Leontyne Price also do excellent renditions).Now from the point where Angelica utters, "Ah, son dannata! (Oh, I am damned!)" The rest of the opera is heart-breaking! Angelica/Sutherland flies off into vocal feights as she pleads to the Madonna to not let her die in damnation after she commits the mortal sin of concocting a poison potion that she drinks to kill herself. She asks the Madonna to give her a sign of grace and save her, "Madonna! Madonna! Salvami! Salvami!" Bonynge does a wonderful job of evoking from this point the full power and heights of what Puccini wanted! You are totally imagining the room fillng with light and the Madonna comes toward her with her child and the child takes his first steps. There is bliss and forgiveness and WONDERFULNESS!!A bonus on this CD is "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca. Frankly, I wasn't expecting the best. However, contrary to what I was anticipating, she sings with surprisingly convincing honesty. You really feel the torment Tosca is going through. Who knew Joan could pull it off?? Also, this was recorded 6 years before Suor Angelica (she was 46), so the voice is in fairer condition.If you're someone who doesn't like Sutherland, again, this does not represent her in her prime -- her high notes aren't wonderful (including the ending Bb in "Senza mamma..." which is ever so slightly under pitch) and the voice in general has lost some sparkle. And if you're a fan of the opera then you're going to compare her voice to other singers who recorded this in their prime and you're going find fault. I recommend this recording only for fans of good drama. And if you've grown to appreciate Sutherland, than you'll enjoy this. I know I did!"