Search - Giacomo Puccini, Lamberto Gardelli, Tamara Takacs :: Puccini: Suor Angelica

A "habit" that becomes a passion.

Susan Hernandez | Mesa, AZ | 02/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely love this opera and no other version will do. I had a copy of it on CD and LP but cannot find my CD and my record player is broken. Sad to see it out of stock, I felt compelled to write a review. This is a story of intolerance, cruelty and redemption. I've read that when Puccini played this for he sister, a nun herself, that she and the sisters with her cried at the truth and purity of this opera. Often an overlooked part of the Trittico, to me this is the best of the 3. From the humble beginnings where it is the quiet daily routine of convent life, to a visit from an Aunt that forever changes Angelica's life, this is a seemless piece that will tear at your heart. I've found other recordings lack the passion and immediacy that this one has. Ilona Tokody may at times sound less than perfect, but more than makes up for it in her desire to convey the feelings of the words and music. Giuseppe Patane keeps the music moving without hurring it- a frequent mistake with lesser know Puccini operas, like La Rondine. THIS is the recording to get, if you can!"

Just an update...

S. Bernard | Mesa, AZ | 06/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't know why, but this album is again available... but thank you for making this album available again. I imagine it has something to do with an increase in Tokody's popularity. I recently purchased the Verdi Gala with her & Juan Pons & I was extremely impressed. Her voice is like a mix between Tebaldi & Callas. She has the beauty in her voice inherent in Tebaldi, but the natural ability to be utterly convincing in her portrayals. This one being her finest to me. She isn't perfect vocally, but the older I get the less that's important to me. People aren't perfect either and as long as the "glitch" is made in the name of good taste & acting, it can actually be a benefit. I'm not advocating [bad] singing, I'm saying that a complete presentation may have some flaws- and like it is with any"one" or thing you love, eventually you don't even notice it.



Puccini actually said that this was his favorite of the Trittico and I know why. Utterly moving, sensitive & vulnerable- the heroine in this opera is real. She has faults- like we all do. Behind the story of her son is the story of a woman that just wanted to love and be loved & was shut up in a cloistered convent because of the perceived "sin" of having a child out of wedlock. The cruelty of her family & the politics involved haven't changed all that much really. This is an opera that will always have relevance. If you want to see my "real" and extended review of this opera, go to eopinons.com and under the same name, suepera is the only review of this recording...



another update: April 2009: no longer available?!



thanks to whatever gods may be - how lucky am I to have it!"

My favorite opera.

M. Lochridge | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love the music and pathos of this opera (said to be Puccini's favorite)and the only recording of it that I truly love is by Renata Scotto (which I can't find on CD); however this recording is very satisfying. The soprano's singing is certainly adequate and her voice conveys the appropriate emotions (which is more important to me in this opera than any singing slips). I am enjoying it although I wish I had Scotto's version."