Vincenzo Bellini ( 1801 - 1835)
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Cristina Deutekom, Tatiana Troyanos, Robleto Merolla
Clifford Grant, Janice Felty, Gary Burgess
Chorus and Orchestra of de San Francisco Opera Association
dir: Carlo Felice Cillario
Gala (1999) GL 100.548 - 2 CDs mono
Live recording, War Memorial S. Francisco, October, 31 1975
[flac & cue, inlays, art work and discs scans]
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Rewiew
"This recording was a great surprise because I've heard Norma many times but listening to the young Deutekom in fearless, secure voice was an exciting experience I enjoyed tremendously. The voice from the opening phrases impresses with its abundant power, even registers and easy, healthy top, middle and lower notes (no squeezing, pushing or weakening of tone for this lady). The vocal authority in declamation passages is incredible and eliminates any competition. When we get to the cantabile however, things are more complicated. Deutekom fails to change the mood enough in slower, tranquil moments and this is one reason why Casta Diva doesn't quite have the impact it should. Furthermore she has a few intonation problems, the words are not always correctly pronounced (but at least they ARE) and of course in more florid moments her very individual coloratura spoils the scene if you've heard the role before. Fortunately here, this is basically only apparent in bello a me ritorna. But the sheer beauty and authority of her instrument quickly compensate and one only has to listen to 'In mia man' to hear one of the most exciting versions of this stunning scene and be convinced that this is a superb achievement. Hers was by far the easiest reading of this role I've heard so far.
Of the other principals I mostly enjoyed Merolla; a visceral Italian tenor of the Del Monaco/Corelli mould and an excellent choice for the role of Pollione. Troyanos' instrument is often too dark to project the qualites of Adalgisa and although Deutekom has a bright but mature sound, the combination is not ideal. But Troyanos is in fantastic voice, sings very well so brings enough musical greatness to the evening. With Grant perfectly reliable as Oroveso and Cillario at the pit matching their energy levels this must have been one of the great SFO nights. Though not perfect this Norma deserves 5 stars for the excitement it offers, the price and decent broadcast sound "Armindo - www.amazon.com
Clifford Grant, Janice Felty, Gary Burgess
Chorus and Orchestra of de San Francisco Opera Association
dir: Carlo Felice Cillario
Gala (1999) GL 100.548 - 2 CDs mono
Live recording, War Memorial S. Francisco, October, 31 1975
[flac & cue, inlays, art work and discs scans]
Rewiew
"This recording was a great surprise because I've heard Norma many times but listening to the young Deutekom in fearless, secure voice was an exciting experience I enjoyed tremendously. The voice from the opening phrases impresses with its abundant power, even registers and easy, healthy top, middle and lower notes (no squeezing, pushing or weakening of tone for this lady). The vocal authority in declamation passages is incredible and eliminates any competition. When we get to the cantabile however, things are more complicated. Deutekom fails to change the mood enough in slower, tranquil moments and this is one reason why Casta Diva doesn't quite have the impact it should. Furthermore she has a few intonation problems, the words are not always correctly pronounced (but at least they ARE) and of course in more florid moments her very individual coloratura spoils the scene if you've heard the role before. Fortunately here, this is basically only apparent in bello a me ritorna. But the sheer beauty and authority of her instrument quickly compensate and one only has to listen to 'In mia man' to hear one of the most exciting versions of this stunning scene and be convinced that this is a superb achievement. Hers was by far the easiest reading of this role I've heard so far.
Of the other principals I mostly enjoyed Merolla; a visceral Italian tenor of the Del Monaco/Corelli mould and an excellent choice for the role of Pollione. Troyanos' instrument is often too dark to project the qualites of Adalgisa and although Deutekom has a bright but mature sound, the combination is not ideal. But Troyanos is in fantastic voice, sings very well so brings enough musical greatness to the evening. With Grant perfectly reliable as Oroveso and Cillario at the pit matching their energy levels this must have been one of the great SFO nights. Though not perfect this Norma deserves 5 stars for the excitement it offers, the price and decent broadcast sound "Armindo - www.amazon.com