Bellini: Norma; I puritani; La sonnambula; Beatrice di Tenda [Box Set] [Box set]

Vincenzo Bellini (Composer), Richard Bonynge (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra (Orchestra), Angelo Mercuriali (Performer), Cornelis Opthof (Performer), Ezio Flagello (Performer), Fernando Corena (Performer), Giovanni Foiani (Performer), Joan Sutherland (Performer), John Alexander (Performer), Joseph Ward (Performer), Josephine Veasey (Performer), Luciano Pavarotti (Performer), Margreta Elkins (Performer), Marilyn Horne (Performer), Nicola Monti (Performer), Piero de Palma (Performer), Pierre Duval (Performer), Renato Capecchi (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Angelo Mercuriali, Cornelis Opthof, Ezio Flagello, Fernando Corena, Giovanni Foiani, et al.
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra
• Conductor: Richard Bonynge
• Composer: Vincenzo Bellini
• Audio CD (May 14, 2002)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 10
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00005KBJP
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,160 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars la stupenda is stupendous, June 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bellini: Norma; I puritani; La sonnambula; Beatrice di Tenda [Box Set] (Audio CD)

This Bellini box of 10 cds features complete recordings of
La Sonnambula, I Puritani, Norma and Beatrice di Tenda
recorded by Joan Sutherland and husband Richard Bonynge
between 1962 and 1966. The first three were recorded a
second time by the couple with different casts in the 1970s
and 1980s. They are not to be confused with these versions.
Joan Sutherland was at her absolute peak when these recordings
were made. In Sonnambula and Puritani the sound she produces
is utterly awesome - the sheer beauty, purity, range and
virtuosity of the voice are quite simply breathtaking -
these are truly dazzling performances. The casting though
not quite at her level is more than adequate.
In Sonnambula tenor Nicola Monti is light and attractive and
though he cannot go all the way at the top he sings with con-
siderable elegance and charm - bass Fernando Corena has a big
colorful voice and offers a very sympathetic portrayal.
In Puritani tenor Pierre Duval has a strong voice with an
impressive upper register and blends excitingly with Sutherland
in their duets - Renato Capecchi and Ezio Flagello are both
sonorous and offer sturdy performances.
The Norma of 1964 is by now a classic - foremost it preserves
the formidable partnership of Joan Sutherland and Marilyn
Horne at their very peak producing a stream of beautiful and
exciting singing. John Alexander and Richard Cross are well
schooled singers and offer strong support - this is also the
only absolutely complete version sung in the original keys.
The somewhat neglected Beatrice di Tenda is no less worthy
than the other three operas - Sutherland is again on top of
things with beautiful and poised singing while Cornelius Opthof
is appropriately malevolant as Fillipo - as the second couple
we have the fine Josephine Veasey and a young and seductive
Luciano Pavarotti. Richard Bonynge presides over all this with
stylish conducting - the sound is excellent. These operas come
with synopsises but no librettos and Puritani is presented in
a slightly abridged version. If you are an early Sutherland
devotee and/or Bellini lover this box is well worth considering.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing set!!, February 1, 2004

By 

"elisrilamore" (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bellini: Norma; I puritani; La sonnambula; Beatrice di Tenda [Box Set] (Audio CD)

I was astounded to stumble across this set. Sutherland's recordings are among Decca's greatest treasures. Since she burst into the world scene, she has been THE authority on Bellini. I spent hundreds of dollars buying the full set and it was worth my every penny. Now Decca has it at this budget price. Errrm... DON'T even THINK about not buying it.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great price, June 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bellini: Norma; I puritani; La sonnambula; Beatrice di Tenda [Box Set] (Audio CD)

These are all prime Sutherland recordings. So what are you waiting for? At these prices you should order these at once!

Bravissima, diva.