Customer Reviews

Lucia di Lammermoor

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the early 1980s, I believe around 1983, Joan Sutherland returned to the Metropolitan Opera after a ten year hiatus. I was privileged to be there when she made her great return. After the mad scene, she received an extended standing ovation, right in the middle of the act. This was deja vu .. she received such an incredible reception many years earlier in her debut at the Met. Her performance in this CD captures this brilliant, bel canto artistry. In contratst to Maria Callas, who portrayed a dark, ominous side to Lucia, Sutherland's performanc is replete with coloratura trills and flutters. Rather than being dark and brooding in the mad scene, as was Callas, Sutherland is beautifully pitiful. I recommend this recording of one of the great Lucias of the 20th century and I recommend also getting one by Callas, another great, as an interesting contrast.

This is a live recording of Lucia. And in my opinion, Sutherland excels in live performances. From beginning to end, not a single note out of place, and we all know how many notes there are in this extremely difficult Donizetti opera! One can almost visualize Dame Joan darting back and force in that blood stained white nightgown. And I couldn't help but yelled BRAVA, DIVA after she sang her last high E-flat.

Without question, this Lucia is the best there is. Yes, Sutherland's two studio recordings are quite good, but can't touch this LIVE recording. Please take my word for it, this is true bravado singing in the highest magnitude. Sutherland's sumptuous voice here is just super human, every trill, staccato, and arppegio, breath-takingly accurate. The high E's are staggering, fantastic, amazing. Dame Joan singing is moving, and full of pathos. It just doesn't get any better than this. La Stupenda deserves the supreme title of....Prima Donna Assoluta.

This is a live 1975 recording from Chicago with some bonus tracks from a 1959 recording, which allows you to compare a younger Joan to her more mature performance. There are moments on this CD that are breathtaking. I wish I had attended the live performance. Anyone who enjoys Joan Sutherland and Lucia Di Lammermoor will love this CD.

At the ripe old age of 50, La Stupenda can still pull it off. All the legendary technique and high notes still perfect. And this is the last set of Lucia that the diva sang before she started to steadily decline over the next 14 years before her retirement. As you can hear from the rapturous audience, they knew that this is something they're likely never hear again in their lifetime. Buy it.

I just bought this one. It's electrifying. Mainly Sutherland's voice has just starting getting darker in this 1973 performance. The diction is clearer than usual, and all the high notes are solid. This may be her last really good Lucia that shows the diva in her ultimate powers. Later, as in the 1983 Met Lucia, when Sutherland was about 57, she actually transposed the first part of the mad scene a tone down, the very mad scene that she sang on regular key for 25 years! But don't worry, she sings every note of it in the regular key in this performance, and it is thrilling. Mr. Pavorotti as always a fine partner. This is better than the decca Lucia with Sutherland and Pavorotti to this humble lister.

While I don't claim to be an expert, I am familiar with the studio recording of Lucia with Sutherland and Pavarotti, which I've borrowed from the Long Beach (Calif.) public library. The recent revival at the Met whetted my appetite to hear it again and I wanted to own a copy. Frankly I was attracted by the budget price. This recording is a real gem. Same singers, crystal sound, passionate artistry. And this 1975 live Chicago performance is followed by the entire Act 3 from the 1959 London live performance, so you hear Act 3 twice in succession. Stunning! This is a keeper. And if you're on a budget, shop around: I found a new copy for three dollars cheaper on another Website.

This is a wonderful Lucia recording. fyi, there is no libretto included. It is a complete 1975 recording and some bonus tracks from a 1959 recording of Joan Sutherland's Lucia. You won't be disappointed buying this recording!

There is need for additional information about this recording. The previous reviews suggest this is both a live and 1959 recording, however a close look at the CD cover (lower right) indicates that this is a 1975 recording. The notes on back say that only the 3rd Act is from 1959. Please note in fairness that rating the CD is a requirement of posting comments here; I haven't actually heard the recording.