Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Mehta, Sutherland

Sabin Markov (Performer), Tom Krause (Performer), Giacomo Puccini (Composer), Zubin Mehta (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Joan Sutherland (Performer), Montserrat Caballé (Performer), Luciano Pavarotti (Performer), Montserrat Ghiaurov (Performer), Nicolai Ghiaurov (Performer), Peter Pears (Performer), Pier Francesco Poli (Performer), Piero de Palma (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Sabin Markov, Tom Krause, Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballé, Luciano Pavarotti, et al.
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Zubin Mehta
• Composer: Giacomo Puccini
• Audio CD (August 11, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B000009OU9
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,635 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #28 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Sutherland, Joan
  • #31 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Caballe, Montserrat
  • #65 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > Q to T

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turandot of the Century, March 30, 2000

By 

Terry D. Williamson (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Mehta, Sutherland (Audio CD)

Dame Joan Sutherland has previously been referred to as the 'Voice of the Century' along with many other titles attesting the the magnificence of her singing and the sheer beauty of her voice. However at first thought, the prospect of her singing the role of Turandot, a role she did not sing on stage, might not ring true to most operaphiles. Her reputation as the finest, if not the only, dramatic coloratura would not seem to be compatible with this role. Fortunately one only has to hear a few bars to understand that this recording represents not only a beautifully sung Turandot but also has all the dramatic vocalization required (and not only by Miss Sutherland, but the entire cast as well). This is not a strident Turandot, but a heroic one with stunning tones that soar over the orchestra and chorus. The stellar cast also includes Caballe, among others, and frankly a more vocally desirable Liu could not be imagined. Any recording of opera that I have heard conducted by Zubin Mehta has always been a revelation; his genius in bringing otherwise hidden instrumentation foward into appropriate context, use of correct tempi and dynamics is invariably correct and results in stunning interpretation. This is a Turandot (get the complete version!) to be cherished for a century! We are not likely to hear the likes of another in this lifetime.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent recording of Puccini masterpiece, December 9, 2002

By 

Matteo (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Mehta, Sutherland (Audio CD)

Congrats all the way around for this excellent recording of "Turandot." Many cite this as the best on the market and I can see why. It boasts a stellar cast and conductor who really seems to understand the opera and Puccini's style.

The singers are in top form. Leading the charge is Joan Sutherland in the wholly uncharacteristic role of Turandot. I would not have thought of her in the role, and I imagine I am not alone on that one. But she acquits herself spendidly, lending a golden tone and pitch perfect sureness to this demanding role. The Act III duet with Pavarotti is particularly superb. Her acting is a touch underpowered but sufficient. However, the role is sung with great care and beauty.

Montserrat Caballe makes for luxury casting as Liu, considering that she would go on to record the title role. Rarely is a voice of her heft and richness cast in this very lyric soprano role. Her account of "Tanto amore segreto" is smashing. Her contribution to the Act I finale is also fantastic.

Pavarotti is also perfectly cast as Calaf, a role he would later sing on stage with Caballe as his Turandot (available in a live recording on the Gala label, well worth checking out). Pavarotti's voice just oozes heroism, and his spot-on technique (a little 'scooping' notwithstanding) is phenomenal. In a role that has attracted the most accomplished tenors of the century (Bjoerling, di Stefano, Domingo, Carreras, Corelli) Pavarotti more than holds his own. Outstanding.

Nicolai Ghiaurov's account of Timur is tonally lovely. His bass is pliant, with an affecting lightness in this role.

Conductor Zubin Mehta paces the opera beautifully. It is so refreshing to hear a conductor give the piece the "oomph" it needs in order to be the gripping tale that it is. After slogging through both Karajan and Maazel, I have to thank Mehta for understanding Puccini's style. Puccini is not Wagner and should not be treated as such. Puccini's operas tug at the heart because they take the hearer along with them for the ride. His style is not heady or academic and neither is Mehta's. Instead we get a rich and emotional account of this exquisite piece of music. Bravo!

The John Alldis Choir and London Philharmonic Orchestra also shine here, with some of the best work I have heard on an opera recording.

Excellent. A must have for Puccini enthusiasts. Of course, consider buying the entire set, which is reasonably priced. But if you just want the highlights, this is a perfect choice.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good parts version, August 21, 2005

By 

Meg (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Mehta, Sutherland (Audio CD)

This is the "good parts version" of this wonderful opera. Pavarotti & Sutherland are so splendid, so powerful, so suited to each other. The best songs on this cd bring me to tears (and my husband too!). The only thing that would be better is the entire opera. But this is half the price and 80% of the wonderfulness.