belle représentation

In some ways, this performance encapsulates everything we opera lovers love and hate about collecting live performances. The cast is terrific: Caballe is in excellent voice and sings memorably. Her Norma is a lot angrier here than in some other performances I've heard of hers. Berini surprises us, not with her fine singing (she was underrated by many), but that she is able to sing all the high notes most mezzo Adalgisas leave out. She blends beautifully with Caballe too. Cecchele sings well (no C in his aria though) and Pappas provides sturdy support as Oroveso. Masini accompanies Caballe well, but then rushes the chorus so fast one feels sure there will be a fatal collision. Fortunately, that doesn't happen.The sound is basically very good, but there are bumps and pops from the tape source that cause one to jump and not in a good way. Furthermore there is some music missing: the top of Act One, scene two loses the opening orchestral introduction and the first few lines of recitative. The men's chorus "Non parti?" is missing entirely and the scene begins with Oroveso's first line. I would still recommend hearing this, especially if one is a Caballe and/or Norma fan. The problems are irritating, but not devastating.

Ub excellent enregistrement et Montserrat au top de sa forme .Parfait

This is a very worthwhile performance of Caballe in Norma. Of 6 recordings I have with her there are parts of this performance which are the best. She is is great voice and performs the role with more conviction and involvement than her studio recording. Bianca Berini is another strong reason to purchase this recording. She was a very underrated artist. This is first class singing and very exciting at times. Cecchele is a strong, vibrant Pollione.