Puccini: Turandot - Shuard, Prevedi, Kabaivanska, Rouleau, Glossop; Downes. London, 1963
$9.95
Description:
In 1963, this performance of Turandot may have seemed like business as usual to an audience accustomed to giants like Birgit Nilsson and Franco Corelli. But by today’s standards, this cast could easily headline an opening night at La Scala or the Met. Amy Shuard’s Turandot is particularly distinctive—while she certainly has all the requisite high notes, she avoids the usual icy detachment often associated with the role. Instead, she brings a warmth and emotional accessibility that even surfaces in “In questa reggia”, adding a welcome layer of sympathy to the character.
Bruno Prevedi is a solid Calàf, though the lyric quality of his voice sometimes feels overshadowed next to Shuard’s powerful presence. The true revelation of the evening is Raina Kabaivanska as Liù, whose radiant soprano captures both the innocence and quiet strength of the role with moving clarity. It is also notable that this performance is presented complete—a rarity at the time.
In Mono
OD 11355-2
