Joan Sutherland - CD's | Joan Sutherland - The Greatest Hits

BELÍSSIMO ALBUM! | Joan Sutherland - The Greatest Hits | Vincenzo Bellini, Leo Delibes ...

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	• Joan Sutherland - The Greatest Hits Vincenzo Bellini, Leo Delibes, ... Decca, 1998 average customer review:based on 10 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Classic coloratura singing by Dame Joan

Joan Sutherland was one of the wonders of coloratura technique in the 1950s and 1960s. Some say that the 1960s represent the peak of her accomplishments. The cuts on this CD represent that period, so this is Dame Joan at her best. Music ranges from Handel to Bellini to Delibes to Donizetti to Verdi, with Gounod, Piccinni, and Offenbach thrown in for good measure. She was not great on characterization (no Tebaldi, Callas, or Moffo here), but, oh, that voice! Some illustrative examples follow. . . .

She began as a dramatic soprano, so that there is a lot of punch behind her coloratura technique. It is amazing that she exhibits such agility, given that background. "Let the Bright Seraphim" from Handel spotlights that agility, as well as one of the best trills of the past 60 years. While some CDs that feature coloratura singing may end up with excessive ornamentation, ornamentation at some level is di rigueur. And a trill is a key part of the coloratura soprano's armamentarium. Also present on this cut is a command of high notes, precisely hit.

Bellini's opera, "I Puritani," includes a "polonaise," entitled "Son vergin vezzosa" that shows off Sutherland's gifts to good effect. Coloratura techniques, again, are evident. The repeat features increased ornamentation and a clean hit on the final high note. The "Bell Song" from Delibes' "Lakme" is included on this CD. Some stunning trills are featured; again, she hits the notes well, including the high ones. This ends with a nice trill and high notes well done.

Verdi's opera, "Rigoletto," features wonderful music, including ""Gaultier Malde. . .Caro nome," where an innocent is messed around with by a genuine cad. But the music is wondrous, one of Verdi's best tunes. Sutherland hits trill after trill. Well conceived and executed effects. From "La Traviata," also by Verdi, a nice rendering of "Sempre libera." Again, characterization is not her forte; for Violetta, go to others like Renata Scotto and Anna Moffo for that. Once more, trills that are glorious are manifest. An agile voice and well done high notes.

The "Mad Scene" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor"? Here is one of the iconic recordings. This was one of Sutherland's genuine "greatest hits." Again, forget characterization and acting; that was never her strength. Listen to the voice and the singing. "Spargi d'amaro pianto," the culminating segment of the "Mad Scene," is absolutely stunning. Trills, runs, high notes cleanly hit, other ornamentation (e.g., appoggiaturas) are exemplary.

I have not listened to Sutherland's work in some time and I had begun to wonder if I had romanticized her skills as I was listening to more contemporary coloratura sopranos singing the same repertoire. However, listening to this CD reassures me that I am not simply some old-timer going into the past. While there is talent today (including the voices of Netrebko, Fleming, Dessay, and others), Dame Joan Sutherland is one of "the real deals" among coloratura sopranos.

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Joan Sutherland - CD's

Joan Sutherland is beyong doubt one of the greatest, if not the greatest voice I've ever heard. Her voice is so pure, perfect pitch, makes the hairs stand up on the back on your neck. All three of her CD's, which I bought to replace the old LP's I have.
Worth every penny. I was lucky enough to see her live on many ocassions.
Magnificent voice!!

BELÍSSIMO ALBUM!

ESTE ALBUM POSSUI EXCELENTE SELEÇÃO DE ÁRIAS. VC SIMPLESMENTE NÃO CONSEGUE PARAR DE OUVIR. DESTAQUE ESPECIAL PARA "FURIA DI DONNA" E "IL DOLCE SUONO"(A VERSÃO MAIS BONITA QUE JA ESCUTEI).

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A Marvelous Voice

A friend suggested I listen to this recording. I was skeptical because I am very picky about vocalists, especially sopranos. Despite the fact that her pronunciation is often criticized, her voice is phenomenal. Her sound is just gorgeous and she is one of the only sopranos I will listen to. Her higher tones don't even sound as high as they are. She is also the one who taught Pavarotti how to breath correctly, and her sound shows it. Every soprano should listen to this recording.

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Joan takes her place among those bright seraphim...a shining star!

There is nothing in this world like coloratura soprano Joan Sutherland singing Handel's "Let the Bright Seraphim"...NOTHING! This song seems meant for her. Technical perfection. Chocolate voice. The rest of this album is just as superb. If you don't believe in God, you will after hearing her voice.

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Tracks
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim | La buona figliuola: Furia di donna | Norma: Casta diva | I Puritani: Son vergin vezzosa (Polonaise) | La Fille Du Regiment: Pour ce contrat fatal...Ah! salut à la France | Lakme: Ah!...Où va la jeune Indoue (Bell Song) | Rigoletto: Gualtier Maldè...Caro nome | Faust: Ô Dieu! que de bijoux!...Ah! je ris de me voir si belle (Jewel Song) | La Traviata: E' strano!...Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera | Les Contes d'Hoffman: Les oiseaux dan la charmille (Doll Song) | Lucia di Lammermoor: Il dolce suono mi colpi di sua voce!...Ardon gl'incensi (Mad Scene)

recommendations

Singer's Library: Listening Resources/Beginning & Intermediate Singers
Decca Opera Gala Aria Collections
Singer's Library: Entering Opera
Favorite Coloratura Sopranos
I LOVE THE FEMALE VOICE!!!