Bellini: Norma [1954] (1985)

Any performance of Norma stands or falls on the performance of the title character, and this recording has one of the brightest superstars, Maria Callas, in one of her signature roles. EMI captured this performance just at a point when technical problems were beginning to take a toll on her voice, and while she may have less brilliance and vocal control than was apparent even a few years earlier, she still has plenty of stamina, her pianissimos are still floating, her coloratura is thrilling, and her long-held notes still ... Read More

Any performance of Norma stands or falls on the performance of the title character, and this recording has one of the brightest superstars, Maria Callas, in one of her signature roles. EMI captured this performance just at a point when technical problems were beginning to take a toll on her voice, and while she may have less brilliance and vocal control than was apparent even a few years earlier, she still has plenty of stamina, her pianissimos are still floating, her coloratura is thrilling, and her long-held notes still sound effortless. She is occasionally less than fully secure in her lower register, though. Hers is a commanding presence, and she has the vocal personality and distinctiveness to make her a compelling high priestess. Callas' Norma is legendary, and this recording should be of interest to any fan of bel canto singing combined with burning dramatic urgency. Although Mario Filippeschi may not have the panache and vocal personality of some of his contemporary Polliones, but his is an... Read Less