Vincenzo Bellini is widely regarded as the last and greatest composer of bel canto opera, and his most famous opera, Norma, is one of the leading works in the genre. Even Richard Wagner said of Norma: “If we weep from emotion on hearing it, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” This release is a new production of the opera, directed by Grammy Award-nominated director of opera, theatre, and film, Kevin Newbury. Sondra Radvan stars as a captivating Norma in a performance in which the New York Times described as “powerful,Read more elegant.” Gregory Kunde performs as Pollione. operatraveller.com wrote of his performance: “something very special. The word ‘historic’ is used perhaps a little too often but tonight there really is no other adjective to describe the sensational performances offered to us by Sondra Radvanovsky and Gregory Kunde.”
Picture Format: 1080i, 16:9
Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles: Italian, German, English, Catalan, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese
Region Code: 0 (All)
Running Time: 176 mins
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REVIEW:
Radvanovsky's thrilling, stentorian top notes, hairpin pianissimi and an edgy, tenebrous timbre reminiscent of Callas, makes this DVD from Barcelona’s Liceu merit comparison with the classic recordings of Callas, Sutherland and Caballé.
Normaby Vincenzo Bellini Performer:
Francisco Vas (Bass),
Sondra Radvanovsky (Soprano),
Raymond Aceto (Bass),
Gregory Kunde (Tenor),
Ekaterina Gubanova (Mezzo Soprano),
Ana Puche (Soprano)
Conductor:
Renato Palumbo
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Period: Romantic Written: 1831; Italy
