Description:

Granted, this may not be your “Desert Island” Norma, but there are a lot of interesting things to recommend it. Although Grace Bumbry, made her reputation singing roles that require a high level of hysteria, she shows here that she also knew a thing or two about spinning a delicate legato line (although her coloratura lacks grace.) She is joined by soprano Lella Cuberli in the role of Adalgisa (ironic as it may be to have a former Mezzo as Norma and a soprano as Adalgisa.) Having two sopranos means that their duet can be sung in key giving both a chance to unleash exciting high Cs. Giuseppe Giacomini is near perfect as Pollione, bringing the color of a baritone with the security on top that would be the envy of any tenor. Robert Lloyd rounds out this odd but ultimately satisfying cast. The sound is very good.

OD 10816-2