Sutherland, Alexander and Grant in the Final Scene of Norma

Joan Sutherland in what I consider her very best recording of Norma sings the Final Scene of Bellini's Norma with John Alexander as Pollione and Clifford Grant as Oroveso. This is from a performance in the San Francisco Opera, October 06th 1972.

Sutherland's interpretation is at its most dramatic and committed, and her voice sounds more secure, rich and vibrant than ever. Alexander and Grant also contribute a lot for a legendary rendition of this decisive and most moving moment in the opera.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• opera
• bellini
• norma
• joan
• sutherland
• john
• alexander
• clifford
• grant
• bonynge
• bel
• canto

[dendodd2]

Oh to have witnessed these performances! Just listen to the pathos Sutherland brings to this role and how exquisite her voice is here. Perfect control and such projection thoughout her range. A very good recording of a live performance too. What a wonderful record of such a performance. Thanks so much for posting.

[FeelinMinnesota]

After several times of listening to this, it has become my favourite Norma ending by ANYONE. Sutherland perfectly conveys the "melancholy" of the final scene with her voice. The vocal line is PERFECT. The low notes are great and the high notes perfect, with lots of power, always over the orchestra with no effort.

[raigekimaru]

@vocalissimo1

that's because she has perfect technique and selects roles that are right for her voice, so while other singers are battled fatigue, she's like "I'm good"

[vocalissimo1]

A wonderful live recording - very clear and atmospheric. Joan does her ususal trick of really hitting her straps towards the end of the opera, when other singers are battling fatigue. The Australian bass Clifford Grant appeared at Sadlers Wells, Covent Garden and the Met, but I still feel that his true talents were never fully appreciated. John Alexander was similarly underrated, although here he does get swamped by Joan in the big moments - but then again, who doesn't?

[raigekimaru]

John Alexander is SO underrated (so is Clifford Grant, never heard of him before but he has a wonderful voice). the thing I love about Norma is it's one of the places where you really see Sutherland put forth a lot of passion and energy.

[bellini7verdi]

la maxima interprete y cantante operistica de todos los tiempos.........la indestructible.....JOAN SUTHERLAND.......PRIMA DONNA TOTALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[FeelinMinnesota]

Everything about this performance is incredible. The ascending trills are orgasmic. Do you have perfido! from this same presentation?

[timsuffolk]

Fantastic!