Giacomo Meyerbeer - L'etoile du nord - "C'est bien lui..." (Joan Sutherland)

Just as a point of interest, I added another, completely different version of the flute-soprano trio from Meyerbeer's "L'etoile du nord" I have posted earlier. This version is sung by Joan Sutherland in the middle of her career and offers a contrast to the previous rendition by Elizabeth Futral.

To be honest, I'm not particularly fond of it. First off, the true trio for soprano and double flute is omitted which, probably, gave rise to the end of the long and not particularly illuminating cadenza. Then one has to consider the flutes themselves which seem unsympathetic and cold, unlike in the previous version, though the playing is clean and clear. Finally, there is Sutherland herself. As I've mentioned on many occasions, I consider myself primarily a fan of her younger self. And here we get the mature Sutherland's voice, so much of my criticism would stem from my personal preferences. To be honest, it's still a very impressive instrument and everything is handled expertly. So why do I find myself rather unmoved by the piece, unlike in its' previous incarnation? The problem lies, perhaps, in the fact that the reading somehow seems to lack just a hint of vocal life, especially comparing it with the livelier Futral who I would prefer here. It's treated more as a showpiece which explains the long cadenza. All in all, this is still an excellent rendition, though Sutherland again fares less well against her younger voice, and that's, probably, one of her biggest rivals.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Joan
• Sutherland
• Meyerbeer
• coloratura
• belcanto
• classical

[mxwhisper]

I love Sutherland's voice however I find the music quite irritating to be honest

[LindoroRossini]

Do check out the other posted version with Futral, the playing is better there and, at the very least, the first part is quite interesting melodically, though the music itself cannot sustain the right atmosphere in the second half :).

[meltzerboy]

Have you ever heard Galli-Curci's singing of this air? Although it is one of her later recordings, I think she infuses more warmth into it than Sutherland. Of course, it's still a spectacular showpiece at the same time.

[marchesano]

Sutherland sounds very good here, especially with the somewhat closer miking than usual for her at Decca. Futral sings this well, but I am bothered by her vocal unevenness in some runs (a clear letting up of support), which is surprising. In the end, musically it is a showpiece for the diva with little interest or attention to the story or mood after the opening. It might as well be sung that way.

[Hako2004]

I loved the early voice, despite the top notes being too white at times, and even a little tense. The qualities I admired were the cleaner attacks, and the better diction,which gave clarity to some phrases. Later she seemed more relaxed, the top notes were familiar and seemed so. Also, she didn't "lighten" the sound, she sang with her full middle voice and the fullness and richness came out.  She became less incisive unfortunately. '65 to '69 the sound was most beautiful IMHO.