Richard Bonynge, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, Joan Sutherland - Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (2004/1986)
Richard Bonynge, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, Joan Sutherland, Richard Greager - Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (2004/1986)
PAL 4:3 (720x576) VBR | Italiano (LinearPCM, 2 ch) | 7.48 Gb (DVD9) | 143 min
Classical | Arthaus Musik | Sub: Italiano, English, Deutsch, Francais, Espanol
PAL 4:3 (720x576) VBR | Italiano (LinearPCM, 2 ch) | 7.48 Gb (DVD9) | 143 min
Classical | Arthaus Musik | Sub: Italiano, English, Deutsch, Francais, Espanol
Lucia di Lammermoor catapulted Joan Sutherland to international fame in 1959. It is a role with which her name is now inextricably linked and one which provides a perfect showcase for her remarkable vocal agility and acting ability. Set in the misty moors of Scotland, Lucia di Lammermoor is based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott. It is a tragic tale of star-crossed lovers separated by a family feud. In Gaetano Donizetti's dark, romantic opera, the forces of hate tear the young couple apart, leading to madness and murder. Richard Greager, Malcolm Donnelly, Joan Sutherland. Directed by John Copley, conducted by Richard Bonynge.
Joan Sutherland's performance in the role of Lucia was one of the essential operatic experiences of the 20th century. It was a revelation and (linked with the simultaneous but totally different approach of Maria Callas) it launched a revolution: the all-out revival of the long-neglected bel canto repertoire. Sutherland was a phenomenon more for the ear than for the eye. Her primary quality was the amazing agility and tonal richness of her high notes. She had no special acting skills, she did not look like Donizetti's fragile, oppressed heroine, and by the time this video production was recorded in 1986, her voice had lost some of freshness heard in audio recordings from 20 years earlier. But start watching this electrifying performance and none of that matters very much. It was still an extraordinary voice, in a role she had made completely her own, and watching her perform you are watching operatic history unfold.
Australians were rightly proud of the international acclaim won by this native artist, and when she came home to sing her signature role, they put together a first-class production, conducted by her husband and vocal coach, Richard Bonynge. It is a high-energy performance, more commendable for vigor than for polish but worth attention on all counts. Sutherland is clearly the focus of attention and the reason for this recording's existence, but she is presented in good company. (Joe McLellan)
Cast:
Lucia - Joan Sutherland
Edgardo - Richard Greager
Enrico - Malcolm Donnelly
Raimondo - Clifford Grant
Normann - Robin Donald
Alisa - Patricia Price
Arturo - Sergei Baigildin
The Opera Australia Chorus
The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Conductor - Richard Bonynge
Richard Bonynge, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, Joan Sutherland - Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (2004/1986)
Richard Bonynge, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, Joan Sutherland - Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (2004/1986)
Richard Bonynge, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, Joan Sutherland - Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (2004/1986)
