23 CDs in Joan Sutherland Box
Tue, Dec 6 2011, 10:00PM
I have heard only two CDs in this Complete Decca Studio Recital Box. The first CD is entitled "The Art of the Prima Donna" which is absolutely great (recorded in 1960 when Joan was 34. The other CD is "Talking Pictures". These are songs at the beginning of talkies. Quite interesting really except Joan wobbles all over the place. Of course, she is much older and sounds it. I have always loved her voice and was quite disappointed that she even made any recordings when her voice started to go on her. I do have another 21 CDs to listen to and am quite sure that most of the time she will sound great. It is my theory (no proof) that her husband came up with late career stuff for her to sing.
I also would like to ask a question; does anyone feel they can't stand very high notes by Joan or any other soprano? A few people I know do just that, stating that it gives them pain to hear it, also high violin played at a high pitch. I am just curious to find out if there are other people who "suffer" from this ailment. I am thrilled to hear these voices and do not quite get it. Thanks for any comments.
Wed, Dec 7 2011, 10:09AM
#2
RE: 23 CDs in Joan Sutherland Box
Actually, Sutherland never screamed; she had the perfect pitch, an incredible range, all the way from bottom to the top absolutely clear, her high notes were the most amazing in the belcanto, Italian and French operatic repertoire along with Birgit Nilsson in the German one.
If you have problem with the high notes, then, you have problem with the operatic works, since these ones are integral part of the work and they constitute the test for the vocal prowess of the singer. Sutherland's high notes are extremely clear and loud, while other sopranos' are sometimes strained, reedy, stretched-out, etc. It's a matter of approaching the work in question, unless you have problem with high frequencies (I hope not).
By the way, the 23 box of Decca is a great one; it contains some real treasures, like the Art of Belcanto and the "Command Performances" along with the rest of her recordings of the late 50s, 60s and 70s. Explore it.
Good listening,
Parla
The more they scream the better.
As for Joan, I would urge any admirer to try out her Handel - Acis under Boult, Alcina with Wunderlich and Rodelinda in 1959. Sutherland was for me on the periferi of the true greats until I added these recordings to my collection. Now I know why she created such a stirr.