Norma / Decca
Tue, May 7 2013, 5:00AM
I'm so curious: did someone already heard something from the new Decca/ Norma/ Bartoli recording?
Or...do you actually have it already and your verdict please.
Thu, May 9 2013, 9:32PM
#2
RE: Norma / Decca
I've listened to the recorded snippets on links on MDT Classics and was somewhat startled by the unconventional speeds. Easy to see how Decca can accommodate the opera on 2 CDs if these are typical. I'm not a great fan of Bartoli and just about every recording I have of hers was given as a gift from friends who thought I ought to be.
I suspect this recording will turn out to be a curiosity. Looking at the cast list I can't envisage any of the assigned artists being suitable for their respective roles in a theatrical staging. Perhaps it will be a Norma-lite performance instead of the full calorie version, to use a food analogy.
I consider Norma to be one of the greatest works of Italian opera and therefore I am enticed to make a purchase. I purchased Beverly Sills version of Norma when it was released on cd a couple of years or so ago, which would have benefited from role reversal in the soprano roles, a more imposing tenor and a less barnstorming approach from Levine, the conductor.
In a similar way I was curious enough to buy Rattle's Carmen. Magdalena Kozena was hardly the Carmen of ones dreams but she is interesting and the voice is lovely.
Sorry I can't be more specific but I guess we will have to wait to sample the new Norma online before deciding to buy. As for the HIP advertising blurb I think we have to take as read it will be performed with a smaller orchestral palette with speeds faster than we are used to. I rather doubt the hegemony of Callas, Caballe and Sutherland will be seriously disturbed though.
Thu, May 9 2013, 10:45PM
#3
RE: Norma / Decca
It is also possible to hear previews of all tracks on iTunes (most 1 minute:30 seconds long). It wouldn't be fair to judge the recording based on these. However the general approach seems similar to the Sonnambula recording already aluded to. As much as I wanted to like it, I was unable to warm to Bartoli. She undoubtedly has immaculate technique, but too often lacks emotion (I KNOW - a common criticism of several preternaturally gifted musicians). The other issue was that the recording seemed to artificially highlight Bartoli's voice, perhaps an attempt to balance it with Florez?
I suspect the 'new' approach for this Norma will cleanse it of all of the tradition and atmosphere that time has attached to it. If that is your idea of operatic nirvana, happy days!
Mon, May 13 2013, 9:56PM
#4
RE: Norma / Decca
The Guardian website has an album stream of the new Norma at:-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2013/may/13/cecilia-bartoli-be...
I was enjoying it until Ms Bartoli's appearance.
Tue, May 14 2013, 2:42PM
#5
RE: Norma / Decca
Thanks for the comments folks, I am still curious . I made a deal with my cd supplier that I can listen to it at home and if I don't like it I can bring it back.
So, I let you know when I heard the recording .
Tue, May 14 2013, 3:07PM
#6
RE: Norma / Decca
however, don't expect something from what you may know about the work. It's going to be a new "experience" with Bartoli (such a small voice for such a role) and Jo ( a coloratura soprano turned to be...whatever) plus the "original instruments" or sort of...
Parla
The least one can say is "curious", Adrian. It is supposed to be the "real, original" thing, as the production team of Decca claims. She has already did a "Sonnanbula" (with Florez in the main male role), in the same way. It passed...neglected. I don't plan to buy this one. Norma is not Sonnanbula and Sumi Jo as Adalgisa is too much for me at least. However, I appreciate the conductor Antonini. He is really good in whatever he has touched upon.
Good luck, if you try it.
Parla