Experience the unparalleled artistry of Dame Joan Sutherland in this captivating live album, recorded at the iconic Sydney Opera House in 1983. This collection showcases Sutherland's extraordinary vocal range and dramatic prowess, featuring a stunning array of arias from some of the most beloved operas in the repertoire. From the lyrical beauty of Verdi's "La traviata" to the dramatic intensity of Puccini's "Tosca," and the virtuosic demands of Bellini's "La sonnambula," Sutherland's performances are nothing short of breathtaking.
Joined by esteemed colleagues Luciano Pavarotti and Marilyn Horne, and conducted by Richard Bonynge, this album offers a rare opportunity to witness the collaboration of some of the greatest voices of the 20th century. The performances are accompanied by The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra, providing a rich and vibrant musical backdrop that enhances the dramatic impact of each aria.
Spanning a diverse range of composers and styles, from the Baroque elegance of Handel's "Semele" to the Romantic passion of Massenet's "Werther," this album is a testament to Sutherland's versatility and mastery. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this live recording offers an unforgettable journey through the world of opera, showcasing the artistry and passion that have made Dame Joan Sutherland a legend in the world of classical music.
(C) 1999 Opera Australia(P) 1999 Opera Australia
Tracks
La traviata, Act I: "Libiamo ne'lieti calici" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Tosca, Act I: "Recondita armonia" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giacomo Puccini, Richard Bonynge, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
La traviata, Act III: "Teneste la promessa...Addio del passato" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Act II: "La mia letizia infondere" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
I puritani, Act II: "O rendetemi le speme...Qui la voce sua soave" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Vincenzo Bellini, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
La sonnambula, Act I: "Prendi: l'anel ti dono" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Vincenzo Bellini, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Adriana Lecouvreur, Act I: "Ecco, respiro appena... Io son' l'umile ancella" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Francesco Cilea, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Werther, Act III: "Pourquoi me réveiller" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Jules Massenet, Richard Bonynge, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Hamlet, Act IV: "A vos jeux, mes amis, permettez-moi" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Ambroise Thomas, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Pagliacci, Act I: "Recitar!" - "Vesti la giubba" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Ruggero Leoncavallo, Richard Bonynge, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Lucia di Lammermoor, Act I: "Sulla tomba che rinserra" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Gaetano Donizetti, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
L'elisir d'amore, Act II: "Una furtiva lagrima" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Gaetano Donizetti, Richard Bonynge, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Crispino e la comare, Act II: "Io non sono piu l'Annetta" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Federico Ricci, Luigi Ricci, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
La traviata, Act III: "Parigi, o cara" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Semele, HWV 58, Act II: "Awake, Saturnia, from thy lethargy…Iris, hence away" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983George Frideric Handel, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Alcina, HWV 34, Act I: "Tornami a vagheggiar" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983George Frideric Handel, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
La donna del lago, Act I: "Mura felici ove il mio ben s’aggira" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Gioachino Rossini, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
La cambiale di matrimonio: "Come tacer... Vorrei spiegarvi il giubilo" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Gioachino Rossini, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Semiramide, Act I: "Serbami ognor sì fido" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Gioachino Rossini, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Lakmé, Act I: "Viens, Mallika...Sous le dôme épais" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Léo Delibes, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act II: "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Jacques Offenbach, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, R. 288, Act II: "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Camille Saint-Saëns, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Fra Diavolo, Act II: "Non temete milord" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Daniel Auber, Richard Bonynge, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Les Huguenots, Act II: "Non, non, non, vous n'avais jamais" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Giacomo Meyerbeer, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Norma, Act II: "Deh! con te...Mira, o Norma" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Vincenzo Bellini, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act II: "Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour" - Live from Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, 1983Jacques Offenbach, Richard Bonynge, Marilyn Horne, Dame Joan Sutherland, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra
Dame Joan Sutherland, the Australian dramatic coloratura soprano, captivated global audiences with her extraordinary vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. Born in Sydney in 1926, Sutherland's journey began by imitating her mother's singing, eventually leading her to triumph in the Sun Aria competition. Throughout her illustrious career, she was renowned for her contributions to the bel canto repertoire, earning her the affectionate nickname "La Stupenda." Her notable roles included Norma, and her voice was often described as a celestial instrument, combining beauty and power in a way that set her apart as one of the most remarkable sopranos of the 20th century. Sutherland's legacy endures, celebrated for her unparalleled vocal technique and her ability to enchant audiences with her stunning performances.