Experience the timeless masterpiece "Norma" by Vincenzo Bellini, captured live at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1944, featuring the legendary Zinka Milanov. This historic recording, released on April 1, 2022, under the Walhall Eternity Series label, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness one of the most celebrated performances in opera history.
The album spans over two hours and thirty-one minutes, encompassing the full opera with a comprehensive tracklist that includes iconic arias such as "Casta Diva" and "Meco all’altar di Venere." The performance is brought to life by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, conducted by Cesare Sodero, with a stellar cast that includes Frederick Jagel and Norman Cordon.
Zinka Milanov's powerful and nuanced portrayal of the titular character, Norma, is a testament to her extraordinary vocal prowess and dramatic depth. Her performance, alongside the supporting cast, showcases the rich tapestry of Bellini's composition, making this recording a treasure for opera enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This live recording from 1944 is a rare gem, offering a glimpse into the golden age of opera. The remastered 2022 release ensures that the audio quality is pristine, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the intricate details and beauty of Bellini's score. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a captivating journey through one of the most beloved operas of all time.
(C) 2022 Walhall Eternity Series(P) 2022 Walhall Eternity Series
Tracks
Norma, Act 1: PreludeVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero
Norma: Ite sul colle, o Druidi;Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Chorus, Norman Cordon
Norma: Svanîr le voci! E dell’orrenda selvaVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel, Alessio De Paolis
Norma: Meco all’altar di VenereVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel, Alessio De Paolis, Chorus
Norma: Me protegge, me difendeVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel
Norma viene: Le cinge la chiomaVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Chorus
Norma: Sedizïose voci.Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma: Casta Diva, che inargentiVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Chorus
Norma: Fine al rito, e il sacro boscoVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma: Ah! Bello a me ritornaVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma: Sgombra è la sacra selva:Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Jennie Tourel
Norma: Eccola. Va, mi lascia,Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel, Jennie Tourel
Norma: Va, crudele, e al Dio spietatoVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel, Jennie Tourel
Norma: Vieni in Roma, ah! Vieni, o cara,Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Frederick Jagel, Jennie Tourel
Norma: Vanne, e li cela entrambi.Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Thelma Votipka
Norma: Me chiami, o Norma?…Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Jennie Tourel, Zinka Milanov
Norma: Deh! Con te, con te li prendi…Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Jennie Tourel
Norma: Mira, o Norma, a’ tuoi ginocchiVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Jennie Tourel, Zinka Milanov
Norma: Sì, fino all’ore estremeVincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Jennie Tourel, Zinka Milanov
Norma: Non partì?Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Chorus
Norma: Guerrieri! A voi venirneVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma: Ah! Del Tebro al giogo indegnoVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma: Ei tornerà. Sì, mia fidanza è postaVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Thelma Votipka, Chorus, Norman Cordon
Norma: Guerra, guerra! Le galliche selveVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Chorus
Norma: Né compi il rito, o Norma?Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Norman Cordon, Zinka Milanov, Thelma Votipka, Chorus, Frederick Jagel
Norma: In mia mano alfin tu sei;Vincenzo Bellini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Frederick Jagel
Norma: All'ira vostra Nuova vittima io svelo.Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Chorus, Norman Cordon, Frederick Jagel
Norma: Qual cor tradisti, qual cor perdestiVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Frederick Jagel, Norman Cordon, Chorus
Norma! Deh! Norma, scolpati!Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Norman Cordon, Chorus, Zinka Milanov, Frederick Jagel
Norma: Deh! Non volerli vittimeVincenzo Bellini, Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, Cesare Sodero, Zinka Milanov, Frederick Jagel, Chorus, Norman Cordon
Vincenzo Bellini, born in Italy in 1801, was a prodigious opera composer whose career, though tragically brief, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Renowned for his long, graceful melodies and evocative musical settings, Bellini is a central figure of the bel canto era. His operas, including the iconic "Norma" and "Il Pirata," are celebrated for their blend of florid embellishment and lyrical simplicity, creating a dramatic depth that resonates with audiences. Despite his untimely death at the age of 34, Bellini's compositions continue to inspire and captivate, showcasing his unique ability to merge musicological clarity with theatrical imagination. His legacy endures, influencing countless composers and enchanting opera enthusiasts worldwide.
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Vincenzo Bellini
