Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma," performed live at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1944 by the legendary Zinka Milanov. This album, released by Walhall Eternity Series on April 1, 2022, captures the essence of one of the most celebrated operas in history, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes. The recording features the Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera House, delivering a powerful and authentic rendition of Bellini's iconic work.
"Norma" is a dramatic opera in two acts, showcasing Bellini's signature bel canto style, characterized by its melodic beauty and technical demands. The story revolves around the Druid priestess Norma, torn between her duty to her people and her forbidden love for a Roman proconsul. Milanov's extraordinary vocal prowess and emotional depth bring Norma's complex character to life, making this performance a standout in operatic history.
The album includes a comprehensive tracklist of 40 songs, each meticulously performed and recorded to preserve the grandeur of the live performance. From the hauntingly beautiful "Casta Diva" to the intense and dramatic "In mia mano alfin tu sei," every aria and ensemble is a testament to the brilliance of Bellini's composition and Milanov's artistry.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of "Norma" as it was performed in its heyday. The rich orchestration, the powerful chorus, and Milanov's captivating vocals come together to create a performance that is both historically significant and timelessly moving.
2022 Walhall Eternity Series2022 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