Dive into the extraordinary vocal prowess of Dame Joan Sutherland with "The Art Of The Prima Donna," a captivating collection of her most renowned performances. Released in 2011 by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album spans a rich tapestry of operatic and classical masterpieces, showcasing Sutherland's unparalleled talent as a dramatic coloratura soprano. From the hauntingly beautiful "Casta Diva" from Bellini's "Norma" to the virtuosic "Bell Song" from Delibes' "Lakmé," each track is a testament to her technical brilliance and emotional depth. The album also features insightful interviews with Sutherland, offering a glimpse into her illustrious career and the stories behind her iconic roles. With a duration of over three hours, this compilation is a comprehensive journey through the artistry of one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Art Of The Prima Donna" is a treasure trove of musical excellence that highlights Sutherland's enduring legacy.
Artaxerxes / Act 3: "The soldier tir'd of war's alarms"Thomas Arne, Dame Joan Sutherland, Harry Dilley, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Samson HWV 57 / Act 3: "Let The Bright Seraphim"George Frideric Handel, Dame Joan Sutherland, Harry Dilley, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Norma / Act 1: "Sediziose voci...Casta Diva...Ah! bello a me ritorna"Vincenzo Bellini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
I Puritani / Act 1: "Son vergin vezzosa"Vincenzo Bellini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Semiramide / Act 1: "Bel raggio lusinghier"Gioachino Rossini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
I Puritani / Act 2: "O rendetemi la speme...Qui la voce...Vien, diletto"Vincenzo Bellini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
La Sonnambula / Act 1: "Care compagne, e voi, tenere amici"Vincenzo Bellini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Faust, CG 4 / Act 3: "O Dieu! que de bijoux...Ah! je ris de me voir"Charles Gounod, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Roméo et Juliette, CG 9 / Act 1: "Ah, je veux vivre"Charles Gounod, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Otello / Act 4: "Mia madre aveva una povera ancella...piangea cantando"Giuseppe Verdi, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K.384 / Act 2: "Martern aller Arten"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
La traviata / Act 1: "E strano!...Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera"Giuseppe Verdi, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Hamlet / Act 4: "A vos jeux, mes amis, permettez-moi"Ambroise Thomas, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Lakmé / Act 2: "Où va la jeune Indoue" (Bell song)Léo Delibes, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Les Huguenots / Act 2: "O beau pays de la Touraine"Giacomo Meyerbeer, Dame Joan Sutherland, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Rigoletto / Act 1: "Gualtier Maldè...Caro nome"Giuseppe Verdi, Dame Joan Sutherland, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
Joan Sutherland discusses her life and career with Jon TolanskyVarious Artists, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky
L'Eremitaggio di Liwerpool / Act 2: Joan Sutherland discusses "L'Eremitaggio di Liwerpool"Gaetano Donizetti, Various Artists, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Richard Bonynge
Joan Sutherland discusses "Lucia di Lammermoor"Various Artists, Gaetano Donizetti, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Nello Santi
Joan Sutherland discusses "La Traviata"Various Artists, Giuseppe Verdi, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Sir John Pritchard
Joan Sutherland discusses "La Fille du Régiment"Various Artists, Gaetano Donizetti, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Luciano Pavarotti, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Richard Bonynge
Joan Sutherland discusses "Lakmé"Various Artists, Léo Delibes, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Joan Sutherland discusses "Esclarmonde"Various Artists, Jules Massenet, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, Huguette Tourangeau, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Joan Sutherland discusses "Suor Angelica"Various Artists, Giacomo Puccini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Joan Sutherland discusses "La Sonnambula"Various Artists, Vincenzo Bellini, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Tolansky, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
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.