Monday, September 13, 2010

Haydn - Orfeo ed Euridice - Sutherland, Gedda, Bonynge

Devotees of Dame Joan Sutherland will probably want to give this CD set 5 stars because her performance is awesome. But I must be a responsible reporter and tell you that the quality of the sound is below the expectations of most listeners today.

Nicolai Gedda Nicolai Gedda is a surprisingly game Orfeo, really getting into the role and singing his heart out. The other singers are more than sufficient and professional. Bonynge conducts a rather ragged Scottish Opera Orchestra and Chorus. One other note on Sutherland: Her lower notes are very large and "produced" (for lack of a better term), so she is easily heard throughout her entire vocal range. She never pushed like that in studio recordings of the era.

And if you don't know any Haydn operas yet, it's way past time for you to do so! He wrote many, and they're all delightfully tuneful and meltingly harmonious. You won't be disappointed.

For off-the-deep-end opera buffs and Sutherland afficionados...

CD INFO

Ape, scans

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