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Handel - Alcina / Sutherland, Rescigno
George Frideric Handel, Nicola Rescigno, Joan Sutherland
Handel - Alcina / Sutherland, Rescigno
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (28) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #2

This set is what early music or baroque opera purists might call politically incorrect. The orchestra at Venice's La Fenice is too big, the playing is Romantic, with plenty of rubato and not crisp, and very few of the sing...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: George Frideric Handel, Nicola Rescigno, Joan Sutherland
Title: Handel - Alcina / Sutherland, Rescigno
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Bella Voce Records
Release Date: 8/5/2000
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750)
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPCs: 789368703920, 8712177025589

Synopsis

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This set is what early music or baroque opera purists might call politically incorrect. The orchestra at Venice's La Fenice is too big, the playing is Romantic, with plenty of rubato and not crisp, and very few of the singers get through the music as Handel wrote it or embellish it the way he wished. But it does feature Joan Sutherland at her most amazing. Her huge voice, pure tone, impeccable technique, seamless legato, and glorious ease are the definition of bel canto. London/Decca recorded her in the role, with a much better cast, in 1963, but that set is currently unavailable. While this two-CD release is not ideal, it does present Alcina in much of its loveliness. --Robert Levine

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CD Reviews

La Stupenda!
05/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Italians dubbed Dame Joan as La Stupenda after her incredible performance of this obscure opera. Of La Stupenda, this was what the legendary director Franco Zefferelli had to say.."she was stunning, sensational..." He went on to say that she was perhaps the phenomenal singer of our time. Absolutely, Sutherland's voice was the wonder of the operatic world, huge in size( especially the top notes ), bell-like tone quality, and a complete mastery of all colortura demands. Especially incredible were Dame Joan's lightning fast staccato and perfect trill. We are fortunate to have many of her great performance preserve in numerous recordings, LIVE and in the recording studio. As for Alcina as an opera, of course it gave Joan a great vehicle to show off her amazing technique and glorious voice. But the music is very beautiful, with many memorable arias and ensembles. The sound in this recording, however, is not too good. But it's all we have until Decca re-release Dame Joan's 1963 studio recording of this lovely Grand Opera."
Most beautiful voice of our time.
11/30/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to hear the most beautiful, pure tone of a soprano's voice in a recording, you must buy this set. Sutherland's voice is huge, clear as a bell, and coloratura unmatched. This opera contain many lovely music, and the supporting cast is impressive indeed."
Astoundingly gorgeous tone
03/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joan Sutherland at this stage of her career had the most beautiful voice in the world, and the most amazing technique that existed. Listen to this and be blown away by the "Voice of the Century". Every aria takes your breath away. This is supreme."