I am very fond of Norma and of Joan Sutherland. I recently saw the 1981 production with Sutherland and Tatiana Toyanos, I did like it in general(Troyanos was the best thing about it) but apart from some dated picture quality and rather blocky sets I prefer this by quite a wide margin. The costumes are very nice though, the story is heartfelt and moves at a solid pace and Bellini's music is gorgeous. The orchestra are superb and Richard Bonynge's conducting is much more assured than it is in the other production I speak of. The performances are excellent, apart from a slightly disappointing Casta Diva Joan Sutherland is very good as Norma particularly with Margreta Elkins, who is simply excellent. Ron Stevens is a vocally powerful Pollione, and Clifford Grant is excellent as Oroveso. All in all, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
2 Reviews
Generally very good Norma
AngelofMusic199824 April 2023
Norma as an opera has a very sad ,yet touching and interesting story. This 1978 Sydney Opera House production is very good,just with some imperfections. Sets and costumes do look good and fit the spirit of the opera. Picture quality is not the best,but since those were the late 70s ,I can forget that. Joan Sutherland as Norma is good,just a bit dissapointing Casta Diva (though how hard the aria is ,I can overlook it). Margareta Elkins is touching and tender Adalgisa. Her duets with Norma are truly tender and lovely. Ronald Stevens as Polione is vocally powerful and truly great. Overall,this Norma is very good.8/10.
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