Immerse yourself in the golden age of opera with Dame Joan Sutherland's "The Art Of The Prima Donna," a breathtaking collection of arias that showcase the extraordinary range and virtuosity of one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century. Released in 2011, this album is a testament to Sutherland's unparalleled talent and her enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
Spanning a duration of over three hours, this album features a stunning array of arias from some of the most beloved operas in the repertoire. From the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "Otello" to the lyrical beauty of Bellini's "Norma," and the comic charm of Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore," Sutherland's performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Her crystalline tone, impeccable technique, and dramatic flair bring each character to life, transporting the audience into the heart of each story.
The album also includes insightful discussions with Joan Sutherland, where she shares her experiences and insights into her career and the roles she has portrayed. These conversations provide a unique perspective on the art of opera and the dedication required to excel in this demanding field.
"The Art Of The Prima Donna" is not just a collection of arias; it is a journey through the rich history of opera, as seen through the eyes of one of its greatest stars. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating introduction to the art form and a celebration of the enduring power of the human voice. The accompanying booklet features a host of color and monochrome photos of Joan Sutherland in various roles, adding a visual dimension to the listening experience.
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