"The musicianship of her Casta Diva leaves most of the versions I know as non-starters, the glissando passages in the cabaletta “Deh bello a me ritorna” shortly afterwards are breathtaking, Norma’s anguish when she finds out that she is betrayed, the reproachful dignity and biting scorn of her scenes with the wretched Pollione and her hieratic magnanimity in dealing with her rival—all these are truly wonderful. She also makes you hear the music for the first time...” - The Gramophone, 1954
Norma was one of the roles which made Maria Callas's international reputation, and this recording from 1954 finds her at her vocal peak. Now XR remastered in Ambient Stereo, it's an essential update to an essential recording.
We celebrate this week the birthday of Vaughan Williams with an automatic discount on all his recordings at Pristine.