A powerhouse performance from two great stars

I have to agree completely with Gyran from Birmingham that this is a gem of a document of two of the greatest voices of opera in the last century. Jon Vickers's manliness and dignified nobility of spirit are unsurpassed in all the roles he has committed to video and CD - his is, for me, an unlikely voice for bel canto. However he is a strong, even arrogant tragic hero with a fatal flaw. Monserrat Caballe is his match in every way. The raw edge in Vickers's voice is juxtaposed to great effect with the mellifluous bel canto yet powerful sounds of Caballe. The incidental participation of the elements - it was blowing a gale on the night of the recording - seemed to heighten the intensity of the passions expressed by the doomed pair - weather perfect to the Stone Henge type setting of the opera.

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Magic Moments of Music: Montserrat Caballé sings Norma, 1974

Théâtre antique, Orange, Vaucluse, France

Norma

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