Massenet: Esclarmonde (3cd)

Joan Sutherland (Esclarmonde), Giacomo Aragall (Roland), Huguette Tourangeau (Parséis), Clifford Grant (Emperor Phorcas), Louis Quilico (L'Evèque de Blois), Ryland Davies (Enéas), Robert Lloyd (Cléomer), Ian Caley (A Saracen Envoy), Graham Clark (A Byzantine Herald) The National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge

Libretto available online

Penguin Guide 2010 edition **** “Sutherland's performance of the central role of Esclarmonde is in its way was powerful as it is in Puccini's last opera. Aragall proves an excellent tenor, sweet of tone and intelligent...Bonynge draws passionate singing and playing from the chorus and orchestra, and the recording has both atmosphere and spectacle” Gramophone Magazine August 1990 “Bonynge, in his best form ever, procures a full-blooded performance from a wellchosen cast, aided by a suitably vivid recording that shows no sign at all of its age...Sutherland's words are not easy to understand, even though her enunciation is better than sometimes; but the precision, brilliance and sweetness other voice in the prominently featured upper register (rather less steady lower down) compensates for much.”

Price: $27.98