Norma

I am a big fan of opera, and I love Norma for especially its stunning music and not just Casta Diva but also the duets between Norma and Adalgisa. Of the three productions I've seen so far of this opera, this one is the best in my opinion, the other two had Sutherland and while good they weren't quite great. For me only the inconsistent lip synch lets this Norma down. The costume and set design look absolutely ravishing and the photography is skillful. The orchestra playing and conducting are equally adept. Then there are the performances. Montserrat Caballe IS Norma, she sings wonderfully and is an outstanding actress. I admire Jon Vickers, but due to his vast Wagner and Verdi repertoire I worried that his big booming voice would be too heavy for a Bel Canto like Pollione. However, I think his characterisation worked, he does sing beautifully and blends well with Caballe, and acting wise I don't think I've seen a Pollione this virile before. Josephine Veasey is an excellent Adalgisa and her duets with Caballe are lovely. Augustino Ferrin is a noble, solid Oroveso. All in all, a great Norma that works hugely due to Caballe. 9/10 Bethany Cox