Norma (Bellini)
Kicco Classics, KCOU 9009, $39.95

Norma, one of the greatest operas in the repertoire, is also one of the most demanding for the title character. Lilli Lehmann once famously remarked that she’d rather sing ten Brunnhildes than one Norma. For Monserrat Caballé and Maria Callas, it was among their greatest triumphs.

Interest runs unusually high when a soprano takes on the role for the first time and Maria Dragoni provides a strong and committed performance as the doomed Druid priestess.

Maria Dragoni, Gianluca Zampieri, Raffaella Leveroni. Teatro dell’Opera Giocosa, Orchestre Sinfonica Savona/Massimiliano Carraro, cond. 150 min., Color, 2000, Subtitles in Italian, French, Spanish, English, Playable all regions.

Opera in two acts
Libretto by Felice Romani

First performance: Milano Teatro alla Scala
December 26, 1831

Live recording November 2000 in Savona
Teatro dell'Opera Giocosa

Norma (Soprano) MARIA DRAGONI
Pollione (Tenore) GIANLUCA ZAMPIERI
Adalgisa (Soprano) RAFFAELLA ANGELETTI
Oroveso (Basso) GIORGIO GIUSEPPINI
Clotilde (Mezzosoprano) PAOLA LEVERONI
Flavio (Baritono) WALTER OMAGGIO
Conductor MASSIMILIANO CARRARO
Orchestra Sinfonica di Savona
Coro lirico G. Manzino - Savona
Chorus Master MASSIMO DE STEFANO
Director MASSIMO GASPARON