Step by step
Some sunny diversion (and perhaps a little threaded conversation) on a grey Saturday afternoon: a rebroadcast of the March 9, 1974 performance of I Vespri Siciliani from the Met. The stream begins at 1:00 pm EST here, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can delve further into Oslo, Norway’s NRK P2 radio.
Elena: Montserrat Caballé; Arrigo: Nicolai Gedda; Guido di Monforte: Sherrill Milnes; Giovanni da Procida: Justino Díaz. Conductor: James Levine.
Details for this broadcast are derived from the invaluable Operacast.
I’m not sure what language the announcer is speaking (Norwegian?), but it’s rather pretty. Lilting, even.
It is indeed Norwegian. Every bit as pretty as quite a few of the natives, and goodness knows I ain’t got eyes for Senta. The new opera house in Oslo alone is worth a visit, despite the stratospheric cost of living up there. You’ll find they all speak English to a higher standard than many an Englishman, too. [Sorry, Vicar.]
Caballe just rocked the house with “Arrigo, a parli a un core”. Sublime.
Meanwhile, I am listening to Devia as Lucia on Sirius, and loving it. What a great cast, what a great performance.
Devia is really the last great bel canto diva: fearless, stylish, impeccable phrasing, astonishing high notes and a plangent middle voice.
LOVE HER
I was working today so I didn’t listen to this. But I have a recording and I listened to it a few years ago.
I remember Monsty being good in this but doesn’t she sing the simplified cadenza in Arrigo, a Parli? Although that 2 1/2 octave downward scale is almost impossible…
To everyone who would rather listen to Caballe yesterday, this is what you missed:
I think I have way better taste.
justanothertenor,
I listened to the Lucia as well. I agree with everything you write about Devia, except that I find her singing boring.