Podcasta Diva

Did you know Unnatural Acts of Opera is the only all-opera podcast in the whole, uh, podosphere? Even better, this podcast features only live opera performances, preferably demented. Our opera this time is both live and demented, with even a soupcon of backstage drama to add an extra frisson. La Cieca presents the first act of Bellini’s Norma, recorded live at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on June 19, 1974. Montserrat Caballe sings the title role. She is joined by mezzo-soprano Fiorenza Cossotto as Adalgisa, and, as I’m sure any number of sopranos will tell you, working with Flo always puts a girl on her mettle. Gianni Raimondi sings the role of Pollione, and Ivo Vinco is Oroveso. The production is from La Scala, conducted by Franceso Mollinari-Pradelli. Unnatural Acts of Opera