0159-3 ANNA BOLENA (Donizetti)

Further to my previous review. I should have added that the recital is of Horne in two great Rossini arias, Domingo in the last act of Lucia - and very good too though not really his fach even at that early stage of his career. Souliotis sings a very good Casta Diva but the cabaletta is really beyond her.

A great find and the audio quality is pretty good. An amazing cast and Souliotis is very impressive for most of the performance. Unfortunately after a lovely opening of the final act she throws all caution to the winds - introduces those ugly chest notes which were were absent earlier and goes right off the rails in the final pages. What a tragedy this potentially great singer threw a lasting career away through lack of a sound technique. But there's enough good here to remind one of that potential. Still, Horne is the absolute star of this set. If you wait a minute or so after the opera is finished there is a recital (again live) of Horne which is simply stupendous and worth the price of the whole set.

I have to say what a fantastic surprise this performance...and I am letting you know that the sound for an inhouse recording is terrific...and to my ears sounds like a stereo spread...Souliotis is thrilling...as is Horne...and we get Domingo and Baker to boot...If you love this opera...this is a must!

Souliotis is in far better voice than in her studio Decca recording,daring more,and acheiving more,Horne is at her best as Seymour,and Baker(in a rare operatic outing in the States)is very good as Smeaton,Domingo,also in a rare Bel Canto outing sings gloriously,although without the great ease that the role of Percy requires on high(and it is VERY HIGH!)But he does an excellent job.Carlo Cava is a good Henry,and Henry Lewis(then Hornes Husband)conducts to the manner born.