2907-2 I PURITANI (Bellini)

It was at this performance that the Bravoura aria finale to the opera was first heard since the 1840s,Richard Bonynge,as usual had been ferreting around finding variations for Joan,when he came across the finale to Puritani written for Maria Malibran by Bellini,and a joyous end to a magnificent performane it makes.Raimondi makes a very good arturo Talbo,with its Dflats and High F all above high C,a worthy partner to Joan,who is in coruscating form here,the bass/baritones are excellent also,all under the paternal eye and ear of tullio Serafin,a wonderful performance.