Successfully remastered at Abbey Road earlier in 2014, and as part of their celebration of ‘50 Years of Pavarotti on Decca’, Decca proudly presents this iconic opera on 2CDs + 1 BluRay Audio (permitting true 24-bit / 96KHz playback).
- 2 CDs + High Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-Ray Disc containing the complete opera at 24-Bit
- Includes libretto, original essay, synopses in E/F/G and rare images
- Original cover design in hard-back book presentation
Review
Decca's 1972 recording of Turandot features an all-star cast led by Joan
Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti. Turandot doesn't seem like the most natural
role for Sutherland and she never sang it on-stage, but she adapts to its
requirements with panache, delivering a performance with an impressive dramatic
range and dazzling vocal mastery. Pavarotti was close to the height of his
powers when he made the recording and he sings with his characteristic passion
and warmth. Montserrat Caballé, who had also sung the title role, is fabulous
as Liù, creating a vivid characterization and singing with exceptional purity.
It's real luxury casting to have singers of the reputation of Nicolai Ghiaurov,
Peter Pears, and Tom Krause in the roles of Timur, the Emperor, and Ping, and
they each bring great artistry to these small roles. The London Philharmonic
Orchestra plays the score with sparkle and spirit, and the John Alldis Choir is
terrific in the crucial choral parts. Zubin Mehta captures the Romantic sweep
and the colourful strangeness of the opera and gives it a convincing, dramatic
shape. The sound is mostly good, but doesn't quite have the depth or presence
typical of Decca's best opera recordings. Stephen Eddins –
Allmusic.com