Aside from the two studio recordings, there are about seven Callas Normas available on disc, and this is close to the best. It marked (I believe) her Covent Garden debut, and what a debut it was! She’s in magnificent voice, with almost none of the problems that would come later. Here are solid high notes (a blazing, interpolated D to close Act 1 that is completely in character), stupendous breath control, a range of colors any three sopranos (together) would covet, an innate sense of Bellini’s long lines, true fury, true sadness, and true warmth when needed. The “Dormono entrambi” scene alone is hypnotic enough to recommend her performance. Perhaps later in her career, “Casta diva” gained depth and was more mesmerizing, but this is a lesson in performing Norma.
Ebe Stignani is the Adalgisa, and though hardly bel canto in sound, she’s right there with Callas, and their duets are wonderful. Mirto Picchi recovers from making hash of his opening cabaletta to turn in a respectable Pollione, although he keeps losing the rhythm of the music, and Giacomo Vaghi is a properly cavernous Oroveso. The London forces under Vittorio Gui are responsive and seem to know that they’re involved in something special. A baby Joan Sutherland sings Clotilde–that recognizable timbre is already present. Try not to live without this set. It’s been available on many labels over the years; the sound here is as good/bad as any.
