Norma

To quote the pop group 10cc: "the things we do for love!" Druid priestess Norma is not only consorting with the enemy (bearing two children by the Roman Pollione, which is a definite no-no), but now must also declare war against Rome. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, Pollione's eye has strayed to Norma's servant Adalgisa. All does not end well: Adalgisa is accused of wrongdoing and, in order to save the innocent woman, Norma confesses her guilt and joins Pollione on the funeral pyre. What a gal! Coming from a chief exponent of Bel Canto composition, Vincenzo Bellini's Norma--recorded live in 2001 on a dramatically simple set at the Teatro Regio of Parma during the Bellini bicentennial festival, and presented here in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo--offers prodigious vocal and dramatic challenges, if not a lot of physical action, relying on close-ups to create the illusion of movement. Rife with duets and trios, Norma's strong cast features excellent work from June Anderson in the title role, Shin Young Hoon as Pollione, Ildar Abdrazakov as Norma's father Oroveso, and Daniela Barcellona as Adalgisa. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)