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Bellini's Norma
Norma is widely considered Bellini's greatest achievement, an example of the supreme height of the Bel Canto tradition. Leading ladies, Daniela Dessì and Kate Aldrich, fire up the stage with heartbreaking performances, making this Norma from Teatro Comunale di Bologna one of the most talked about and must-see productions of Italy's 2008 Operatic Season. The production marked Dessì's debut in the title role, generally considered one of the most difficult in the soprano repertoire; the critics raved unanimously about her performance.
"In her debut as Norma, Dessì won the game... her Norma is vocally convincing and emotionally very touching." – Opera Chic
Kate Aldrich "is a beautifully burnished Adalgisa, perfectly holding her own opposite one of the great singers of today." – Opera Chic
Synopsis
Set in Gaul, at the time of Ancient Rome, Norma tells the story of the tragic love triangle between the aging priestess Norma, the Roman proconsul Pollione and his new love, the young temple virgin Adalgisa. At the opera's end, desperate after having been abandoned by the man she loves, Norma decides to kill herself; Pollione, struck by her devotion, decides to join her on the pyre and burn to death at her side.
Opera in 2 acts
Composer: Vincenzo Bellini
Performed at: Teatro Comunale, Bologna, Italy
Conductor: Evelino Pidò
Approximate duration: 2 hours 41 minutes plus one 15 minute intermission
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