Great voices, little drama!

First, it must be said that this total intake is staffed with some of the biggest stars of the opera. Jennifer Lamore, Cheryl Studer, Placido Domingo, Samuel Ramey to name but a few. But despite the excellent cast there is not a few blemishes, the name alone tuts namely.

Cheryl Studer is a wonderful singer with a brilliant voice and a common throat, but her lack of dramatic representation of power. You can the suffering of the young and helpless Lucia, which is in a terrible situation, not represent lifelike. In addition, the high notes all a bit dull and lackluster and they lack punch. It acts here already a little and sung the vocal weaknesses are particularly in the mad scene, the highlight of the opera, unmistakable. It is a competition in this role neither for Gruberova, nor for Sutherland or Callas. The top notes are all together matt and pale. Even though they tried very hard in this case to a dramatic representation, the spark does not jump over! Who wants to hear Studer in gloss form, had better access to their Traviata or her Tannhäuser.

Much like the Studer also Domingo seems already sung something and the sharpening in height are also undeniable. Nevertheless, he draws a very nice character portrait and deceptive in its fabulous expressiveness somewhat over vocal shortcomings of time. The other actors convince with fabulous voices and outstanding acting performance. However, this should not stop anyone from buying this CD, because it assures you that you will get goose bumps despite the little quirks. Chorus and orchestra are very good and the music is yes but what it is, namely the most beautiful opera Donizetti!