Norma comparo!

Giulia Grisi as Norma

You all know me as a bel canto bear in a verismo (or worse, post-romantic!) world.  I can't get enough of the bel canto masters, and some operas in particular.  This post began as a search for images of the Caballe relaxed and low jaw I especially hope to emulate as I sing.  (Yes, I'm still taking lessons at 50. Maybe one day I'll be good enough for people to hear me.)
























So I can't resist sharing this bit of Norma-philia.  It's Montserrat Caballe and Tatiana Troyano in 1977 at La Scala, under Sr. Gavazzini:

This is from the recent, puzzling CD release by Cecilia Bartoli, with the lady herself as Norma and Sumi Jo as Adalgisa:

One of my favorite videos from the popular variety shows of the late 1960s and early 1970s.  This is from 1970, and I don't have to tell you who, but no other credit is given on YouTube:

This is what we are told are shining examples from our own age.  I with hold judgement on this statement:

More for historic interest than real charm--which is unusual for the two principals.

This is fascinating on so many levels!  Marilyn Horne and Leontyne Price, 1982.

...and because you can't do a Norma post without Callas:

There are quite a few i spared you.  You may thank me at your leisure.