Title: Earlier Callas
Product review: If there was a 'best' list of 'Norma' recordings to choose from in the Callas recorded legacy, this one would have to rate very high. The vocal 'flaws' are minimal, dealing mostly with the famous Callas nervousness and tendency to rush at the beginning of the performance, but later, the revealing passages are glorious. Vittorio Gui, the conductor, is a most sympathetic conductor and the other singers in the cast (including a very young Joan Sutherland) give fine support. Ebe Stignani, near the end of her career, brings the experience of a whole career to her performance. The greatest asset is the tenor, Mirto Picchi, a vast improvement over a couple of the Pollione's Callas was confronted with in other performances of this opera which have, unfortunately, also been recorded. Enjoyable listening for 'Norma' and Callas fans.
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