Delibes: Lakmé

What a treat to hear such beautiful music sung so well by this fabulous cast. Joan Sutherland is no youngster but sings wonderfully. The orchestra, scenery, and costumes are also terrific.

Why some of the top 100 operas and ballets have been left alone by the powers that be who produce these for DVD or Blu ray is sometimes a mystery. I have a list of these. We had to wait a long time for a visually and audibly satisfying Faust (Gounod) till this year. Wonder when they will produce a hi-def Samson et Delilah (Saint Sains) with the ballet in it, or ballets like La Boutique Fantasque (never produced for the small screen to the best of my knowledge) and/or Gaite Parisienne where one has to content oneself with a 1950s film... This applies to Lakme as well, to an extent. The video is not as grainy as one might expect, but if viewed on a 40+ inch HD TV may appear muddy. It has 'ingrained' if I may put it that way, subtitles in English. They cant be switched off... no complaints. Audio is just about as good as it can get, given the time of the recording. No complaints there either. The singing and the eye to detail - those factors make this DVD worth possessing. One is totally taken in by Joan Sutherland's voice and its clarity and absolute control - whether singing the delicate lyrical pieces that dominate most of the opera or for that matter the bel-canto portions especially in the 'Bell Aria'. The supporting cast, although overshadowed by Sutherland's reputation and singing is just about as good as it can possibly get. Absolutely everyone. The eye to detail is simply magnificent. The costumes, Indian dances and the props are as authentic as they can get (except Sutherland's own costume). The dances in the second act are fabulous. Yes, they are a slightly westernized and sanitized version of some classical Indian dances, but luckily without caricaturization of them. I hope any future versions of these don't make them look like something danced in some unrealistic exotic dance bars. The deities, the idols and the costumes are as near to the real thing and unoffensive as they can get. I have no hesitation in giving this DVD the maximum. This recording would familiarize one almost instantly with the music and approach that would be a benchmark for any future productions of this rather instantly enjoyable Opera. If the lack of hi-def bothers you, you can switch the TV off and still enjoy the sound... BUY IT.

This CD would not play. I even bought a new CD player, thinking it was the problem. Nope! It was a faulty CD. Didn't figure it out until the opportunity to return had passed! Come to think of it, let's make it zero stars minus one!!!

The wonderful scenery and crowd scenes make you realise how much modern minimalist productions miss out on. The fine cast is strengthened by the inclusion of visitors, again a reminder of the golden days when Sydney could afford to import talent from overseas, Here as well as Joan Sutherland and her husband we have Scottish soprano Isobel Buchanan and the wonderful French-Canadian mezzo, Huguette Tourangeau. Sydney always went to extra trouble to provide Joan with a production worthy of her star quality.

Very good version of good but not great opera. Picture and sound are 1976 so not impressive. Sutherland, of course, carries the opera.

First, simply to emphasize the point, the DVD version by Kultur, unlike the VHS, does have English subtitles, and, yes, they are embedded. To most non-specialist viewers the subtitles are a major plus (as Beverly Sills who introduced surtitles to America has pointed out is true of live performances); I cannot speak for those who can follow the French language of the production. Second, ignoring comparisons with other productions or other works in which Joan Sutherland appeared, focusing only on what is to be seen and heard in the performance which I have just seen on the TV screen, I can only say that, to me, it was quite a delight, visually rich with color,and, replete with garlands of wonderful melodies, for the most part, admirably sung. As have some reviewers, I found the lead tenor to be without the vocal or physical stature to allow Sutherland to be seen as the young, innocent girl of her father's description. What was required was a six foot four inch tower of vocal strength. However, the other singers were adequate to the demands made upon them, if not of the highest caliber. All in all, a fine staging of what could be a great Broadway hit, and, I should think, a production which will provide viewers with an evening of rich pleasure. A note on comparisons: By no stretch of imagination can Joan Sutherland match the performance of Lily Pons, who owned the role for decades at the Met, in concerts and on radio. However, it is equally true that Lily Pons could not match the statuesque presence and sound of Sutherland. Two styles, two appearances, two wonderful voices, neither with the acting ability that is increasingly being demanded. Better or worse need not be the judgment of a viewer with no intention other than find pleasure in a performance; each is distinctive, both can entertain, one or both, may impress mightily or disappoint. Each of us sees and hears differently, emotionally reacts differently. Take what is your cup of tea regardless of how others may react.

The Fates brought Dame Sutherland and Lakme before me when I was 18, a budding soprano myself. The music and the performances became a part of me and though I do appreciate other performances (Mady Mesple is exquisite) Sutherland and Clifford Grant always replay in my mind and heart.

Another historical piece (1976)documenting Sutherland's career, with the added bonus of a Tourangeau performance. This much neglected and maligned mezzo had a truly magnificent voice, but was never able to leave Sutherland's sphere of influence. Exquisite production. The tenor sucks, but anything with Sutherland is worth the price of admission.We do not even have to mention the oonductor, do we . . .?