Title: Gaetano Donizetti: "Love Potion"
Original title: Gaetano Donizetti: L'Elisir d'Amore
Release year: 1970
Genre: opera
Conductor: Richard Bonynge
Cast: Joan Sutherland, soprano (Adina), Luciano Pavarotti, tenor (Nemorino), Dominic Cossa, baritone (Belcore), Spiro Malas, bass (Dulcamara), Maria Casula, mezzo-soprano (Giannetta), Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra

Description:

"Bonynge leads a team ... which is not only conveys jollity but which sings and plays as though the full opera house applause is to be expected in the end of each number ... The ECO playing ... has a refinement and stylishness All the difference ... Pavarotti has a Gigli-like quality in characterization and this suits him ideally for the sake of the role of the simple, dedicated Nemorino ... you should be won over the sheer exuberance, vocal as well as dramatic, that Sutherland brings to the role. It is a joy to have a well-loved music. "--Gramophone

"Sutherland makes Adina a more substantial figure than usual, full-throatedly serious at times, at others jolly ... What helps to make this recording so special, apart from the superb ensemble work - often very exciting - is the inclusion of the addition Written for Malibran ['Nel dolce incanto']. "--The Penguin Guide

Recorded at Kingsway Hall, London, January and June 1970.


Issued: United States | Decca
Duration: 2:20:20