Puccini: Turandot [Box set]

When you look at the line up you would think that this was a gala of famous put together when they were at the end of their careers. But then check out the date it was recorded in 1972. This is a before they famous and at their very best. This is before the three tenors and at the time only Joan Sutherland had a world renowned reputation. Better known for her magnificent performances of Donizetti this recording shows that reputation was well deserved. She can turn her voice magnificently to the king of opera. Pavarotti was at his very best, a lot lighter and before his reputation spoiled him, it has the best version of Nessun dorma Luciano ever committed to disc. Montserrat Caballé is magnificent. Her beautiful performance of Liu is a real steal. For those who have managed to see good production Liu often provides an opportunity for a good young singer to shine. In this version we see the best example of this.

The quality is excellent and when you listen to this you will understand why they all went on to be famous. Be proud it was recorded in London with the Wandsworth School Boys' Choir . Mehta brings the whole ensemble brilliantly together. Do not be tempted into other versions, the shorter highlights are good but why go for the second best when you can have the best. Do not buy other version featuring Pavarotti. This recording will be still around in 100 years as the best recording of this great Puccini opera ever done. In case you are wondering the fat lady sings and lives in this one.

The opera tells the story of a princess named Turandot, who requires that all her suitors answer three riddles if they wish to be married to her. All the suitors fail and each is killed. Prince Calaf sees the lovely Turandot, and immediately falls in love with her. This is against the wishes of his elderly father Timur and his father’s caretaker Liu, as well as the entire community. Calaf is in love and will not hear of their objections. He is able to answer her three riddles which shocks Turandot. She still wants him beheaded, but her father tells her she cannot go against her word. Calaf makes a deal with her. He will release her from her promise if she can guess his name. She tries to learn his name and kills Liu, the one who secretly loves Calaf in the process. Calaf decides to reject Turandot because of this, but she repents of her ways, and in the end true love reigns supreme.

There are many excellent recordings of this opera with greats such as Jussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras playing the role of Calaf. Each interprets the role differently, but I believe the Pavarotti recording under the baton of Zubin Mehta with Joan Sutherland as Turandot is remarkable. Perhaps the reason for this is due to the fact that Pavarotti has used Nessun Dorma, the famous aria from Act III as his signature piece, but the recoding has many more merits than this one aria. Sutherland is powerful as the love starved and heartless Turandot. Pavarotti’s magnificent voice handles the twists and turns of his role as well. As Liu Montserrat Caballe is sweet and convincing. Nicolai Ghiaurov gives the role of Timur a sad and heartbroken tone which the character of Calaf’s father Timur should have since his entire world is caving in around him. The power of the score dramatically unfolds with Mehta’s conducting. A grand musical spectacle unfolds when listening to this great recording. Another notable person in this recording is tenor Peter Pears who plays the role of Altoum. It is difficult to imagine such a tremendous cast on a present day recording. Fortunately is has been recorded to last for years to come.