Donizetti: L'Elisir d'Amore (1970) [Blu-ray]

“Bonynge leads a team ... which not only conveys jollity but which sings and plays as though full opera house applause is to be expected a the end of each number ... The ECO playing ... has a refinement and stylishness which makes all the difference ... Pavarotti has a Gigli -like quality in characterisation and this suits him ideally for the role of the simple, devoted Nemorino ... you should readily be won over by the sheer exuberance, vocal as well as dramatic, that Sutherland brings to the role. It is a joy to the ear to have well- loved music treated to extra vocal splendours at both ends of the soprano register.” --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.