Composers: Weber
Compositions: Euryanthe
Performers: Joan Sutherland s, BBC SO/Fritz Stiedry
Catalogue Number: Nimbus NI7969 (2CD)

This 1955 BBC broadcast is an important historical document, capturing Joan Sutherland’s only essay of the title role. It’s a pity, because it’s a lovely showcase for the most winning aspects of her soprano. The limpidity of the voice, as well as its warm, feminine quality and formidable breath control, are on ample display here, and her diction is generally good. She also displays a surprising amount of dramatic intensity as Weber’s put-upon heroine, investing her scenes with real pathos and urgency – Zu ihm, zu...