The Three Queens (Live)

“… Frizza generates vivd playing from the Orchestra of LOC and the supporting roles are effectively cast. The recorded sound is full and resonant, with applause retained, which certainly enhances the atmosphere of what must have been an exciting evening in the theatre.”

“Pentatone's discs records a stupendous live event, Sondra Radvanovsky captured in terrific form in three major Donizetti roles… Radvanovsky is well supported by chorus and orchestra. Riccardo Frizza takes quite a traditional, perhaps old-fashioned, view of the music. You should not look for historically informed, or small scale, this is grand opera. The recording quality has that vivid element that comes from being live, and we can really appreciate the way Radvanovsky's heroines live in the moment. The drawback however is a bit of stage noise, and a couple of rather clunky edits between scenes. But, applause at the end of scenes apart, the audience is admirably absent. We don't hear enough of Radvanovsky in the UK, and this set is a way to catch up and to take in some Donizetti highlights. There is something of the guilty pleasure about it, with three juicy concluding scenes without some of the rum-ti-tum bits which proceed them.” ****

“… Radvanovsky is excellent at portraying the three queens and expressing the vulnerability as well as the pain in her voice. She is also vocally convincing with subtle phrasing, a perfectly measured play of color, and, with incisive depth and secure high notes, she demonstrates a very good command of her vocal instrument. Conductor Riccardo Frizza leads the Lyric Opera orchestra with a sure hand.” ****