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An opera in three acts
Libretto by Felice Romani
Music by Bellini
It was on December 26, 1831, that Norma was performed for the first time, at La Scala, Milan, with Giuditta Pasta in the title-role. Many listeners will remember the revival of the opera at Covent Garden in 1952, when Maria Meneghini Callas and Ebe Stignani both gave memorable performances. With other distinguished singers, they will be heard in this recording.
Cast in order of singing (in Italian):
Chorus and Orchestra of Radiotelevisione Italiana. Rome
(Chorus-Master, Nino Antonellini)
CONDUCTED BY TULLIO SERAFIN
The action takes place in Gaul in Roman times.
Act 1: A sacred forest of the Druids
Philip Carr talks about some famous members of the Garrick Club whom he knew-Sir Henry Irving , Squire Bancroft , Beerbohm Tree , and others.
ACT 2
Scene 1: Norma's dwelling Scene 2: The same
A talk by John Pearson about the Espresso Cafes of London
by Colette
'The Storm'
Translated by Enid McLeod
Arranged for broadcasting and produced by Norman Wright
Act 3: The temple of Irminsul
from
'The Twilight of the Gods and other tales by Richard Garnett
Read by Carleton Hobbs
The Goldsbrough Orchestra
(Leader, Emanuel Hurwitz )
Conducted by Berthold Goldschmidt
and ' Bamboo '
Two new ballads by William Plomer Read by the author and Jill Balcon
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 played by Geza Anda (piano) on gramophone records
