Delos DE 3537 (3)
Opera News
November 2021
Roger Pines
Critics Choice
This new Puritani is made memorable by its leading man, Lawrence Brownlee, whose singing sets a new standard. The glorious, consistently golden-toned ease of the American tenor's vocalism is already obvious in his first ascent to the high A in "A te, o cara." Throughout the role, his negotiation of the most treacherously high passages proves impressive, surpassing even the legendary artists preceding him in studio Puritanis. His musicality enables him to integrate the topmost notes (including the infamous high F) into the line, rather than having them draw undue attention. Stage experience pays constant dividends in this thoroughly committed portrayal, bold and passionate yet never straying beyond the confines of elegant Bellini style. It's also gratifying to hear how gallantly Brownlee partners Sarah Coburn's Elvira in the Act III duet, sung in its original key and reaching its climax in a secure high D from both singers.
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