She is one of the finest Turandots, and her In Questa Reggia does nothing to change that. Eva Marton is in her prime here, with a large rich voice and a subtle and dramatically powerful presence. It is really difficult to single out a favourite among these great singers and renditions, because there are so many that are among the greatest opera moments I have ever experienced anywhere. The Samson Et Dalila Bacchanale ballet was also outstanding. As for the conductors all of them are on great form, but for me the standouts were Leonard Bernstein, who even late in his career still managed to conduct an electrifying performance of Leonore 3, and James Levine, who is really at his peak shown perfectly in Vinci A Te. Their rendition of Son Io, Son Io La Vita is outstandingly good.
The orchestral playing is lush, powerful and poignant, and the chorus are beautifully balanced and sing with total commitment. The whole gala is beautifully shot, and you do feel a sense of warmth and heartfelt emotion in the venue. The 1983 Centennial Gala from The Met is not just an opera gala, this is something well and truly special and you'd be hard pressed to see an opera gala this grand.
An opera gala has always been a wonderful excuse to listen to your old favourites and new discoveries, and also to relish listening to the who's who of singers.
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