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| | Location: Home » Music Videos » General » Delibes - Lakme / Joan Sutherland, Huguette Tourangeau, Henri Wilden, John Pringle, Richard Bonynge, Opera Australia | January 7, 2009 |
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| Delibes - Lakme / Joan Sutherland, Huguette Tourangeau, Henri Wilden, John Pringle, Richard Bonynge, Opera Australia | 
 enlarge | Actors: Graeme Ewer, Isobel Buchanan, Clifford Grant
Studio: Kultur Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $16.31
You Save: $13.68 (46%)
Buy New/Used from $16.31
Avg. Customer Rating:  (11 reviews)
Sales Rank: 29914
Format: Classical, Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: French (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 155 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 38
UPC: 032031003897
EAN: 0032031003897
ASIN: B000FII2E8
Release Date: June 27, 2006
Theatrical Release Date: 1976
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Description
Delibes' story is set in India in the mid-19th century when the British were imposing a suppressive rule over the many religious sects. Nilakantha, the leader of one of these forbidden sects, is secretly bringing up his daughter Lakme as a priestess, to be worshipped as divine by his followers. He keeps her isolated in a temple which he has surrounded with a bamboo stockade, declaring the temple and garden to be sacred ground. "Lakme was a warm affirmation that Joan Sutherland is not only a great star, but she is a sensitive and subtle artist..." The Financial Review Featuring: Joan Sutherland, Huguette Tourangeau, Henri Wilden, The Australian Opera Chorus, The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Bonynge.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
Pure Delight December 27, 2008
First, simply to emphasize the point, the DVD version by Kultur, unlike the VHS, does have English subtitles, and, yes, they are embedded. To most non-specialist viewers the subtitles are a major plus (as Beverly Sills who introduced surtitles to America has pointed out is true of live performances); I cannot speak for those who can follow the French language of the production.
Second, ignoring comparisons with other productions or other works in which Joan Sutherland appeared, focusing only on what is to be seen and heard in the performance which I have just seen on the TV screen, I can only say that, to me, it was quite a delight, visually rich with color,and, replete with garlands of wonderful melodies,
for the most part, admirably sung.
As have some reviewers, I found the lead tenor to be without the vocal or physical stature to allow Sutherland to be seen as the young, innocent girl of her father's description. What was required was a six foot four inch tower of vocal strength. However, the other singers were adequate to the demands made upon them, if not of the highest caliber.
All in all, a fine staging of what could be a great Broadway hit, and, I should think, a production which will provide viewers with an evening of rich pleasure.
A note on comparisons: By no stretch of imagination can Joan Sutherland match the performance of Lily Pons, who owned the role for decades at the Met, in concerts and on radio. However, it is equally true that Lily Pons could not match the statuesque presence and sound of Sutherland. Two styles, two appearances, two wonderful voices, neither with the acting ability that is increasingly being demanded. Better or worse need not be the judgment of a viewer with no intention other than find pleasure in a performance; each is distinctive, both can entertain, one or both, may impress mightily or disappoint. Each of us sees and hears differently, emotionally reacts differently. Take what is your cup of tea regardless of how others may react.
Sutherland good, but the VHS has NO SUBTITLES !!!! August 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
For being just 3 months short of her 50th birthday, Sutherland sounds and looks good. Not her absolute prime, but still pretty good, except that she couldn't make the high E-flat at the end of the Bell Song, which ended up being a short squeak. She also shows up in some gorgeous gowns, almost all of which are low cut and show cleavage. I have never seen an Indian woman showing cleavage. Who did their research?
The other singers range from adequate to not quite adequate. The color and picture are good, and the sound isn't bad either. But who can watch it without subtitles? I found it difficult. In addition, the synopsis I was using was different from the one on the printed screen, and they both seemed different from what was being sung.
 Not Sutherland's best role June 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I won't comment on her supporting cast or production (other comments have covered those topics thoroughly), but I'd like to provide an alternate opinion of Dame Joan in this role. I find her sound much too covered and mature-sounding for Lakme. She really sticks out singing with Delibes' butter-smooth lyrical orchestrations. I love Dame Joan, but her singing is a bit choppy and dark. Especially Lakme's entrance prayer, but also in the entire role, I kept wishing for a brighter, lighter, and more easily-produced sound. If you're looking for a stellar cast and a singer that fits the title role like a glove, I would suggest the Dessay recording.
That said, if you've never heard Dame Joan's interpretations of the great bel canto heroines (Lucia, Lecrezia Borgia, Anna Bolena, etc.) please do, because her covered, dark sound is much better suited for those roles, and they are the roles for which she became legendary.
One last thing - don't neglect Lakme as an opera because it's not very commonly performed. It's very difficult to stage because of the voices needed for the principle roles and because of the setting, but it's a delightful opera. It is indeed very French-sounding; what beautiful music Delibes has created.
Magnifique! November 22, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Joan Sutherland is again featured in this Opewra Australia production in a role which she made her own. Having seen photos of Lily Pons in the role of Lakme one may wish for a more alluring leading lady, but the Pons voice could never hold a candle to Dame Sutherland. This is a strong cast and Delibes is a master of this peculiarly French style of music. Just be aware that you are not going to see the musical counterpart to "The Matrix." There is not a dull musical moment in the whole production, and it is imaginatively staged. One does not go to the opera for great drama, except perhaps in Wagner when you get little else. (Rumpole was right: "Wagner's music is really not as bad as it sounds.") It is not likely that you will have many chances during your lifetime to see and hear this composition.
That's singing!!! November 9, 2007
Joan Southerland gives a masterclass of singing in this opera, she is amazing. No other character sings in the same league as Joan's. Of course it is very hard to believe in Joan Southerland's character, she doesn't seems to be from India but still is very recommendable.
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