Francis Muzzu gives a 4.5 Star Review to Lawrence Brownlee, Sarah Coburn, and Constantine Orbelian’s new recording of Bellini’s I Puritani in OperaNow:
“an excellent outing… The only point in reviving the opera is for outstanding vocalists, which we have here. Sarah Coburn leads the cast as Elvira, and her voice suits the role perfectly. She has a sweet tone, with enough vibrato to avoid being saccharine, and the technical challenges don’t seem to faze her in the slightest. Her coloratura is perfect, her phrasing immaculate, and she is not shy of an interpolated high note – and what excitingly solid ones they are! … Her Arturo is Lawrence Brownlee, and he exhibits similar attributes to Coburn, with his smooth and easy line and ability to face the challenges head on. Their voices blend deliciously. Brownlee is one of the rare breed who can not only tackle the infamous high F in Act III but make it sound part of the phrase… Constantine Orbelian conducts with great sensitivity and detail. It is an all-round idiomatic and very welcome release.”
—Francis Muzzu, OperaNow
See the full review in the September 2021 issue of OperaNow
