Zinka Milanov's Norma (1944)

00:00 Casta Diva...Ah bello a me ritorna
10:10 Mira Norma
Norma...................Zinka Milanov
Adalgisa................Jennie Tourel

"Casta Diva" Well Sung

"Casta diva" remains one of the finest inspirations of all opera. Mme. Milanov sang the aria very well last night, smoothly and sympathetically in the half voice. But the succeeding allegro, with its taxing bravura, had little of the traditional sparkle and elan. Mme. Milanov sang simplified cadenzas and there was some generous cutting. Though she dealt conscientiously with florid phrases, the results betrayed the labor of her efforts. Her treatment of the final scene was more consistently praiseworthy than all that had preceded it. It had vocal worth and dramatic illusion.