Gruberova begins her line with a soft piano before crescendoing to a forte sound that she eventually diminuendos. That expressive quality is also displayed in her duet with Mateo Manguerra “Soffriva nel pianto.” Without the use of vocal fireworks, Gruberova is able to use her lyrical qualities to express the suffering of her character. Her “Spargi d’Amaro” may be a display of coloratura antics but Gruberova converts each coloratura into a lament with each of her dynamic changes or rapid-fire trills. She is an artist who produces an expressive quality like no other and in this early interpretation of the role, one could hear the suffering of her Lucia. But Gruberova was never one to sing for the sake of singing. Her final E Flat in the first part of the scene rings with clarity and with a sort of desperation. Each note rings and imitates the flute accompaniment to perfection, while her thrills are a work of virtuoso power. Her stratospheric cadenza is another wonder as she floats the notes with ease and the coloratura line is flawless. While the technique is not as crisp or perfect and the diction suffers a little, Gruberova’s renditions shows glimpses of what was to come and for those seeking incredible high notes, here was a soprano who could easily hold out a High C#, D, and E Flat at seemingly any moment.įor one, her Mad Scene transfixes with her use of pianissimos and flawless crescendos.
Orfeo has done a wonderful job in its remastering as the quality of the recording is impeccable and one can hear the expressive qualities of each voice, especially Gruberova’s interpretation. This year Orfeo has released a fourth recording, which comes from a live performance in 1978 from the Vienna State Opera and one that should be a solid addition to all Bel canto lovers and Gruberova lovers’ collections. Throughout the years three commercial recordings have been released documenting her evolution in the role. Her interpretations are considered definitive versions and in the case of “Lucia di Lammermoor,” it is one of the quintessential interpretations of her generation. Throughout the years Edita Gruberova has been recognized as one of the leading Bel canto interpreters of her generation and in the opera world.
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