Joan Sutherland: The Authorized Biography

by Norma Major

A revised biography of the soprano Joan Sutherland. The possessor of the voice that has thrilled millions was first trained in her birthplace Sydney, Australia and after struggles and disappointments at the Royal College of Music, London, was dramatically transformed into an outstanding operatic phenomenon. It was the crucial role of Richard Bonynge, Joan Sutherland's husband and a distinguished musician in his own right, that steered her towards the coloratura roles that have made her so famous. Norma Major's book is full of insights into the colourful, competitive world of opera, and the particular exigencies of her subject's voice and personality. She also emphasises the key roles in Joan Sutherland's development, such as Lucia di Lammermoor, whether sung at Covent Garden, the Met, the Sydney Opera House or at one of the numerous other locations where the diva has been acclaimed. Of special interest is the catalogue of performances, which provides a previously unpublished documentary record of Joan Sutherland's career, spanning over thirty years, and the complete discography. Norma Major researched this book with Joan Sutherland's co-operation for ten years, and it is a thorough and revealing record of a truly dazzling Dame Joan Sutherland - La Stupenda.

Hardcover

First published June 20, 2013

Reviews

[Sabbath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joan Sutherland nu a fost doar o voce — a fost o forță. Citind despre viața ei, am simțit că mă apropii de o epocă în care arta era mai mult decât spectacol: era destin. De la debutul timid în Sydney până la triumful internațional cu „Lucia di Lammermoor”, parcursul ei e o lecție despre disciplină, viziune și curaj.
M-a impresionat relația cu Richard Bonynge, soțul și mentorul ei, care a văzut în ea ceea ce lumea încă nu descoperise: o regină a coloraturii. Împreună au rescris istoria operei, cu eleganță și rigoare.
Dincolo de aplauze, de costume și de scenele grandioase, rămâne imaginea unei femei care și-a păstrat integritatea artistică și umană.
Ce înseamnă să fii „incomparabilă”? Poate să nu te compari cu nimeni, nici măcar cu tine.

[Faatz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not a biography. It gives only the scantest of personal details of Ms. Sutherland's life and relationships. It is mostly what she sang (lots of "Norma"s, "Traviata"s obscure Bellini and a few other works and a summary of reviews. What little of Ms. Sutherland's life that is revealed paints her as a down-to-Earth, good-natured lady. I gave up after reading half of it.