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Joan Sutherland's performance in the role of Lucia was one of the essential operatic experiences of the 20th century. It was a revelation and (linked with the simultaneous but totally different approach of Maria Callas) it launched a revolution: the all-out revival of the long-neglected bel canto repertoire. Sutherland was a phenomenon more for the ear than for the eye. Her primary quality was the amazing agility and tonal richness of her high notes. She had no special acting skills, she did not look like Donizetti's fragile, oppressed heroine, and by the time this video production was recorded in 1986, her voice had lost some of freshness heard in audio recordings from 20 years earlier. But start watching this electrifying performance and none of that matters very much. It was still an extraordinary voice, in a role she had made completely her own, and watching her perform you are watching operatic history unfold. Australians were rightly proud of the international acclaim won by this native artist, and when she came home to sing her signature role, they put together a first-class production, conducted by her husband and vocal coach, Richard Bonynge. It is a high-energy performance, more commendable for vigor than for polish but worth attention on all counts. Sutherland is clearly the focus of attention and the reason for this recording's existence, but she is presented in good company. --Joe McLellan
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