Ellada Chakoyan - Bellini: NORMA, Casta Diva, New York 1989, High D

THE SONGBIRD: Ellada Chakoyan is an Armenian dramatic coloratura soprano. (Her name is also spelled Ellada Chakhoyan, but I'm using the spelling from the actual program of her New York recital debut where she sang this “Casta diva”). She initially studied piano at the music conservatory in Armenia, but after switching her focus to voice, she won first prize in the Glinka Opera Singers Competition in Moscow and second prize in the 1981 Maria Callas competition. In addition to many appearances across Russia's top venues, Chakoyan sang in opera and recital across Europe, South America, and the United States with roles including Gilda, Violetta, Lucia, Rosina, Norma, Queen of the Night, Mimi, and Tatiana. Her Queen of Shemakha in an Armenian production was released commercially as a DVD.

THE MUSIC: Bellini's "Norma" is in the bedrock of the bel canto repertoire. It premiered at La Scala in 1831. Apparently, the opening night was not a success, but the opera grew in popularity throughout the world and has held the stage ever since. Even Richard Wagner admired it and conducted a production in 1837. The title role, written for Giuditta Pasta, is legendary for being extremely challenging both musically and emotionally -- and for being one of the longest. Norma's opening scene alone requires over 15 minutes of exposed solo singing, calling for every tool in the soprano's arsenal from the bold declamatory recitative "Sediziose voci" to the soaring, elegant prayer "Casta diva" to the florid cabaletta "Ah! bello a me ritorna." Chakoyan does not sing the opening recitative, which is commonly cut in recitals; however, she does sing the repeat in the cabaletta and interpolates a High D6 in the cadence before it begins.