That Decca produced such a loving and thorough anthology as The Art of Joan Sutherland in the lean times of 2004 is a testament to
Joan Sutherland's artistic stature and commercial success. She is among the elite few opera stars to have enjoyed both in equal measure, and whose discographies have remained available for many years without interruption. Indeed,
Sutherland was among the greatest singers of her time. The doleful beauty of her voice could express extremes of both tragedy and sublimity, and her high notes were virtually unmatched for their clarity and brilliance -- qualities that made her an ideal interpreter of bel canto music, the music on which her fame rests. The Art of Joan Sutherland covers that bel canto territory (
Bellini,
Donizetti,
Verdi, etc.) well, but what sets it apart from other
Sutherland collections is how thoroughly it covers the other aspects of her recording career: the six volumes include everything from Handelian opera and oratorio,
Wagner,
Mozart, Grand opera, and French art song, some of it never before released on CD. The upshot is a far more extensive and far-reaching tribute to
Sutherland's singing than has yet been offered. For that reason alone,
Sutherland devotees will find this a valuable collection, and an ear-opening experience. Those looking for a greatest-hits collection, however -- something more tightly focused on the music bearing
Sutherland's unique stamp of excellence -- might do better with a smaller collection of arias.