Decca's 1972 recording of Turandot features an all-star cast led by
Joan Sutherland and
Luciano Pavarotti. Turandot doesn't seem like the most natural role for
Sutherland and she never sang it on-stage, but she adapts to its requirements with panache, delivering a performance with an impressive dramatic range and dazzling vocal mastery.
Pavarotti was close to the height of his powers when he made the recording and he sings with his characteristic passion and warmth.
Montserrat Caballé, who had also sung the title role, is fabulous as Liù, creating a vivid characterization and singing with exceptional purity. The
London Philharmonic Orchestra plays the score with sparkle and spirit, and
Zubin Mehta captures the Romantic sweep and the colorful strangeness of the opera.