Sutherland, Bronhill Lucia ROH 1959

When Joan Sutherland scored her spectacular success as Lucia in 1959 it is forgotten that she was succeeded by another Australian soprano called June Bronhill. Bronhill didn't have the same impact as her compatriot but she was a worthy successor. 

Since then when it looked as if great Lucias grew on trees, they appear to be few and far between. Today, few have the high note at the end of the Mad Scene for a start. One marvels at the fact that Covent Garden has two (one great the other good) on their roster in those days.

Incidentally, I heard a story that on the night of Sutherland's triumph with applause contnuing entirelt through the interval between acts 2 and 3, the publsher and Covent Garden habitue Victor Gollancz was heard to say on coming down the stairs of the Crush Bar (disparagingly) 'She's just another Melba.'  Nellie Melba was yet another great Australian Lucia of course.

 

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