I love opera, I love Joan Sutherland and I love Cilea's Adriana Lecouvrer not just for the phenomenal music but the characters that live in the memory and the involving and heartfelt story. I found this 1984 production a pleasure. My only complaints are the odd rushed tempos on Richard Bonynge's part and John Shaw who is rather flat and woofy as Michonnet. These aside, the sets are colourful and the costumes are divine. The orchestra are superb as well, and while she is past prime Joan Sutherland is a very touching and well-vocalised Adriana particularly in one scene where she recites a monologue in a black dress with a very heartfelt acting ability and some of her more crisper diction of this time period. Anson Austin is a convincing Maurizio and Heather Begg is truly excellent. The final scene is very moving. In conclusion, I liked it a lot, despite one or two problems. 8/10 Bethany Cox
