Upon its release in 1958, The Gramophone reviewer praised Victoria de los Angeles's performance as Sister Angelica as "perfect, beautifully sung, infinitely touching, and free from the slightest suggestion of theatricality."
Critical Reception
Despite containing some of Puccini's most adventurous writing, Suor Angelica has not achieved the same popularity as its companion operas, Il tabarro and Gianni Schicchi.
Performer Biography
Victoria de los Angeles, the soprano singing Suor Angelica, made her formal debut in 1945 as the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro and later sang at major opera houses worldwide.
Recording & Production
This recording of Suor Angelica was made in June 1957 in the Teatro dell'Opera, Rome, and was first issued on HMV ALP 1577.
Compositional Technique
Puccini's Suor Angelica features only female voices, with all characters except Angelica's aunt being members of the convent.
Composer Biography
Puccini's older sister, Igenia, was the Mother Superior of a convent, which inspired him to visit her and capture the authentic atmosphere for Suor Angelica.
Composition History
Suor Angelica is the second of Puccini's three one-act operas, known as Il trittico, which he had long wanted to compose as a collection for a single evening's performance.
