[MAS]

I’ve never thought much of Mead, even though she was praised to the skies by Will Crutchfield, who conducted her first Norma. The most I can say about her is that her diction is better than Sutherland’s (no surprise there).

In every other aspect, Joan is leagues ahead of her. Even the orchestra sounds fantastic compared to Meade’s. Sutherland blows all,other contestants out of les ondes.

 

[MAS]

I would love to hear Meade sing this as she is really good and maybe the best around today to sing it, but I would have LOVED to have heard Sutherland sing this. I know Meade has the size voice you need to do this aria with a huge orchestra. Sutherland is probably the best to sing it since it's premier.

A premier is a political figure (like a Prime Minister). The first night of a new play, or an opera is a première.