V0270. IRENE JORDAN:  Irene Jordan – Dramatic Coloratura Soprano, incl. Songs by Rachmaninoff, Strauss, Liszt, Kjerulf & Hindemith; Arias from L’Enfant Prodigue, I Puritani, Hamlet, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Euryanthe, Il Trovatore & Exsultate Jubilate, K.165. RJC 9901, Live Performances, 1953-69.  [Our beloved Irene Jordan passed away peacefully at age 97, 13 May, 2016.] Superlative sound!

CRITIC REVIEW:

"…a mezzo-soprano-colored voice knocking off high notes and ornamentation with confidence….In addition to her technical finesse, [Jordan] shapes the music sensitively. I was around during the 50s and 60s and, while it really was a comparatively rich period for voices, I remember nothing resembling her until Joan Sutherland showed up….Why someone who could sing like this pretty much escaped the limelight, I can’t say….this CD is worth investigating….You will find her, I am sure, an interesting and puzzling discovery.”

- James Miller, FANFARE, Jan./Feb., 2000