over the years norman's technical expertise was among her most critically praised attributes. in a review of one of her recitals at carnegie hall, "the new york times" contributor allen hughes wrote that norman "has one of the most opulent voices before the public today, and, as discriminating listeners are aware, her performances are backed by extraordinary preparation, both musical and otherwise." bernard holland wrote in the same paper after a recital at alice tully hall that she "carefully gauged her seemingly limitless resources to fit the changing textures of her material".