The Beautiful Voice(s)
Starting tonight on “Unnatural Acts of Opera,” something of a departure, in more ways that one. To begin with, it’s La Cieca’s first snippet show, featuring individual scenes and arias instead of the more familiar whole acts. The other strange part about this show is that it features the type of singer La Cieca doesn’t rant about all that much, i.e., the “Stimmdiva.” So it’s a whole show of voluptuous vocalism, featuring sopranos Ghena Dimitrova and Alessandra Marc in selections from Verdi, Puccini, Strauss, Ponchielli, Barber and more! Unnatural Acts of Opera.
La Cieca – I want to thank you for such an immensely enjoyable Podcast. Dimitrova is one of my FAVORITE singers EVER! and my what a singer she was! I was so excited when you announced the excerpt of her singing Attila, although I’ll be honest, I was truly hoping it would be the first aria “Santo di patria” because I have yet to discover a recording of her singing this monstrous aria (nor of her singing Lady Macbeth – both roles which she did sing often enough). The second aria is quite beautiful and still a wonderful representation of this woman’s amazing abilities. Do you know of a recording of the first aria with her?
ITDCS, I share your liking for “Santo di patria.” I assume you’ve heard the studio recording of the entire opera with Christina Deutekom.
I’m fearful of some slings and arrows for this, but does Miss Marc remind anyone else of a larger voiced Studer?
I have her ‘Elektra’ and I like it more than most reviewers did; but I didn’t like this Helena scene as much as I thought I would.
Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Leontyne, but Marc sure took a lot of breaths during that last big phrase.
I still remember the first time I heard a live recording of young Price singing that thing- I staggered around in a incoherent daze for hours. Talk about stimm.
Il Tenore di Coloratura Superba,
The Interpolator has posted a commentary in the “Breaking News: Millo” forum. After reading it, you will understand why the Interpolator has no time IMMEDIATELY to post replies here and below, desperate wishes to the contrary. Yet they shall soon come, and in the meantime: the post in the Millo forum may set you to talking.
Regards and kisses,
The Interpolator
ITDG – Cristina Deutekom is to me, one of the greatest voices ever to be heard. Yes, she does some funky things – people need to get over it – all singers do SOMETHING funky one way or another. I have not only heard the studio recording, but I have heard several live performances of hers. She is astounding – I am thankful to have a rather large collection of her recordings given their rarity.
Meretrice, I don’t know if I can agree with you on that, Marc far surpasses Studer in so many ways as a singer…but I will agree there really is nothing like Leontyne in the ‘Zweite brauchnacht’ (sp?).
Marc reminds me a little of Studer in vocal color, that’s all.
I would imagine that singing the ‘light’ Wagner roles would not lead Ms. Marc to vocal issues.
I did like Ms. Marc’s Recognition Scene in her ‘Elektra’ recording. She may not have the kunst of Varnay, but it has to be one of the most voluptuously sung. If the tone were any more seductive, a whole new layer of ickiness would be added to an already psycho Greek tragedy.