The Rysanek reel
Leonie Rysanek in film clips spanning 35 years of her career: Die Aegyptische Helena, Der Fliegende Hollaender, Die Walkuere, Salome, Tosca, Der Rosenkavalier, Die Frau ohne Schatten, Cavalleria Rusticana, Parsifal, Elektra, and Jenufa. More video.
The only time I saw La Rysanek was when she stepped onstage at an open air concert in Sydney as a suprise guest about 20 years ago. I can’t remember the aria she sang, perhaps because I was so stunned at the size and quality of the voice- but it was awesomely wonderful.
In the recording department, I can heartily recommend her Lady Macbeth with Leonard Warren – its a treat!
Thank you again Mme la Cieca – you make my day every day of the week as do all the other contributors.
With regard to Rennay, Bartolli, Terfell and others (ok I stop short of Boccelli
) although I get a great laugh out of the acid drops that sometimes festoon these columns, and while I can only admire the knowledge of the contributors, I can only say two things.
One- count yourself lucky that you can see these artists in the flesh to bitch about them -wish I could.
Secondly, I sometimes wonder if a little knowledge really isn’t such a good thing? Perhaps my lesser knowledge allows me the luxury of absolutely loving and admiring a great deal of their work. Sure, Cecilia’s rubber faces can be distracting for some, but frankly she could pull her lips over her head for all I care – if that’s what it takes to produce that sound and technical brilliance – go for it gal and I’ll go on just quietly hoping that one day soon, some ol Pepe le Pew hairdresser will finally do something with that HAIR!!!
Luv ya’s all!
i wonder how cecilia slips into every blog section. has she become a bloggervirus … once the word is spread it ‘infects’ every entry?
as to queen of the night (straying once more from the divine leonie). on records none is better than edda moser, as she sounds manic and its a voice that has a certain depth to it! at least in my humble view!!!
So, daniel, with QotN do you like best, Cheryl or Querida’s? Please provide evidence or something else that convinces.
I meant: So, daniel, WHICH QotN do you like best, Cheryl or Querida’s? Please provide evidence or something else that convinces.
Hehe ok – if this is a test to my credentials
you’ll have to excuse me admitting to a long abiding adoration for the late great Lucia Popp as my favourite Q of the Night.
I haven’t heard the other ladies “do it” but please feel free to enlighten me. ;0)
Personally, I’ve always great admiration for Gruberova’s QotN. Though, the funnest to listen to is Deutekom, just because there is some serious technical fiddling going on in the runs. She sounds halfway between an oboe and singing under water. I wish I had seen her live so that I knew what she did physically (aside from the constant and obvious glotal stop) to create that sound.
I’ve also seen Natalie Dessay’s QotN several time, and althouhg it does not have the size some may wish, her technical accuracy and vibrant acting convinced me 100%.
How about RYSANEK as the Queen of the Night?!?!?
Now that would have been AMAZING!!!
Frankly, I wouldn’t have cared if she didn’t have the high F’s… she would have given every ounce of her voice to try to get them out!