suon festivo
Here’s bel canto goddess Mariella Devia in fiery form for the final cabaletta from Anna Bolena earlier this month in Palermo. (Just ignore the annoying interpolated interviste.)
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I never understood why Moffo’s Verdi Arias never came out on CD. Anyway, I bought it on vinyl on Ebay and posted it all on Youtube. It’s still one of the most perfect albums I’ve ever heard.
I saw Devia’s Maria Stuarda at the movies last night. What a miracle. She was beyond sublime and beyond perfection. The final scene was unbelievable. I wish that Misses Fleming, Swenson, Nebtreko, Futral and others of that ilk would be pursuaded to watch this film. Yes they all have god-given voices but what they do with their voices is what counts. You can add up the vocal technique and artistry of *all* of these ladies and it won’t even come remotely close to the perfection of Mariella Devia. It is sad that Devia chooses not to sing so much in the United States, but her performances in Europe and Japan are truly astounding. This isn’t comparing apples and oranges. Singing in tune with the correct style, technique and artistry for bel canto are clearly achievable goals. US audiences obviously accept the work of Futral, Fleming, Swenson, et al as sufficient in the bel canto rep. This film version of Maria Stuarda shows just how completely off the mark is the work of these other sopranos — who could do so much more and so much better, but obviously have no interest in doing so.
Dear Sanford while I would favour la Price – I adored la Moffo who seemed sooo lovely as well, I’m sure she fell from the sky. How wonderful to have a partner that you could actually “go that deep with”- I just hope it wasn’t the reason for the “decree nissi” ;0)
Love the pic la Cieca- very me- very 50′s :0)
Pavel- we could start a new club and call it DROS (don’t read opera scores)
While on the subject of reading opera scores – it seems to me that not too long ago there have been some prominent singers who didn’t use scores too much, such as Pavarotti and te Kanawa(?). Are there any currently working who rely primarily on coaches and recordings?
I, personally, love reading scores. What I never liked doing was memorizing them. The dichotomy for me is that I love reading scores and I love singing the music I’ve learned, but I hate the process in between. But 30 years later, i still remember “Lydia” (Faure), Hai Gia Vinta la Causa, Avant de quitter ces leux, and lots of broadway show tunes. Ironic, isn’t it.
Ruxton, that ongoing discussion with my ex was wonderful. He was also a musician, and we entertained at my sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner; he accompanied me while I sang. What did us in was A: my immaturity (I was 19 when we met, while he was 29), and B: his inability to say those three little words. We’re still in touch, though, more than 25 years after splitting up.
I had the opposite problem Sanford- my ex’s used to drop the three little words without any difficulty.
The trouble was- over time I realised they were saying them to a few others as well! :0)
Little wonder I’ve subsequently been a very happy SWP for years now. (single with pets) – no one to bull***t me and plenty of love. I can only admire those who achieve anything more- it’s not easy.
I’m not sure I want to be married at this point in my life, but I’d sure like to be having sex.
Hehehe- yea I can understand that Sanford- I’ve got a good memory
Maybe we should start a book club to discuss “Penetrating Wagner’s Ring”