parterre box

37 comments

• Krunoslav says:

  “Could she follow the example of, say, a Miricioiu perhaps?”

  How about Nina Hagen?

  on August 24, 2009 at 11:18 PM
• Arianna a Nasso says:

  Yes, Krunoslav, may Deshorties have as long and successful a career as Nina Hagen!

  on August 24, 2009 at 11:29 PM
• operablogger says:

  As a Meyerbeer fan from “way back” (I have FOUR different recordings of “Robert le Diable” on CD + one on DVD), I’m pleased that you have included a clip from one of my all-time favorite operas. I must stand in defense of Gounod in respect to one of his operas, anyway — his first. I have a CD of “Sapho” on Rodolphe that features an absolutely delightful Alain Vanzo.

  on August 24, 2009 at 11:33 PM
• Gualtier M says:

  I too saw this performance live and this was a thrilling moment. Deshorties is a striking woman with a striking voice. However, she has a beautiful body and looks like a gawky scarecrow onstage. She has a fine voice but it turns to spiky metal whenever pressure is on it. You simply couldn’t relax and enjoy her – every now and then a really raw, edgy note would pop out of the line. The thing that was sad is that her French was gorgeous, she sang “Parmi les pleurs” with stunning musicianship and style and she has the range. But the minute she has to get high or loud – fuhgeddabowdit. A friend described her appearance and manner as Jamie Lee Curtis on crack.

  The tenor deserves a medal for singing everything including a killer final scena in Act V that vied with “A si ben mio…Di Quella Pira” and “Asile hereditaire…O mes amis, secondez mon vengeance” for stamina and difficulty. He just lacked heroic ping for the heavier moments. He also was a gorgeous French stylist with beautiful “voix mixte” high notes – shown off in this duet. The martial stuff was underpowered and the tone got bleaty and pressed occasionally. He would make a terrific Nadir, Faust and Gerald in “Lakme” – a real find.

  on August 24, 2009 at 11:45 PM
• louannd says:

  Great clip. He is a breath of fresh air time. Thank you!

  on August 25, 2009 at 1:50 AM
• Cocky Kurwenal says:

  Operablogger @ #23 – That’s not the Sapho with Milla Andrew, is it? I really want to hear that, some time.

  Maury, thank you for filling me in on the history. I think she sounds pretty cool here, but it doesn’t sound like Costanze would have worked at all. How unfortunate, but hopefully it won’t continue to count against her.

  on August 25, 2009 at 5:53 AM
• Buster says:

  Cocky – is not that the Massenet Sapho? I am so happy with my Renee Doria record of that which I found thanks to a kind poster here:

  http://www.malibran.com/

  on August 25, 2009 at 6:16 AM
• MontyNostry says:

  Cocky, don’t mention Milla Andrew — just in case Vicar John is watching …

  on August 25, 2009 at 6:41 AM
• Cocky Kurwenal says:

  Buster, you’re quite right, my apologies.

  Monty, daughter of the Empire and all that – I didn’t think!

  on August 25, 2009 at 6:44 AM
• Krunoslav says:

  Arianna a Nasso says:

  “Yes, Krunoslav, may Deshorties have as long and successful a career as Nina Hagen!”

  Fabulous, as long as it’s a) in rock music, and b) in Germany.

  on August 25, 2009 at 7:23 AM