Saturday, May 1, 2010

Youtube Singers #19/#20

#19... Jose Carreras singing Una furtiva lagrima from D'Elisir D'Amore by Donizetti...

This presentation truly defined Carreras as a master of the vocal line. His voice demonstrated a total understanding of the text and the mood of the aria. His interpretation was more reflective than rejoicing and in my opinion matched well with the opening line (a furtive tear in her eyes burst forth). His use of legato singing and dynamic contrast were in perfect harmony with the nuances of the Italian language. The sense of drama and the resulting passion inherent in the piece were reflected in the way that he bridged registers and sang perfectly controlled high notes. Although not having the strength of other singers I've listened to, his warmth and interpretation more than make up for it. His facial expression and posture complimented the music and didn't get in the way. A stunning presentation.

#20... I thought I'd take a look at a performance by Ms. Beverly Sills, since I haven't listened to her yet.. This performance of Vilja was absolutely fantastic! The woman obviously loves what she does and you cannot help but be mesmerized with her presentation. Her tone is stunning, her stage presence is impeccable, and the ability to make a consistent sound from top to bottom is impressive. The shift between registers is uninterrupted. If you closed your eyes and imagined what she might be doing, you would not be surprised when viewing her. The knows how to make music and move people in the process. The vibrato is pretty full, but I hear it on most notes, so perhaps it's healthy to state she has a supported tone, and that's the cause of the vibrato?

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