Tannhauser: 'Dich, Teure halle' - Deborah Voigt

[glpb24]

deborah is the only woman that 20 years after looks 20 years younger!

[tneprescintr]

Oh, she looks like having the most fun... that's outstanding!

[dougbalt]

She is just utterly fabulous in Wagner roles!!!  She's relatively thin now, post surgery, but even at this point I just love her to death. If the human voice is arguably reflective of how beautiful a woman is on the inside, she's a supermodel in my book!

[ciociosan]

I died and went to heaven after hearing this.

BRAVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII­IIIIIIIIIII!

[jd7x7jd]

radiant! :)

[LAPOUGEODE19]

Une grande et belle voix

[blktenor]

Very pretty!

[dwayneparkerUSA]

WONDERFUL .. her tone was soaring and breathtaking. It's good to see a soprano hitting these Wagnerian high notes with such security.

Wagner is tough to sing because the phrases are loooooong and at the end of the phrase there's no energy left to hit the high notes ....

But Ms. Voigt has done this wonderfully!

Brava!

[oldladycliff]

bravo! I just saw Ms. Voigt in La Fanciulla del west at the Met Live HD 2011, Jan 8

Even more beautiful today

[Babs22h]

her "sei" at 3:07 is epic! the way she ennunicates that word...it has such dramatic power...LOVE IT!

[jorgepda]

absolutely spectacular. a flawless performance.

[Babs22h]

love her german! 

[WINKYDEPASQUALE]

Now that she is thin she will never sound as magnificient as this. People make believe that she sounds the same, or almost the same, but that is not true. There are glimpses of her former great vocal heft, but it can never be the same as it was.

She is sadly miscast as the next Brunhilde at the MET as the MET continues to sell tickets on the sham of the reputation of her past vocal magnificence which is no longer true today. She obviously isn't singing Wagner anywhere else in the world today!!

[nyxB]

@WINKYDEPASQUALE I don't know, maybe my ignorance will not allow me to say if she sang better then or if she sings worse now. I would only like to point out that this happened 15 years ago, and supposing that she was a better singer then, please don't attribute the change in her vocal skills to her loss of weight. The belief that fat singers are better or sing better is a myth, and nothing more.

[MariaCaIIas]

@nyxB Belief of fat connected with good singing is not completely unsustained! Weight around the waist does help for a relaxed push of the air with moderate need of muscle use, thus producing a seemingly unforced sound.

That does not mean that singers trained to use pure but relaxed muscle cannot have the same or better results (eg. the enormous sound of G.Jones)

However starting as a singer who has grown accustomed to the extra weight-push and changing into a muscle driven mechanism is tricky!

[Dymension]

@nyxB Loss of weight, especially very sudden loss, has contributed to the decline of many singers, including Maria Callas' vocal demise. The problem is that singing is very driven by abdominal muscles. Losing the weight changes the balance a singer has learned to maintain. Additionally, in the case of those who have done gastric by-pass surgery have had invasive surgery, not good for singing, which basically starves them leaving them without the necessary energy.

[mariasarda]

Belle voix ! elle a l'air si sympa, en plus, pas comme l'autre tordue de Gheorghiu !

[jorgepda]

absolutely stunning.

[ChuckNYC71]

Stunning!

[spinto12]

Jessye Norman is a Falcon soprano...a voice that naturally has a combination of qualities/timbre of a soprano and mezzo. Falcons are a type of dramatic soprano.

[Babs22h]

@spinto12 wikipedia?

:-)

[spinto12]

@Babs22h lol no actually i'm just a lover of the human singing voice, particularly sopranos, specifically large, powerful, robust voices. as a result i've studied academically as well as personally and make every effort to be as precise and accurate as possible when speaking of/on vocal fachs. there's alot of misinformation going around ya know. : )

[queenslanddiva]

Gorgeous singing. I love this aria and have sung it myself, but not like this I will admit. What a woman.

[Notthreemonths]

fantastic

[chu10rro]

I agree with those who miss the power that her voice had before the surgery. She seems to have lost volume, however the beautiful tone is still there. And still a pleasure to listen to.

[Babs22h]

its amazing to me that she is in the same vocal category as jessye norman... there voices seem so different to... her voices almost has a lyric quality and her top is certianly more secure sounding than Normans. while Normans voiceseems to have darker timbre and seems much bigger than Voigt's voice...

[leonardovittori1]

@Babs22h Actually they were never in the same category... Norman was momentarilhy a soprano.. and mostly a mezzo... voigt on the other hand is truly a dramatic soprano.. and has always had the top , that is associated with a soprano voice.. I like Norman, she was not a soprano for long..

[shmajent]

I love this aria, and this is a good recording of it. Simple as that! 2:39 onward is musically gripping for me... Just listen to the string section... Great....

[yaletenor]

what year was this???

[gtelloz]

1996

[HPetrova]

I love her voice when she was at this weight.

[kaleonani77]

me too!!! I love her!

[Macecil]

De que año es este concierto ? gracias

[bsr123456]

If anyone can show me a high B natural that sounds better than Deberah Voigt's in this video I would be very surprised. Please post the link... :-)

[isabelle070209]

Quand on voit la Brunnhilde qu'elle fait on voit bien que Brunnhilde est un rôle de Soprano.

[fludu1]

her dicition is perfect here! Wow! BRAVA

[Bigman240]

The good old days!!! What a voice...what legato!!!! Brava!!!

[Lindow]

Actually it means 'You treasured hall'.

[RVP57]

I much prefer Big Debbie to Post-Op Depressing Debbie.

[FoggyRoad81]

I know...there's something a little bit sad about her whole..aura now isn't there? A TRUE diva, in the Price, Callas, Nilsson tradition would *never* have performed with Covent Garden again. Ever. Dismiss the *greatest* Ariadne of her generation post-Jessye because she can't fit into a cocktail dress. But she went back to them...it hurts to see.

[TheTetrazzinifan]

She just nails that high B natural - like wow!!!!! :-)

[drbarbarabaker]

Thou dear hall, consider yourself greeted.

It's sung when spaces open up after remodeling, like Carnegie Hall, SF opera. The character actually sings to the room.

[FlyingElephant20]

Great!

[DivaDeb1234]

You , beautiful room?

[xpressbooks]

The New York Met - which has never yet managed to do Wagner properly.

[Glenmed]

Magnificent! Brava!

[miguelborrallo]

With Levine? Metropolitan Opera House... :)

She was just gorgeous!!

[LaFeeVerte1209]

I'm going to see her as Tosca soon, cannot wait!

[Babs22h]

freakin lucky..where is she singing it?

[LaFeeVerte1209]

Covent Garden, I'm not sure when the run starts but I'm going on the 18th of July.

[tiernan87]

she's singing Tosca at the Lyric in Chicago sometime....either this fall or early '10. i'm going to see the production.

[LaFeeVerte1209]

SO disappointed, she's had to pull out of Tosca due to illness :(

At least I'll still have Bryn Terfel as Scarpia.

[Operaddict]

I wouldn't count on Terfel either. He has canceled alot lately. Hope he comes thru for you!

[LaFeeVerte1209]

He did thanks, he was sensational at least!

[HoD3]

sensationnel!

[operatuoso]

Hearing her sing this gives me chills all over and bring me to tears! I'd like to see any anorexic pop star even attempt to produce sounds as glorious as this!

[LaBartoli]

awesome!

[lamusicahera]

Brava!

And a beautiful woman with A EXTRAORDINARY VOICE not like this slim chicks who only do their work like office girls..

BRAVA LA VOIGT

[ChuckNYC71]

She's so AWESOME at this... brava!!

[796824]

Listen to ELIZABETH RETHBERG to hear how this should really be sung

[maestrohughes]

Wow....I just downloaded the Rethberg version of thism and it doesn't compare. Voigt blows her out of the water.

[796824]

Rethberg was far superior. She had a brilliant tone which is not heard on the operatic stage today. Loudness does not equate with great singing. One string on a violin played by Heifetz can be heard in the rear of a major auditorium.

[maestrohughes]

I disagree. Retburg's tone was not rich nor exciting; she pushed a lot to get her voice going. Of course "loudness does not equate with great singing." Your implication is that Voigt is singly loudly. This ISN'T the case. If you've ever been in the same room with her when she sings, you'd know what I mean. Her voice is just naturally enormous. She doesn't push because she doesn't have to. She truly understands vowel formants to make her voice heard over any force accompanying her.

[796824]

Toscanini stated Rethberg had the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. The Music Clubs of America voted Rethberg with that distinction. Rethberg sang with brilliance, which is perfect focus and effortless.I heard Voigt as a young woman, sparking interest, but there is no parallel. Suggest also listening to Rosa Pauly, Meta Seinemeyer. The Golden Age

of Singing is not evident anymore. The key to that era, was spontaneity and chiaroscuro, both of which identifies great singing.

[maestrohughes]

Well, taste is certainly subjective.

It doesn't make sense to use a Toscanini reference arguing against your opinion of Voigt when Toscanini never had the chance to hear her. His opinion was based on all the singers he knew up to that point in time. And, once again, it was just his opinion. Toscanini was known for also making some really inappropriate stylistic choices in his musical interpretations.

As I said, every has an opinion, and musical tastes are subjective. Let's leave it at that.

[796824]

With a caveat. There are no singers on the operatic stage today who can match the Golden Period of Singing, ergo the title. Finis

[maestrohughes]

Your Heifitz reference is interesting to me, too, because while it was amazing how much sound he could get out of his instrument, I never found it to be beautiful to hear. Again, there was something driven about his sound to me, not flowing and free. I will take Perlman over Heifitz any day.

[796824]

Suggest purchasing "They Shall Have Music." The incredible artistry displayed by Heifetz in this film, story incidental to the music, astounds. Heifetz was masterful.

[maestrohughes]

I don't deny his mastery...but I am not wowed by his sound. I own "They Shall Have Music," by the way. My opinion of him is not unfounded. I just don't like his playing. Against other violinists of the past, I take Francescatti over Heifitz. And for contemporary players, I take Perlman over them all.

[796824]

Electronic enhancement today makes a difference. Fritz Kreisler surpasses all.

[BaronessThatcher]

She really has every vocal quality an Elizabetta should have, I am a big fan of this modern day diva.

[musoph21]

Her Bb is so huge and clear!

[tristanhnl]

I think that is a B, not Bb.

[musoph21]

i just heard it again and matched it..it is a B natural..:)..hell of a powerful sound :0)

[operaman20]

The ending is just mesmerizing! I want to jump into the screen! It's an amazing moment!!

[CorotteConstable]

Bravaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, memorable performance!

[markpianoman]

perfect!

[ChuckNYC71]

Amen to that!

[canivy123]

hahahahhahhahah

hahahahhahhahah PK

[cu1000]

wagner+levine+voigt= 5 stars

[Challenger2060]

but regretably this only has four, probably because of ignorant people who judge by size instead of sound.

[thebloads]

if i judged by size the video would get six

[Challenger2060]

Absolutely astounding!! Debby's tone is still as golden and wonderful as it was before the bypass. Even the critics say that.

[gtelloz]

Just in case, this performance was BEFORE the bypass surg. this is 1996.

[Challenger2060]

I am quite aware of this fact, but still, thank you for making sure that I had my facts straight.

[gtelloz]

ok tought maybe u confused =)

[Challenger2060]

it's my own fault. I should've referenced the performance I just saw.

[ilovecm]

Further more, weight doesn't have much to do with the size of the voice, in her case, 2 things: rapid weight loss, and flawed technique.

[yodavidnavarro]

R U sure?

[cu1000]

try better! ;)

[ilovecm]

I'm dumbfounded when I look at all these comments praising such flawed singers. Voigt used to be very promising, that was before she had her bypass. If she was a truly magnificent singer, when she lost all that weight, her voice would be at the same caliber, but it's not. Her recent MET scandal was no suprise to most professionals. She couldn't handle it. She screwed herself. Her peak is over, she's finished.

[Laeliapurpurata]

Wonderful!

[bobemy1]

This woman is sooo Beautiful,.emily

[ElPiconeroalCognac]

Not sure why this is rated 3 stars. It's the best version on YouTube. Listen to that cap note. Just gorgeous.

[musoph21]

You aint never lied. I cant get over how well she carries the weight of her voice in all registers. My jaw is open as i type this.

[cu1000]

only 3 stars for debbie?? :( her "halle" ist beautiful.

[PukKoleszka]

Deborah Voigt it's the best of singers in the world! I love her !

[bobemy1]

I totally agree.She is absolutely beautiful,emily

[callastoujours]

Bravissima!!

[DrRRoyce80]

absolutely untoppable. The leading Wagnerian soprano of our time.

[Liwah]

Wagnerian? I should think not.

[Matthewcoakley08]

Nothing beats Bel canto and Wagner.

[operachad]

It would have truly been amazing to have Karl Boehm in the Pit since he was long dead when this was done. That's James Levine.

But, you are right, She's wonderful.

[gtelloz]

hahaha! you're right!

Btw, have you guys ever talk to her? i did once, and she's so much fun. She's very funny and not serious at all. Always maing jokes, and very approachable too. That's a good thing. a real star.

[tervito]

much in the mold of bigger-than-life dames like Régine Crespin and Birgit Nilsson.

[JuillHope17]

then go watch them, bye.

[choirfreak26]

My voice teacher has apparently had pizza with her! She was telling me how Deborah (whom she referred to as 'Debbie') has a great sense of humor and how she is very easy to have a conversation with. I'd love to meet her one day :) She's such an inspiring woman!

[gtelloz]

It's true. I met her once too and she's very hilarious, with a lot of sense of humour, something you don;t expect since you think wagnerian singers are serious. She's very nice and up to date in everything

[esskatossapocalypse]

This is purely amazing to me how she can do this without amplification, excecute it so beautifully, AND have Karl Boehm in the pit, and yet people still judge her by her appearance. Bugger how overweight she was then, its the music that matters, not the instrument.

[ejtka]

James Levine, not Karl Boehm in the pit

[WeeklyTubeShow]

This video is what happens when things are over.

[Iareto]

That one actually flew over my head for a minute...it's pretty funny though.

[Matthewcoakley08]

It's ignorant pricks like you that will keep Opera in the dark for ages to come.

[WeeklyTubeShow]

I'm ignorant? Not true! I know enough!

You see, I know this is a fat lady. Also, I know that she is singing. Therefore, I know that it is over!

Also, don't get so butt-hurt. Pussy.

[Matthewcoakley08]

Well I know enough that you're some uneducated redneck from the back woods that will never be anything more then an ingnorant uneducated redneck without talent or insight enough to see it when it hits you in the face. The power of this womens voice is greater then her weight ever was. What talent do you have? And what have you done with it? Pathetic ingrate! Educate yourself a little. And I may be a pussy, but at least I'm a pussy with a degree and talet that pays my bills.

[WeeklyTubeShow]

Hmm, the fact that you've just called me a redneck who lives in the woods would usually lead me to believe that you're just being a presumptuous prick. But, since you've demonstrated that you're so smart, I'm left to wonder...

Are you just very poetic? The metaphors are all there. Are the concrete buildings around me the trees and my "red neck" is from you slapping the "insight" into me? But, that's about it. There's nothing more to it than that...

Work on your craft a little bit.

[Iareto]

She's FANTASTIC here! Oh my goodness! I'm very glad that this is my first experience with here because I'm really blown away!

[Iareto]

And I'm back at this video. Does anyone know how to download videos off of Youtube? I NEED this video. This is GOLD!  If that high note at 3:03 isn't on the "Top Ten Best Sounds I've EVER Heard" then I don't know what deserves to be.

[schicchi1160]

Who keeps giving thumbs down to the good comments? This performance was fantastic!

[12251928]

I think sometimes utbe does not record the true quality of all the voices - or it is the ones sent in, because Debbie has a big voice. Does not sound it here.

[hwhap13]

Well sung but I don't believe to be able to enjoy her seeing on stage as Elisabeth :)

Brava!

[Ebonskaith]

Beautiful performance by all involved. James Levine did a wonderful job conducting this.

[Ebonskaith]

I also love the 3:03 high note.

[epa300]

Me too. It's one of my all time favorite sounds in all of opera anywhere. The way she just opens it up and it blooms like copper.

[Klavierkopf]

Magnificent and inspiring!

[onickolov]

A truly outstanding performance and in correct German all the way through. And what a perfect strong confident ending!!! It is good that she lost a lot of weight recently - otherwise the saying goes "The opera is not over until the fat lady sings" Congratulations! Well done!

[CHerbek]

Beautiful!

[edgrow]

Wow. That ending!

[dannymaestro]

Ms. Voigt´s voice is best in roles like Elisabeth, Senta, Elsa, Tosca and Aida. Brynnhilde and Elektra with ruin it all and the Leonoras (Trovatore and La forza) is maybe too small... The ending of this aria is the best of all here on youtube or at least as good as La Nilsson

[Ebonskaith]

Truthfully, I like this version better than the one Nilsson did.

[benderpm]

Lovely!

[primadonna82]

She owns the stage. She is a true artist and a performer. I bow my head to one of the greatest!!

[pianoandpipes]

You've got to admit, though, that her German is quite wonderful!

[Homoclassicus]

Amazing! Such a full and polished singing. She isn't a hochdramatische indeed and she knows it. She even cancelled her future Brünnhilde at the Met. And she now has also good looks! I only complain about her somewhat try tones in the last years ... but that's only my perception and it doesn't bar me from perceiving her great qualities especially in the German repertoire!

[Scalatti]

Yuck! Can someone please post the video clip of the 1994 Gala from Berlin with Abbado and Cheryl Studer singing this aria. Oh, just to show the world how it should be done and with meaning and feeling. And with bel canto too.

[FoggyRoad81]

I think she sounds incredible. The voice is large, she spins the rather long lines wonderfully. The ending is spectacular! Studer is NOT a Wagnerian or really anything. She's rather horrid, comparing her to this is just wrong.

[Iareto]

It's Wagner. Bel Canto shouldn't have anything to do with it.

[rhonesilva]

Actually, Wagner prefered his singers to use the bel canto technique when singing his music, he was very impressed by the style when he heard it.

[onickolov]

Bel Canto is just one style of good singing. Good singing is about technique routine, stamina and taste. And it is applicable to many styles - opera folk or pop. Deborah Voigt is showing a clear example of close to perfect singing. And you should credit her for that. Believe me

Wagner could benefit from some tasty singing with good German - and this is what Mrs. Voigt is showing in this video.

[BeauTenor]

It's a big voice, but I'm not convinced she's a hochdrammatische. Seriously, thinkgs like Elektra would ruin her. I think she's more of a VERY heavy spinto voice. Whatever she is though, I adore her.

[BAMBAM8993]

I adore her as well. I too think she might ruin her voice taking on the dramatic "heavy" roles. I don't think many can pull them off without a lot rest in between and the schedule most singers have today do not allow them to do that. . .

[Iareto]

I dunno...she just drowns people OUT when she sings with them. I know that Pavarotti doesn't have a very big voice, but he was TOTALLY inaudible at times when he sang Teco io sto with her. Whatever she is she is great. I agree with you there.

[joanabanyeres]

Dramatic soprano this little bird?

[gtelloz]

a shame that the quality of the audio here is not as good as the original video...the clarity of the voice is truly amazing!

[drdre333]

Classic Debbie!