Alleluja - Exsultate, Jubilate - Mozart - Battle

[kiralwalker1]

She is both a Lyric Soprano and a Coloratura. She is stunning, in beauty, voice, and poise. Thank you to Kathleen Battle for raising the bar for all sopranos!!!

[Agneschuable]

Wow, how can one compare Sara Brightman and Kathleen Battle, Ms. Battle was a Metropolitan Opera Primadonna, and a legend. Sara Brightman is great in the eyes of Broadway Musical singer, has a pretty voice, but in the classical world, she is not considered as an example for voice students in Music School/Conservatory that a professor would ask to listen to. Wont' even be hired in Metropolitan Opera......They exist in two different music world.

[batchava]

funny red sleeves.

[baritonebynight]

I saw her sing this live in her hometown of Portsmouth Ohio in 2006. She closed the recital with it and it was STUNNING. Her recordings do not come close to the sound she produces live.

[lbredikhin5]

I think she was over-focusing her attention on her gestures than her voice, she could do better.

[MrOboeGuy]

She sounds wonderful, but her dress makes her look like a space ship xD

[SchrodingerHatedCats]

Yes, this piece is very difficult yet Ms. Battle pulls it off exquisitely. I remember struggling with it in classical voice training. I'm a coloratura and sing lots of fast, long runs-- but Mozart's extended arpeggios are like military calisthenics. It takes incredible breath control to make it all the way through with that kind of clarity and precision! I performed this in public many years ago, but it was HARD WORK. Kudos to Ms. Battle for her effortless execution of this piece.

[varadero1839]

@SchrodingerHatedCats Wow! What a lovely tribute! Given certain comments that have been posted here in the past, I'm convinced that your assessment humbles, yet still educates, all the rest. Thanks so much! I'm very grateful.

[GracieDavison]

@SchrodingerHatedCats Such a FABULOUS gracious comment. I agree with you.. Battle delivers this work with such ease one would never realize the difficulty of her seemingly effortless mastery. Love her...

[TheMst1959]

Dynamite!!! And the dress.....a home-run!!

[varadero1839]

@TheMst1959 Thanks so much for your comment, and I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year!

[Brahmsfourth]

Gorgeous performance. Too bad she had to shop at a party supply store for the dress.

[normayschin]

Alleluja - Exsultate, Jubilate - Mozart - Battle

==20101216nyscyyt== ==

[ange19defalco]

those....are some HUGE sleeves...like WHOA...

[AssumesAllRisks]

Don't get me wrong I LOVE Sarah Brightman singing this song but Battle blows it out of the water! Just the difference between mezzo and lyric sopranos. The best Allelujah ever!

[varadero1839]

@AssumesAllRisks Many thanks! So grateful for your NOT HAVING COMMENTED on the costume, or even mentioned it! This is not meant to be a "drag-show!" Folks will wear what they want to wear. A beautiful presence, and legendary voice will, and should always be, the prime concern. Reputation and costume notwithstanding, Ms. Battle brings this one home.

[mybuddyray]

@AssumesAllRisks

Kathleen Battle is a coloratura NOT a lyric soprano.

[LordHettrick]

@mybuddyray Sorry...she is light lyric. Definitely too light to be a coloratura.

[johnchicagoactor]

She rewrites the tune. She expands the tempo for an interpolated high note. And if all that weren't enough, the dress/sculpture is completely ridiculous and distracting both then and now. This is NOT perfection. I suspect all of these positive comments are written by her manager or record company. There are FAR better interpretations of this work. Stories abound of her absolute craziness when dealing with colleagues. Perhaps she's gotten some help with that in the form of regular medication.

[LordHettrick]

@johnchicagoactor Her dress is ruining the music? Seriously? Have you thought about listening to it without looking at the video? Also, the High C at the end is in the score. The score lists G above middle C, followed by C above middle C. Most sopranos performing this, from Fleming to Damrau, Bartoli, Sutherland, Gruberova and Te Kanawa raise these 2 notes with an octave. Oh, and I'm a student, definitely not manager of an opera superstar...

[lichtbroeder]

@LordHettrick I am a "visual" person as well as a musician, and I noted Ms. Battle's attire immediately also, as well as her glorious voice. She wore the dress as PART of the musical experience, an experience which we (here) both see and hear. As clothing, costumes, and sets can very much affect our enjoyment of performances one way or another, comments on what she is wearing in relation to the enjoyment factor are not out of place.

[Umsamir1970]

3 people dislike this pure perfection of singing&music!

who are they? guess heavymetal fans...

[tenorehib]

Best Allelujah singing that I have heard so far.

[varadero1839]

@tenorehib Thank your for your comment! No studio orchestra for her; this was live at Carnegie Hall! Seriously, happy you liked!

[Umsamir1970]

@tenorehib

Yes, it is! I absolutely agree with you.

[Umsamir1970]

@tenorehib

Yes, it is, absolutely agree with you!

[marcomerrick]

Delicious!!! I'd have a cigarette right now, IF I WERE A SMOKER!!! LOL

[shaylen911]

check out those biceps. LOL

on a separate note, flawless control of her voice! she's pitching perfectly, amazing stuff.

which symphony is this?

[blackleatherrain]

@shaylen911 - This is not part of a symphony. It's stand-alone for strings and voice called "Exsultate, Jubilate" and comes in three parts. This is the final part of the piece and is often performed as a Stand-alone.

[shaylen911]

@blackleatherrain what I meant to ask was, which orchestra is this? **

[varadero1839]

@shaylen911 This is the Orchestra of St. Luke's, under the baton of Andre Previn.

[Nykytyne2]

Amazing performance, but where did those red pumpkins come from and how did she get them stuck on her arms?

[curlingnf]

Absoutely the best soprano I have ever heard. Magnificent!!!

[varadero1839]

@curlingnf Thanks so much for your comment! I think she's just superb. She really seems so beautifully suited to many songs, arias, etc. However, I think here she almost surpasses herself!

[eliana64077]

magnífica interpretação ! maravilha !

[varadero1839]

@eliana64077 Eu fico bem agradecido em ouvir de você, e feliz por este clip trouxe de volta à alguns prazeres da infância! Obrigado mais uma vez! Eu acho que ela é uma artista incrível!

[eliana64077]

@varadero1839 sem dúvida alguma esta cantora é uma diva com extraordinário poder de interpretação ! boa semana : Eliana

[realruntime]

One of the best interpretations of this piece on Youtube!

[varadero1839]

@realruntime Suspect you've a very well-trained ear, and eyes! I'm very grateful to hear from you, and delighted with your comment. Thank you!

[Meganazu]

excellent excecution!

[varadero1839]

@Meganazu Thanks so much! Though a little controversial, Ms. Battle is still like a force of nature. Very grateful for your notice.

[Stephenfpd]

crazy dress

[orphan567]

nice singing, bad fashion sense

[orphan567]

nice singing, bad fashion sense

[mmbmbmbmb]

Nicht nur eine OHREN- sondern auch eine AUGENweide. Without doubt one of the very best. A pure pleasure to the EAR as well as the EYE.

[yeahbyme]

The most joyful piece of music ever written, sung by one of the real greats. Thanks, this has been a long time favourite

[varadero1839]

@yeahbyme So grateful to hear from you, and your generous comment! Ms. Battle will always be a favorite, and superb performer! Thanks again!

[marywardify]

I really appreciate your response, varadero1839! Yes, KB is truly a gift to the world of music, in a small, delicate package loaded with unique artistry and vocal brilliance! Thank you for the posts--happy listening, and all best wishes!

[bsps98]

My brother sang this song when he was about 12 yrs old (a little over 55 years ago). He was with the Pontifical Boys Choir of St. Louis led by Dr. Mario Salvador. I remember standing in the wings of the theatre with my dad while the choir sang and my brother sang this song solo in HI C

[varadero1839]

@bsps98 What a wonderful memory you've shared with me! Thank you so much! I can't even begin to understand the thrill that both you and your father must have felt during that performance! Also, I'm grateful that your message was so positive as regards this performance. Sadly, if you've read some of the previous comments, you'll understand why yours makes me so proud! Best wishes to you, and thanks again!

[JTK52537]

She clearly adores and respects this great music! Brava!

[flowersings]

Beautiful and effortless like a soft breeze!!!!

[SingingChirpy]

best performance of this piece i have ever heard!

[varadero1839]

@SingingChirpy Many thanks to you SingingChirpy! She's one amazing lady, and you viewed and appreciated an incredible performance; not a costume! Thanks again!

[cleanmyroomforme]

she just rocks my world. could her melismas be anymore perfect?

[varadero1839]

@cleanmyroomforme With a gracious comment like that, I'd clean your room 2x a week! It's always a pleasure to hear from one who recognizes pure genius! You are very kind, and thank you so much!!

[blackleatherrain]

Just listened to this in comparison to Bartoli's performance, which seemed full of panic and anxiety. Battle takes the Allelujah cleanly and with grace and fluidity. Bravo!

[ncguy27215]

@blackleatherrain

bartoli sings like she's got to get to the bathroom soon.

[JTK52537]

@ncguy27215 and this is not Bartoli! Duh!

[ncguy27215]

@JTK52537

no kidding! did you figure that out or did someone tell you that? the fact remains cb looks like she's having to hold it in until she gets to the end so she can go to the ladies' room.

[Greatheil]

OMG that dress is EPIC!!

[westminster860]

I've never heard anyone sing this any better than Ms. Battle. This can only be how Mr. Mozart intended it to sound. We're expected to forgive Tiger and all the politicians for their indiscretions but not Ms. Battle? What a shame.

[blackleatherrain]

Ms Battle still has MANY fans. However, it's one thing to be her fan and another entirely to work alongside someone who does not have a concept of teamwork - I would gladly listen to her and learn from her, but if the Met had reason for its decision, then working alongside her is another matter. After all, it takes more than one woman to produce an entire opera - it takes a host of people that cannot be alienated.

[dacatholicbandorgan]

This big ruffs makes her look like a clown, and I though Diane Bishe's taste in Fashion was comical.

[kralle7611]

yeah well who the fuck cares if she sings like that?

[varadero1839]

Thank you kind kralle7611! Would that all could see beyond the costume, and just appreciate the performance! I've commented before; she could be dressed in "burlap" and still have reigned supreme! In your debt!

[marywardify]

Dear @varadero1839--You said it!! Thank you for uploading this musical (and visual) treat! Kathleen Battle's performance here is just wonderful--joyful, effortless, unaffected, and confident, to say nothing of the lovely sound she consistently produces and the spirituality she is able to tap into. I'll listen to her sing anything, anytime, but especially sacred music, from Mozart to spirituals!

[varadero1839]

@marywardify Thank you so much for your comments. Suggest we're in the same boat; I could listen to her singing "the phone book!" Her talent is that amazing! Best regards; look for more of KB from me!

[tenorlovesasoprano]

why didn't she trill? she sang all the coloratura passages beautifully, but not ONCE did she trill. For me, Mozart's Alleluja just isn't Mozart's Alleluja with no trills. Don't get me wrong. Battle has a BEAUTIFUL voice, but I am at a loss on why she didn't trill

[Greatheil]

She trills a little. The conductor could have directed her to not trill at the usual spots.

[paulphillips82]

Yes, those buggers missed the point alright........!

[ElegantPaws01]

Glorious! Marvelous execution. Feeling rather sorry for the pathetic duo who have entirely missed the point....try listening and enjoying ....enough of superficial frippery

[ANTOONMAKA]

Si Mozart avait été "black" et non WASP, il aurait fait une autre musique mais ICI, un petit bijou et une superbe interprétation... Pourrait-elle venir à mes funérailles?sans rire, le moment le plus important de la vie et donc... La joie de retrouver le Seigneur et en plus de ne pas em... les assiçtants à la cérémonie Donc ici elle est : Superbe!

[varadero1839]

Je suis ravie que vous appréciez cet artiste élégant. Mon français est pratiquement

inexistant, de sorte s'il vous plaît pardonnez mes erreurs. Sa voix est incomparable, et je suis

heureux de penser que vous trouver sa superbe performance!

[vully70]

Boring performance.

[007traceur]

totally agree on the tomato thing. i wonder how she walks through doors with it?????

[sairamnagarajan]

sideways lol

[1401JSC]

The designer seems not to know the difference between ouffant and bouffon.

I suppose Mozarts 1/16 notes got lost in her corsage.

[maxorff]

I completely agree with Newhotmailoit!!!

I love Ms. Batlle but Cecilia is more exciting then her.

[newhotmailit]

i love K. Battle, everything is so clean and perfect, but there's no emotion. hello!!! Bartoli gives a big example how to feel joy singing mozarts hallelujah...

[sweetiekjj]

Bartoli* Sorry

[sweetiekjj]

Talk about difficult. Bartolli definately makes it exciting. Those runs man. To each his own indeed. I only hope that I will eventually be able to this song justice someday, despite the fact I have been dubbed a Mezzo Soprano.  LOL.

[katgurl504]

those runs indeed omg >.> i have to perform this this saturday for a judge!

[sweetiekjj]

All the best to you.  When I am singing it, I sing all sorts of notes and then laugh after myself at the end. Take care

[why1492]

That is one of the most difficult songs to sing and she did a great job on it

[DoinItClassy]

those sleeves are insane.

[IsraeliSinger]

amen to that! it looks like she stuffed her hands into two giant tomatoes.and that's a shame cause it really takes the attention away from her beautiful angelic singing

the rest of the dress is fine btw

[cstamitz]

Dull, dull and more dull. This is not a performance, it is more like a bad audition. Kathleen can sing but she sounds totally bored here and Andre Previn has absolutely no idea how to conduct Mozart. Compare this video to the one by Cecilia Bartoli and you will see and hear the difference.

[OwnYouScum]

I'll have to agree, kinda. Previn is more suited to conducting Tchaikovsky etc than Mozart.

But oh dear god you must be joking. Cecilia Bartoli? Yes it's way more exciting to watch, but the wobbling vibrato and awkward Latin pronunciation (Allelu-yeah!) is almost laughable. Battle and Bartoli both make ridiculous faces lol

Emma Kirkby with the AAM (not on youtube) is one that I like. To each his own though.

[cstamitz]

Wobling vibrato and pronunciation do not bother me too much. I listen more for passion and vitality, two qualities that Cecilia Bartoli has in spades.

[garconfrancais01]

ah battle does this so ingeniously

[stephenjoeagi]

Such perfection for Mozart, such a difficult composer for voice and any instrument to perform, yest sounding so simple. Anyone performing Mozart is 'naked' as a performer, and any imperfection becomes immediately evident. Beautiful video, thanks.

[varadero1839]

Would that I could comment more professionaly on this observation! I'm so grateful for your comment; as with anything you decide to observe. I'm always delighted, and honored to hear from you!

[StephanAOTTO1]

It's videos like this one which really make me wish I were more eloquent, as I simply can't find the words to express how fabulous this is!!:)

Thanks for posting!

[varadero1839]

It's vision and intellect like yours that inspire such works! Never without you!