mamma mia,che voce!ma di che parliamo,qui la fleming e le altre semplicemente spariscono!per carita il soprano americano e' bravo,a volte super nel suo repertorio,ma in questo pezzo l'Anita regge il confronto perfino con una sovrana incantatrice come la Caballe',e chissa' cosa ci avrebbe riservato l'ascolto integrale dell'opera!vabbe' grazie a Dio e alla ns Anita per questi 4 minuti scarsi di paradiso !!!
This singer is astounding. A very great voice and such a rhapsodic line. The world was deprived of this great talent, for the most part. What a pity she was not longer on the stage. I don't think there has been a dramatic soprano quite like her.
Anita Cerquetti was far superior to Fleming who covers her tone to simulate a Dramatic Soprano sound thus losing the brilliance that could be hers as a Lyric.
There is no one on the operatic stage who can compare to Cerquetti who would have eclipsed the wobbly Callas, had she continued with her career.
Gorgeous singing of a beautiful aria. I find her looks compelling and agreeable, but as others have pointed out, it is the warmth, intensity and richness of her sound that makes her one of my all-time favorite singers.
@papoocanada You have it? I have not been able to find it anywhere! I really want to have this aria. The entire opera if possible, obviously. Could you help me? I would really appreciate it.
It's important to remember that this great artist was a mere 29 years old or less at the time of this recording, and retired from singing there sooner than some other artists mentioned in comparison. Fleming and Georghiu are different voice fachs than Ms. Cerquetti, a true dramatic soprano. Maestra Cerquetti also possessed a body to aid her vocal gifts .
Yes, you're right. Cerquetti did belong to a fach that is very rare nowadays (I'd say perhaps nonexistent), which is the dramatic soprano whose voice sounds youthful and flexible enough to be convincing in the Italian heroine roles. Fleming and Gheorghiu IMO are great lyric sopranos, just as amazing as most of the lyric sopranos of the past, but they can only be vaguely compared to Cerquetti - not that they're less good, but it's that they're too different.
Here's the deal, though - none of the contemporary singers mentioned has a technique that can approach Cerquetti's. For example: Fleming breaks the vocal line *between* phrases much of the time. it makes it difficult to appreciate the good the modern singers DO offer, when they are lack fundamentals of the aesthetic. I suspect these modern artists would have sung better in an earlier age because they would have been nurtured by people who understood better what singing should be like.
I don't notice that problem in Fleming's technique, only slightly from her middle to the high notes. The older singers weren't also perfect, we could arguee Gheorghiu or Fleming have much better tops than the majority of the lyric sopranos of older generations. As for your later comment, I do agree: technique seemed to be even better nurtured, discipline seemed to be easier to attain, and there were really a greater number of great singers, what doesn't mean we don't have amazing artists today.
I have now been looking everywhere for the vocal score of this aria. It is simply not to be found. I am planning a concert where I wanted this wonderful piece included amongst other forgotten pearls. Could anyone help me?
@Bivolari I have been to Berlin now. I couldn't seem to find the score. If you happen to stumble upon it, please let me know. Thanks again for your help. :)
i do believe, even in the best callas recordings that i love over everything else, that this recording of this aria by Cerquetti is one of the most beautifull interpretation ever. The voice fits so well with that music, she is completly involved in a Callas'way....
i can listen to that aria by Cerquetti over and over.......
I agree with you. This is one of the best opera recordings I've ever heard. Cerquetti's voice, its rich colors, the dramatic intensity, the squillo and metal of the timbre, everything fits the aria perfectly. And the tempi chosen are just the right ones, enhancing the thrill and drama of the music (I've heard to other amazing version, the one from Caballé, and even that one can't beat Cerquetti here).
Actually, I find this kind of comparison unfair and utterly untrue, at least partially. I mean, we really don't have any spinto of the caliber of Cerquetti nowadays, but I also doubt Cerquetti could be a better Marschallin than Fleming, a better Baroque interpreter than Piau, a better Lakmé than Dessay or a better Rosina than DiDonato. I am a huge admirer of the singing of the past, but we mustn't think there is an exclusivity of greatness in a certain period. All ages have their great singers.
You are the most sensible person I've encountered in here. I totally agree with you. If everyone were to think otherwise, young singers as myself would stand no chance. I find great inspiration in the singers from the past, but also in singers of today.
Peccato che a Firenze nel 1954 Agnese sia stata solo Lucille Udovick, sarebbe stato un evento storico aver potuto ascoltare anche una registrazione di Anita Cerquetti.
Quest'aria è la massima espressione della voce di Anita Cerquetti.
A Grand Opera aria sung in the Grand manner by a singer not afraid to take charge. Never again to heard in our lifetime unless Muti and Peter Sellars start to sing.
Physical beauty as a measure of ANYTHING is to totally negate what is truly alive and beautiful within. I find Anita Cerquetti beautiful because she is vibrant and full of years, regardless of some kind of visual measure that is of no import to those whom cannot see(blindness) or to those who live beyond looks.
I agree. still i dont find her to be ugly. she looks quite pretty in some of her pics. maybe not stunning, but that first pic of her is quite nice in a very strong profiled way i think.
Grande Anita!Fu proprio ascoltando questo brano che m'innamorai della lirica,é l'artista che amo di più perché riesce a dare emozioni sconvolgenti,unica!La più grande aulica,Caruso e lei sono le voci più drammatiche e belle della storia della lirica,grandissima!Grazie per quello che hai dato in poco tempo ma é la qualità che rimane nell'eternità,Maria Dragoni
Signora Dragoni, ho avuto il piacere di ascoltarla in Aida, qualche anno fa, all'arena di Verona; impressionante per la bellezza della voce e la raffinata esecuzione. Grazie davvero,
The current obsession with physical appearance in opera singers throws an interesting light on the history of opera.If this stricture was to be applied retrospectively you'd have to remove about 90% of the great singers of the past.For my money it's about as daft to insist that opera singers are good-looking as it would be to restrict the Olympic Games to beautiful people.Great talent and physical beauty are not automatic bedfellows.
I don't think one should call someone for saying Cerquetti was ugly. There is no blindenss nor stupidity in that statement. It's a matter of opinion, and physical beauty is a matter of opinion.
I myself consider Cerquetti a quite ugly woman, and that is not to diminish her, especially because what does it mean? Nothing at all. It's just a matter of genetics and cultural standards, much less rare and impresive than having a superbly beautiful voice mastered by a great technique.
Cerquetti is absolutely overwhelming!What a voice,such power!This is 10 out of 10!To you Anita,half a century later,you are still widely admired.And will all those who "spoil" this work of most appreciated Homoclassicus with stupid remarks at her looks please go elsewhere,plenty of opportunities on youtube Here we discuss the Art of singing,not some ones looks or hairstyle.Normally I enjoy going through the comments,here I feel like entered the wrong circle.Bravo Anita!
That's not true. See photos of Hilde Gueden, Lisa della Casa, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anna Moffo, Lina Cavalieri, Katia Ricciarelli, Renée Fleming, Bidu Sayão and dozens and dozens of others and you'll see that great talent is a gift of both ugly and beautiful people. :-)
yes ..? maybe by the heart .and soul , but not with face ,, .. or the meanng of berauty for you is deffirnit from what it is means to me .. think about it ,,
Well, Cerquetti definitely was not beautiful by common beauty standards, but that doesn't mean talent is always attained to ugliness. After all, we have dozens and dozens of great singers who were amazingly beautiful. One example can't be used as if it were a rule among all the opera singers.
mw3wd, we are force fed by the media as to what beauty is in human terms. But this is largely based upon blandness of features, which is all that the media stereotype of human beauty really is. It is the symmetrical beauty of the shop window mannequin, where all features are in 'average' proportion. To most of the worlds population, however, it's the asymmetary of the features that determine character & attraction. Its appeal to each individual varies according to their own emotional map.
It should be compulsary that every future (and present) classical singer listens to the big singing stars of yesterday. Have noticed that many young classical singers don't even know the great names of the recent past, incl. Anita Cerquetti. They should know the history ánd the names and not only look for fast stardom. Cerquetti is overwhelming. They don't come like that any more. What a voice! 10 out of 10 !
Questa è una delle più belle interpretazioni della Cerquetti, in assoluto. Purtroppo non ha mai potuto interpretare per intero l'opera Agnese di Spontini.
Mi sembra che sia stata il doppio della Lucille Udovic a Firenze nel 1954, ma credo che non abbia partecipato ad alcuna recita.
this is truly a voice like no other before or after she stop singing! there is NO ONE ALIVE WHO CAN SING LIKE THIS!!!!! IN fact there was no one alive while she was singing who could sing like this.AND I LOVE MARIA!!
mi correggo,qui' nemmeno la Caballe' puo nulla,Anita non ha rivali!torno a riascoltare... non si sa mai.....
pietrodi1 18 hours ago
mamma mia,che voce!ma di che parliamo,qui la fleming e le altre semplicemente spariscono!per carita il soprano americano e' bravo,a volte super nel suo repertorio,ma in questo pezzo l'Anita regge il confronto perfino con una sovrana incantatrice come la Caballe',e chissa' cosa ci avrebbe riservato l'ascolto integrale dell'opera!vabbe' grazie a Dio e alla ns Anita per questi 4 minuti scarsi di paradiso !!!
pietrodi1 19 hours ago
This singer is astounding. A very great voice and such a rhapsodic line. The world was deprived of this great talent, for the most part. What a pity she was not longer on the stage. I don't think there has been a dramatic soprano quite like her.
heavensjewels1 6 months ago
Rimarrà negli annali delle migliori interpretrazioni .
Grazie Anita.
MrPipposiculo 8 months ago
Anita Cerquetti was far superior to Fleming who covers her tone to simulate a Dramatic Soprano sound thus losing the brilliance that could be hers as a Lyric.
There is no one on the operatic stage who can compare to Cerquetti who would have eclipsed the wobbly Callas, had she continued with her career.
MrSkylark1 1 year ago
Gorgeous singing of a beautiful aria. I find her looks compelling and agreeable, but as others have pointed out, it is the warmth, intensity and richness of her sound that makes her one of my all-time favorite singers.
2001donnie 1 year ago
just buy the piano/vocal score
papoocanada 2 years ago
@papoocanada You have it? I have not been able to find it anywhere! I really want to have this aria. The entire opera if possible, obviously. Could you help me? I would really appreciate it.
Turand0t 2 years ago
old Spontini helped too after all............ !
papoocanada 2 years ago
It's important to remember that this great artist was a mere 29 years old or less at the time of this recording, and retired from singing there sooner than some other artists mentioned in comparison. Fleming and Georghiu are different voice fachs than Ms. Cerquetti, a true dramatic soprano. Maestra Cerquetti also possessed a body to aid her vocal gifts .
unotenore 2 years ago
Yes, you're right. Cerquetti did belong to a fach that is very rare nowadays (I'd say perhaps nonexistent), which is the dramatic soprano whose voice sounds youthful and flexible enough to be convincing in the Italian heroine roles. Fleming and Gheorghiu IMO are great lyric sopranos, just as amazing as most of the lyric sopranos of the past, but they can only be vaguely compared to Cerquetti - not that they're less good, but it's that they're too different.
Homoclassicus 2 years ago
Comment removed
unotenore 2 years ago
Here's the deal, though - none of the contemporary singers mentioned has a technique that can approach Cerquetti's. For example: Fleming breaks the vocal line *between* phrases much of the time. it makes it difficult to appreciate the good the modern singers DO offer, when they are lack fundamentals of the aesthetic. I suspect these modern artists would have sung better in an earlier age because they would have been nurtured by people who understood better what singing should be like.
johndlabella 2 years ago
I don't notice that problem in Fleming's technique, only slightly from her middle to the high notes. The older singers weren't also perfect, we could arguee Gheorghiu or Fleming have much better tops than the majority of the lyric sopranos of older generations. As for your later comment, I do agree: technique seemed to be even better nurtured, discipline seemed to be easier to attain, and there were really a greater number of great singers, what doesn't mean we don't have amazing artists today.
Homoclassicus 2 years ago
I have now been looking everywhere for the vocal score of this aria. It is simply not to be found. I am planning a concert where I wanted this wonderful piece included amongst other forgotten pearls. Could anyone help me?
Turand0t 2 years ago
@Turand0t It was premiered in Berlin. I would suggest libraries in Berlin, Paris or some in Italy, Rome, Milan or Turin.
The complete opera was published, but I don't know whether individual arias were excerpted.
Bivolari 2 years ago
Thanks alot for the information, Bivolari. I will check it out when I'm going to Berlin in february. :)
Turand0t 2 years ago
@Bivolari I have been to Berlin now. I couldn't seem to find the score. If you happen to stumble upon it, please let me know. Thanks again for your help. :)
Turand0t 2 years ago
i do believe, even in the best callas recordings that i love over everything else, that this recording of this aria by Cerquetti is one of the most beautifull interpretation ever. The voice fits so well with that music, she is completly involved in a Callas'way....
i can listen to that aria by Cerquetti over and over.......
henrifrombarcelona 2 years ago 2
I agree with you. This is one of the best opera recordings I've ever heard. Cerquetti's voice, its rich colors, the dramatic intensity, the squillo and metal of the timbre, everything fits the aria perfectly. And the tempi chosen are just the right ones, enhancing the thrill and drama of the music (I've heard to other amazing version, the one from Caballé, and even that one can't beat Cerquetti here).
Homoclassicus 2 years ago
She had a glorious voice. I heard her in Chicago several times. Thank you!
7inga7 2 years ago
Simply beautiful.
CharlotteinWeimar 2 years ago
As compared to Anita Cerquetti, the leading singers of today, are ludicrous.
796824 2 years ago
Actually, I find this kind of comparison unfair and utterly untrue, at least partially. I mean, we really don't have any spinto of the caliber of Cerquetti nowadays, but I also doubt Cerquetti could be a better Marschallin than Fleming, a better Baroque interpreter than Piau, a better Lakmé than Dessay or a better Rosina than DiDonato. I am a huge admirer of the singing of the past, but we mustn't think there is an exclusivity of greatness in a certain period. All ages have their great singers.
Homoclassicus 2 years ago
You are the most sensible person I've encountered in here. I totally agree with you. If everyone were to think otherwise, young singers as myself would stand no chance. I find great inspiration in the singers from the past, but also in singers of today.
Turand0t 2 years ago
realmente una voz increíble y conmovedora. Una cantante excepcional portadora de un don tan exquisito que subyuga. Una belleza!!!
rodhuss 2 years ago
Oh heavens! This is the most perfect voice I have ever heard. I am deeply and utterly in love!
Turand0t 2 years ago
to Anita's standards - spectacular!
rshace4 2 years ago
Notice you can find another "no, re dei cieli" from a RAI Martini & Rossi concert. She is superb too...
ghbook 2 years ago
Superb! Where has she been all my life. A voice from heaven! Brava! TY.
paulostroff99 2 years ago
Bravissima!!! Mi fa piangere. Cerquetti at her absolute best. A lesson in great singing.
yes4albert 2 years ago 2
This is my idol. Healthy singing from one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of all time. Just listening to her has improved my technique. :)
Turand0t 2 years ago
Peccato che a Firenze nel 1954 Agnese sia stata solo Lucille Udovick, sarebbe stato un evento storico aver potuto ascoltare anche una registrazione di Anita Cerquetti.
Quest'aria è la massima espressione della voce di Anita Cerquetti.
Speriamo che un giorno venga a Majolati Spontini.
palmolella 2 years ago
A Grand Opera aria sung in the Grand manner by a singer not afraid to take charge. Never again to heard in our lifetime unless Muti and Peter Sellars start to sing.
Bivolari 2 years ago
Physical beauty as a measure of ANYTHING is to totally negate what is truly alive and beautiful within. I find Anita Cerquetti beautiful because she is vibrant and full of years, regardless of some kind of visual measure that is of no import to those whom cannot see(blindness) or to those who live beyond looks.
bizmailnow 3 years ago 4
I agree. still i dont find her to be ugly. she looks quite pretty in some of her pics. maybe not stunning, but that first pic of her is quite nice in a very strong profiled way i think.
moghedien13 2 years ago
Grande Anita!Fu proprio ascoltando questo brano che m'innamorai della lirica,é l'artista che amo di più perché riesce a dare emozioni sconvolgenti,unica!La più grande aulica,Caruso e lei sono le voci più drammatiche e belle della storia della lirica,grandissima!Grazie per quello che hai dato in poco tempo ma é la qualità che rimane nell'eternità,Maria Dragoni
mdmdragoni311 3 years ago
Gentile Signora Maria, che bella notizia biografica.
La stima che dimostra per Anita e il Suo primo ascolto rivelatosi poi così significativo per la futura carriera mi commuovono.
Viva Anita Cerquetti, viva Maria Dragoni!
palmolella 2 years ago
Signora Dragoni, ho avuto il piacere di ascoltarla in Aida, qualche anno fa, all'arena di Verona; impressionante per la bellezza della voce e la raffinata esecuzione. Grazie davvero,
Andrea
andremad75 2 years ago
The current obsession with physical appearance in opera singers throws an interesting light on the history of opera.If this stricture was to be applied retrospectively you'd have to remove about 90% of the great singers of the past.For my money it's about as daft to insist that opera singers are good-looking as it would be to restrict the Olympic Games to beautiful people.Great talent and physical beauty are not automatic bedfellows.
PIPZZZ02 3 years ago 3
DELUXE ---
Flee, Maria, when this one arrives in town !!
And ya' know, Maria did !! Check your programmatic history. Maria fled !! Could you blame her ??
Did she mis-carriage or what ??
johngotwalt 3 years ago
Another beautiful performance from a short career!
bizmailnow 3 years ago
To all who are blind/stupid and not from OPERASHEAVEN:
Cerquetti have been a beautiful lady...
not slim...Ok....but this is nothing against beauty (look on Jessye Norman or young Callas)
they all look wonderful! This great big sopranos are not small looking slim balletdancers...
AND THEY ALL ARE SINGERS FROM HEAVEN REAL PRIESTRESSES OF THE OPERA!
BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVA ANITA!
Heraopera 3 years ago
I don't think one should call someone for saying Cerquetti was ugly. There is no blindenss nor stupidity in that statement. It's a matter of opinion, and physical beauty is a matter of opinion.
I myself consider Cerquetti a quite ugly woman, and that is not to diminish her, especially because what does it mean? Nothing at all. It's just a matter of genetics and cultural standards, much less rare and impresive than having a superbly beautiful voice mastered by a great technique.
Homoclassicus 3 years ago
Cerquetti is absolutely overwhelming!What a voice,such power!This is 10 out of 10!To you Anita,half a century later,you are still widely admired.And will all those who "spoil" this work of most appreciated Homoclassicus with stupid remarks at her looks please go elsewhere,plenty of opportunities on youtube Here we discuss the Art of singing,not some ones looks or hairstyle.Normally I enjoy going through the comments,here I feel like entered the wrong circle.Bravo Anita!
Holanda greets you!
jcriedijk 3 years ago
SPLENDID singing unlike the hooty, cultivated yelling, covered tones, heard in the operatic world today.
796824 3 years ago 2
why ..and this is allways. why the great singers,and people who have talant,are ugly,i seen that alot, just why , >??
mw3wd 3 years ago
That's not true. See photos of Hilde Gueden, Lisa della Casa, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anna Moffo, Lina Cavalieri, Katia Ricciarelli, Renée Fleming, Bidu Sayão and dozens and dozens of others and you'll see that great talent is a gift of both ugly and beautiful people. :-)
Homoclassicus 3 years ago
that simply makes no sense...what a strange thing to say...
pweny 3 years ago
but it ture
mw3wd 3 years ago
no offense but that's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time
pweny 3 years ago
it is ok , but do you think she is beautfull??
mw3wd 3 years ago
yes!
pweny 3 years ago
yes ..? maybe by the heart .and soul , but not with face ,, .. or the meanng of berauty for you is deffirnit from what it is means to me .. think about it ,,
mw3wd 3 years ago
I think you might need some psychiatric attention!
pweny 3 years ago
Well, Cerquetti definitely was not beautiful by common beauty standards, but that doesn't mean talent is always attained to ugliness. After all, we have dozens and dozens of great singers who were amazingly beautiful. One example can't be used as if it were a rule among all the opera singers.
Homoclassicus 3 years ago
mw3wd, we are force fed by the media as to what beauty is in human terms. But this is largely based upon blandness of features, which is all that the media stereotype of human beauty really is. It is the symmetrical beauty of the shop window mannequin, where all features are in 'average' proportion. To most of the worlds population, however, it's the asymmetary of the features that determine character & attraction. Its appeal to each individual varies according to their own emotional map.
hiyadroogs 2 years ago
Ho ascoltato l'Agnese solo una volta cantata in modo magistrale da Montserrat, ma devo dire che Anita non le è per nulla inferiore.....
neronnenn 3 years ago
It should be compulsary that every future (and present) classical singer listens to the big singing stars of yesterday. Have noticed that many young classical singers don't even know the great names of the recent past, incl. Anita Cerquetti. They should know the history ánd the names and not only look for fast stardom. Cerquetti is overwhelming. They don't come like that any more. What a voice! 10 out of 10 !
jcriedijk 3 years ago 2
Questa è una delle più belle interpretazioni della Cerquetti, in assoluto. Purtroppo non ha mai potuto interpretare per intero l'opera Agnese di Spontini.
Mi sembra che sia stata il doppio della Lucille Udovic a Firenze nel 1954, ma credo che non abbia partecipato ad alcuna recita.
palmolella 3 years ago
grande soprano drammatica
pasielu 3 years ago
Amazing voice!
7inga7 3 years ago
In this aria Cerquetti's is overwhelming!!!
Dopo avere ascoltato la Cerquetti le altre interpreti di quest'aria non soddisfano piu'.
64sembra 3 years ago
Anita Cerquetti una grande soprano.
pasielu 4 years ago
Sensational! TY
paulostroff99 4 years ago
Cerquetti was a remarkable singer and this exquisite "preghiera" is breathtaking ! I hear a similar vocal quality in Sondra Radvanovsky.
midas45 4 years ago
well, i have been moderate.this is colossal, haunting singing.i listened to it 5 times in a row.
pslogge 4 years ago
A.Cerquetti is an excellent reference for dramatic sopranos.
pslogge 4 years ago
this is truly a voice like no other before or after she stop singing! there is NO ONE ALIVE WHO CAN SING LIKE THIS!!!!! IN fact there was no one alive while she was singing who could sing like this.AND I LOVE MARIA!!
sgreg53 4 years ago
simply divine!
arnalta 4 years ago
Bravissima!!!
felipecunha 4 years ago