ELIZABETH CONNELL Wagner's Siegfried Finale + Stephen Gould

[sansLiesjp]

R.I.P from Japan

[SieglindeMoos]

Good looks are only a great plus if the voice can tell the story and has the beauty and power. The few people who understand that know what the genre opera is all about. The rest should read more and listen to old recordings. It's a little embarrassing to make comments about something you don't understand, unless they are questions. RIP Elizabeth Connell. Thanks to recordings and youtube generations to come can learn from your great talent and diligence.

[Canuckoperafan]

I just heard the very sad news that Elizabeth Connell passed away today. Saw her many times on stage in opera and concert. A beloved great singer whose remarkable voice remained fresh and youthful to the very end. She will be greatly missed. RIP Elizabeth Connell...

[stevefrombroadway]

@Canuckoperafan

Hi, I just revisited the "Siegfried" duet here, and it IS astounding! I also played Connell's "In Questa Reggia" scene for a conductor friend of mine who had never heard or seen her sing before (nor have I) in person...he was bowled away by her singing this "Turandot" at the age of 64. I agree that she will be greatly missed!

[MCHEATH]

This is a concert performance - not staged. Youthful good looks are for the stage - I would much rather hear a great voice than look at a handsome soprano or tenor with a mediocre voice.

[verdiwag]

Pretty fantastic singing and according to one biog Connell was 61 when this was recorded!

[emiliotube01]

wow, they need to read the music? you think they'd memorize it 

[madmezzo]

Holy man 6:35. Those are some pipes.

[gatosgatula]

Wonderful ! Both Elisabeth Connell and Stephen Gould.Such voice is really rare...thrilling and strong, but with human warmness..Very glad to hear this video. thank you !

[MrSononostalgico]

Bless her! 

[Jezetha]

The lady sings with effortless ease. A very natural Brünnhilde. Remarkable!

[abbeliszt]

she sounds glorious. A pleasure through and through - she sings it much better than Nilsson, Jones and Behrens on record. why has nobody offered her to record this? I wish I was a record executive. Deutsche Grammophone, listen to me!!

[angryjalapeno]

@abbeliszt, yes I agree this lady is fantastic but Nilsson cuts through the orchestra's sound like a hot knife on butter.

[abbeliszt]

she sounds glorious. A pleasure through and through

[Gigglingatagas]

Trills and all!! Wonderful.

[hapvdmleohung2003]

so good~i like~

[Alberich36]

The BEST ending in all of opera!!!!

[bigcedock]

Did anyone notice the rich sound of the orchestra, and the flawless precision between singers and orchestra??

[voidptr]

Beautiful! Thank you. Did she also sing the scene before ("Heil Dir Sonne") in this concert?

[clearevil]

Is she the fat lady singing, which mean it's over?

[puppetoz]

@clearevil You are a person of tiny intellect who would be better spending his time looking at things which are on the same intellectual level as yourself. American beauty contests would be about right. Why don't you give those a go instead of bugging people, spouting off nasty negative stuff about things you know nothing of. Don't worry you wouldn't be missed....even if you never come back.

[clearevil]

@puppetoz

Is she that fat lady singing the end of the opera? or is she not? for a person of your huge intellect, yes or no questions seem to challenge you a bit.

[astar2b2010]

@clearevil your name tells it all you a STUPID WHO EVER YOU ARE @clearevil

[exdiva46]

Continuing to sing Wagner at her age is an accomplishment and not many sopranos can ever do that - ignorance is not an acceptable comment - this is an excellent sound better than some half her age.

[Jairdan]

What's the difference between a Wagnerian soprano and a Wagnerian Tenor? About 10 pounds

Okay, sorry for the joke, but this discussion is quite ridiculous...Both are great Wagnerian Singer(s)... I enjoyed watching it

[encoreandbravo]

Unfortunately, this is the only Stephen Gould video I can find on YouTube. SO loved him as Siegfried at the Vienna State Opera opposite Nina Stemme as Brünnhilde (under the fabulous Franz-Welser Möst). Pure bliss, audience overwhelmed!

Now you can easily guess that I like this clip because it reminds me of one of the most fabulous musical moments I've ever experienced ...

I'd be thankful for any hint on any Stephen Gould clip there is.

[encoreandbravo]

Unfortunately, this is the only Stephen Gould video I can find on YouTube. SO loved him as Siegfried at the Vienna State Opera opposite Nina Stemme as Brünnhilde (under the fabulous Franz-Welser Möst). Pure bliss, audience overwhelmed!

Now you can easily guess that I like this clip because it reminds me of one of the most fabulous musical moments I've ever experienced ...

I'd be thankful for any hint on any Stephen Gould clip there is.

[jmahlon]

some pretty over zealous critics commenting here. The tenor is quite good, as well as Ms Connell. Not every performance of this incredibly difficult music is going to be an absolute revelation.. Good job from two well produced dramatic voices.

[Ahdren]

I would like to add two names to the mix. Rita Hunter and Alberto Remedios. Their recording of this opera in English is nothing short of sublime. To an english audience it is a whole new way to experience Wagner (even though it was recorded in the 70's) This music should not be belted as loud as can be managed...unfortunately these two (especially this awful tenor) seem not to realise this. Please listen to Hunter and Remedios before telling me I dont know what I'm talking about

[ebony1911]

She should sing at the Met and at Bayreuth. She's get known then. She is marvellous. This Siegfried should be availible somehere complete. Is the Wotan in the same league as the two principles? This is so magnificent. I can't believe it. TWO singers today who can sing this music. Life after Nilsson and Windgassen . And you say she has sung Isold'? A Siegfried Brunhilde who can sing beutifully!! jezHB333 says it all.

[bestmaster3]

I was in the company when NIlsson was still singing this role onstage, and was retired but able to hear Jones and Behrens from the audience side after Nilsson had retired from itl These ladies were great poets, great actresses and very emotionally involved in rgw role. Connell is none of these - it seems as if she is not yet into the poetry or the physical expression of the character while "sightreading" this in this clip. Perhaps more when she sings it onstage!'

Arrow

[londonblue123]

Actually this is the best interpretation of Brünnhilde at this place within the opera I ever heard. Please correct me if you know a better one. It's somehow amazing but shocking at the same time that Wagner becomes doable one more time. Thank you!

[Chrysothemis]

I'd put Varnay, Nilsson, Jones and Flagstad ahead of her, but at this level it's really just about taste. She's absolutely phenomenal.

[Yaamoesje]

I don't care if the singer looks ugly, even when I'm looking the piece live. The most important thing for me is the singing and acting. Come on, looks isn't really that important. I've seen skinny ladies with a good voice on rare occasions, so really I don't mind if they are overweight... Don't be so superficial and just enjoy the music and the singing (which is the objective of opera), don't critisize people by their looks.

[rancodanca]

@Yaamoesje You're wrong about the objective of opera, at least according to Wagner. Wagner detested Italian and French view on Opera, in which music is the objective, and other dramatic factors are just secundary. For Wagner music, together with picture and word, were all means to achieve the best experience of the drama presented. Which would mean that the appearance of the actors has to be such that it doesn't bother the viewer during the play, or it would alienate the viewer from it.

[isabelle070209]

Nous n'aurions que des Brunnhildes de ce niveau nous n'aurions plus de problèmes pour le rôle. En revanche cool de voir que retrouve de bons ténors. Ca manquait. Un renouveau de Wagner??

[analka1]

Let me add a few things...what happened to Debbie wasn't discrimination. This is theater, what you see is important, this isn't a recording. I don't mean offense, but attractiveness plays a big role in theater, in movies, in television, and for a reason. What you see is very important, the role of a beautiful young princess for example should be played by a beautiful young woman.

3 things matter to see if you fit for a role

-Singing

-if your looks fit

-acting

All 3 are essential!

[Chrysothemis]

analka1 - A handsome guy is always cast as Siegfried? Seriously? Siegfried Jerusalem is the only one who comes to MY mind.

Anyway, I kind of agree with you. If a singer doesn't look good or acts well, that's a serious flaw.

But these extreme dramatic parts are such that ANYONE who can sing them in a convincing manner will be hired to do so.

Not to be condescending, but there are enough people who sing Mozart well that you can afford to simply pick the pretty ones.

[7enlightenedtemplar7]

I agree, to a point, but I don't think people (as often as they used to) actually go to an opera house, most often they are listening to it on an i-pod or mp3. In which case looks wouldn't matter, just singing. :)

[analka1]

Great voice, actually a fantastic controlled voice. However, an opera is about visuals and music. A handsome guy is always cast as Seigfried, so shouldn't the desirable Brunhilde also be a beautiful girl? Moreover, valkyries are warriors...you would figure an athletic build rather than one that is incredibly overweight.

I've never understood that, why is Brunhilde somehow an exception to the rule? Would you want an ugly Don Giovanni, or Figaro, or Otello, or etc. etc. etc.?

[analka1]

Chrysothemis

Not necessarily handsome, but usually a decent looking and in shape guy is cast as Seigfried.

These extreme dramatic parts? Yes Wagner is brutally hard, requires incredible endurance and strength over a wide range. However, there are tons of classical singers out there. Finding one who could sing the part AND look at least decent (geez at least not morbidly obese), shouldn't be a problem.

[liamandsarah]

@analka1 I wonder how much you really understand about the vocal production required for Wagner, and even the larger Verdi roles? Someone who "looks" the part, would be too thin to be able to cope with the lung capacity required, not to mention that when it comes to Wagner, it's better to hear the singer above the orchestra than watch her prance around the stage. Opera is a visual AND musical art, and as such, if you have a "thin" singer up there who sounds like crap, would you actually go?

[liamandsarah]

@liamandsarah can I also add, that if you have a voice that can sing the heck out of this music, then we as audience members should blimmen well enjoy it while we can, because before we know it, we are going to be surrounded by thin little opera singers who can barely hold their own against an orchestra, and we might as well go to the ballet instead. Seriously I don't understand the obsession some of you have about having to be thin. Opera is about music, being moved, not an anorexia convention

[siglinde86]

increible tiene un poco de todas las mejores wagnerianas !!!!! gracias por el video!

[kyrie73]

This woman is unbelievable! Why can't more people sing like her? Everything is so spot on : pure tone, legato, dynamics, acute phrasing, text. She doesn't pull all the breaks until it's needed, and then she has it. Many singers half her age should be ashamed. Great great clip and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[jimhandel]

Great Wagner!! Elizabeth Connell is just great! Excellent study of the role, dead center high notes and a near "legendary trill." She is one of very few singers performing today that can really do justice to this music.

[nornsnornsnorns]

Thank you for this - Miss Connell is a lovely lady and has the best top C in the business today! I have never forgotten her single fabulous Elektra at Covent Garden in 2004

[Chrysothemis]

Such an under-appreciated singer! She must be THE hidden gem of contemporary hochdramatische sopranos. Why didn't she sing these parts EVERYWHERE?

[assindiastignani]

Why doesn't she sing these roles everywhere? Because nowadays stage directors have all the say, and they want anorexic fashion models who are willing to run around all evening half or totally undressed because this fulfills their (the directors') "concept" of Brünnhilde. The fact that the singers then have no voices is ultimately irrelevant.

[paddaman1]

Why? She is too fat! Thats why. Look what happened to Deborah Voight.

[Chrysothemis]

Well, it's not like Debbie had a hard time getting a gig before the surgery. Neither did Jane Eaglen.

And with all due respect, Elisabeth sings the sh*t out of both of them. So my question remains...

[paddaman1]

I know what youre saying, but on the other side ive heard that she is not that much keen on travelling these days, she only does a few engagements every year. Who knows maybe she has made enough money now.

[Canuckoperafan]

Magnificent, resplendent singing from Elizabeth Connell. What an amazingly youthful voice, from someone who has been singing for so many years already. I saw her Kostelnicka in Toronto back around 1980, and she came back as Ariadne 6 years later. If there ever is a true "evergreen", she is it!

[SinoSene]

Good grief she's great! Her high note at the end gets slightly pinched towards the end of it, but it doesn't matter. This is a magnificent performance! I wish I was there!

[cptnunderwhere]

Agreed

[jezHB333]

damn she's good!

[52dalibor]

Love to Liza from Prague. Her Venus and Kostelnicka with AO were unforgettable. treasure her.

[fuchsiastarr]

If you ever get the chance to see this woman perform the Kostelnicka in Jenufa, you must. For those who have not heard this voice live... it is the cleanest, most powerful voice I have ever heard. Like a MASSAVE lazer piercing the theatre. Brilliant. Her Ortrud is also a show stopper.

[andrewoconnorblue]

I've been lucky enough to work with 'Lizzy' in workshops - she is truly amazing. Fun to work with and with a great sense of humour; and not to mention that amzaing voice. As you can hear, there is no problems moving that great big sound around, even trilling and pulling out lower partials. Great musical mind and talent.

[Leubald]

well Brünnhilde's part is horryfiing difficult, but isn't she a bit shrill?

[Doromir]

Heard it live. Not shrill at all in the theater. She sounds glorious and effortless. You have to hear it to believe it!

[rcdnphy]

The final three minutes are intoxicating.

Count me in as an adict.

[Virbius73]

Connell is wonderful - it's a delight to see and hear how much she's obviously ENJOYING herself in that magnificent ocean of sound. And I must say that Gould has a cleaner ringing tone, more solidity and more fluent intelligence than most present-day heldentenors... sorry, than most present-day tenors singing heldentenor roles. I do NOT mean that to be faint praise - I'm just glad someone can get through these roles so the operas can be performed, and he does it well.

[bradcooper77]

Sydney Symphony Orchestra performed the ring in the late 90's and Connell was an AMAZING Brunnhilde. I was lucky enough to be in th chorus for Gotterdammerung and after an impossibly beautiful Immolation Scene she recieved the only full house standing ovations I've ever seen in Australia. All 2700 people in the Opera House were on thier feet! Thanks for posting!!

[listentomom]

Thanks for the post. VERY enjoyable singing from both. Wish they didn't use the music, though. It distracts from their great singing - makes it look like a rehearsal and not a performance.

[Frohh]

Gould is the best Siegfried of nowadays.

[promptersbox]

Hardly. Jon Frederic West owns this role and has done so for many years now.

[pwcfuster]

She made a great Isolde at the Royal Festival Hall, in London, in the mid 90's. Was a concert performance; great chance to concentrate only on the music.

[operaoaf]

I love her voice and marvel at its youthful tones for she must be between 50 and 60 years of age, and this is meant to be a compliment. She has a bright lyric voice capable of powerful top notes. And like Nilsson, she doesn't muscle the delivery because the notes sound clear and secure. It's a shame that she hasn't found greater visibility and fame, for her voice is ideally suited for the Wagnerian and straussian roles. She should make a great Elizabeth and Isolde.

[martello79]

Janowski's soprano choice has certainly improved since Altmeyer's airy sung Brunnhilde. This woman is right to have switched to the soprano Fach as opposed to many others these days.... Brava Elizabeth

[ekalbekim]

I love you Liza!!!!

Francis

[Dramaticmaleprano]

I think I may like Elizabeth Connell