What I wouldn't give to have this particular performance brought to DVD. I have the CD of this performance, and I'm grateful for that. But opera is not comparable to symphony. The visual performance along with the music IS opera. I love Monserrat here. Some complain about her acting. (picky picky picky) Without any doubt Monserrat here shows herself the consummate actor as well as the imperial of the soprano voice.
Otherwise, I must say this is, along with the final scene, and even more so, Caballe's best moment in this opera. She is truly magnificent! She sings with the rare combination of what I will call "impassioned grandeur", and is as regal as it gets, an effect she seemed quite to know the knack of. The way she drops in her throne in the end is certainly a manner of ending the conversation that can bare no objections. And she very well fits in the Baroquish design of the set and costumes.
I am saying that if you manage to act out what you are singing and bring unity to lyrics, visuals and notes, well then it's all for the better, but you would certainly make more sense in an opera if you sing well and act just the minimum required, as opposed to acting with profound poignancy and plausibility and singing badly. Again, opera is a synthethic art par excellence, but it is through speaking and singing that it comes across, visuals just reinforce this.
I mean, it's one's choice. But analyze things and you might come to the conclusion that operatic acting shouldn't be the same as theatrical acting. While opera started as an attempt to revive the ancient Greek theatre which was mostly sung, it certainly deviated from this soon enough, to become primarily beautiful music that is "tied down" to earth by what we call a libretto. I am not saying the music was written before the libretto(which especially in belcanto quite often was the case).
I severely doubt Caballe decided for the style of the production, and it would be naive to blame her for that. Frankly, the more i think the more ridiculous I find such a type of criticism: first of all, does DONIZETTI'S MUSIC make you think of an Anglican queen? A queen - sure, but whether it will be Elizabeth I or Isabella isn't of much importance. I think it's a great misconception that it should be obligatory for a singer to research the part and be "historically accurate".
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I do love Caballe but she is not a convincing Queen Elisabeth I of England. She doesnt even try to LOOK like her (red hair, certain mannerisms, way of walking, etc). She looks more like Isabella Queen of Spain. Beverly Sills was inspired by the real historic Queen and by Bette Davis' portrayal of the Queen and did a great performance. But Caballe is clearly more interested in singing beautifully rather than acting the part. Her really truly exciting performances were as Norma and Salome
oh!!!!my absolute favourite, I know I always say that, but I seriously mean it.The great acting, the VOICES!They are so authentic, these two, I love them dearly....
I can watch it over and over again. Perfect...
czechoperafan 1 month ago
What I wouldn't give to have this particular performance brought to DVD. I have the CD of this performance, and I'm grateful for that. But opera is not comparable to symphony. The visual performance along with the music IS opera. I love Monserrat here. Some complain about her acting. (picky picky picky) Without any doubt Monserrat here shows herself the consummate actor as well as the imperial of the soprano voice.
tuadolcefanciulla 10 months ago
I can't say how much I adore this clip...
gheeah 1 year ago 2
and I adore this more than ever...
gheeah 2 years ago
Otherwise, I must say this is, along with the final scene, and even more so, Caballe's best moment in this opera. She is truly magnificent! She sings with the rare combination of what I will call "impassioned grandeur", and is as regal as it gets, an effect she seemed quite to know the knack of. The way she drops in her throne in the end is certainly a manner of ending the conversation that can bare no objections. And she very well fits in the Baroquish design of the set and costumes.
GeorgiNM 2 years ago
I am saying that if you manage to act out what you are singing and bring unity to lyrics, visuals and notes, well then it's all for the better, but you would certainly make more sense in an opera if you sing well and act just the minimum required, as opposed to acting with profound poignancy and plausibility and singing badly. Again, opera is a synthethic art par excellence, but it is through speaking and singing that it comes across, visuals just reinforce this.
GeorgiNM 2 years ago
I mean, it's one's choice. But analyze things and you might come to the conclusion that operatic acting shouldn't be the same as theatrical acting. While opera started as an attempt to revive the ancient Greek theatre which was mostly sung, it certainly deviated from this soon enough, to become primarily beautiful music that is "tied down" to earth by what we call a libretto. I am not saying the music was written before the libretto(which especially in belcanto quite often was the case).
GeorgiNM 2 years ago
I severely doubt Caballe decided for the style of the production, and it would be naive to blame her for that. Frankly, the more i think the more ridiculous I find such a type of criticism: first of all, does DONIZETTI'S MUSIC make you think of an Anglican queen? A queen - sure, but whether it will be Elizabeth I or Isabella isn't of much importance. I think it's a great misconception that it should be obligatory for a singer to research the part and be "historically accurate".
GeorgiNM 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I do love Caballe but she is not a convincing Queen Elisabeth I of England. She doesnt even try to LOOK like her (red hair, certain mannerisms, way of walking, etc). She looks more like Isabella Queen of Spain. Beverly Sills was inspired by the real historic Queen and by Bette Davis' portrayal of the Queen and did a great performance. But Caballe is clearly more interested in singing beautifully rather than acting the part. Her really truly exciting performances were as Norma and Salome
MastersoftheOpera 2 years ago
Comment removed
MastersoftheOpera 2 years ago
great orchestra too, such a dynamic...
gheeah 3 years ago
fantástico.
2jasan 3 years ago 4
this is unique!
gheeah 3 years ago 3
fantastic, they are the best..
gheeah 4 years ago 3
I have never heard anything better!
gheeah 5 years ago 4
I will love this forever....
gheeah 5 years ago 4
Jose Carreras has the most spectacular voice I have ever heard!
gheeah 5 years ago 4
oh!!!!my absolute favourite, I know I always say that, but I seriously mean it.The great acting, the VOICES!They are so authentic, these two, I love them dearly....
gheeah 5 years ago 5