Eula Beal sings the Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria"

[iHeartMusique007]

I have this arrangement of Ave Maria in my countertenor rep. Isn't it just lovely.

[aussiechickdiana]

Stunning....just stunning!! diana

[nddlj]

Can someone please explain to me the difference between contralto and soprano?

(Not trying to say that I don't hear a difference. I just know that soprano is a high-pitch singer, but when I googled contralto, the singers also sing high notes so..?)

I'm really interested get a reply from a person who truly grasps the understanding of this type of singing... I don't want to just 'google' this answer.

[weightfeather1]

@nddlj Generally speaking, a soprano will be able to hit higher notes than a contralto. There are different types of sopranos, ranging from coloratura (really-really high pitched voice: very light and flute-like) to mezzo-soprano, which is lower and fuller. This type of voice is more suited to Wagnerian-type music: full of power. Now, we have Eula Beale. Her voice is a true contralto. It is lower still: almost like a male tenor's voice. Powerful, low and strong, but perfect pitch and beautiful!

[CanadaPisces]

A very fine contralto! Wonderful expression!

[UnaverageAmerican]

She really is the best contralto I have ever heard!

[DanielBaroque]

It's really telling that singers from the last century were on the whole better trained. It certainly shows in this woman's poise, power, phrasing, beauty of sound and breath control. She is an extraordinary contralto. It's a pity she did not go on in her career, but she made a choice that ultimately suited her, and that we have to accept.

[BambinoBaritono]

she was been dramatic mezzosoprano :S

[KataclysmKat]

@BambinoBaritono

No. Look for her version of "None but the Lonely Heart." It should be in the list of recommended videos. She's a contralto.

[dianayodzis]

This is absolutely flawless and I love everything about it

[inessaanokhina]

Much love, Eula!

[bryantrains1958]

wow....what a voice!

[LegalFarts]

One of the few Latin pronounciations harmless to the ear.

[abracadabranque]

Un air très délicat à mener dont elle se sort parfaitement.Certainement une des plus belles versions.Bravo Madame et merci operatribute!

[anisclara]

Ohh...it's so wonderfull!

Amazing how she sings...seems to speak,so simple.

Contralto... so rare!

She is just perfect!

[eliasbadager]

Tiene un timbre muy grato al oido,y mas para ser contralto.

Sin mencionar que las agudas no le salen mal como a muchas voces graves que les sale la voz rasposa.

[norisv]

In the key of Eb major...

[drakkonami]

Yes, that's true to an extent, but it's also good to push the boundaries of typecasting as a contralto. Not to mention the scarcity of material. I feel like this voice type hasn't been explored enough - like there are some sublime operas just waiting to be written.

[EmilyGreene1984]

@drakkonami I agree there. 

[bilstew]

A fine contralto and she has a very composed and comfortable manner in her performance.The high notes are handled in an effortless way. I wonder does anyone out there know the background of her training?

[7inga7]

This is one of the loveliest contraltoes I ever heard.

[EmilyGreene1984]

I mean you wouldn't want a soprano to play a pants role neither would you want a tenor to play a girl role. Its common sense.

[iHateAllCannedFish]

This is such an encouragement! I have possibly the deepest voice of anyone I know - I wish to stretch my range up and down as far as it will go - i've already got two octaves, and I'm starting singing lessons on tuesday. I'm exited! Anyway, I am exited to sing some of the songs I enjoy that may be a bit above my range, but not TOO far for me to get... I Dreamed A Dream, possibly.

Thanks for posting this! It reminds me of what I can accomplish.

[paskitah]

I think low voices are underestimated my singing teacher is a contr and she has AMAZING low notes i'm a tenor and we share a variaty of notes but her's are incredible. I really prefer the smooth low notes of a contra than the ear-breaking highs of a soprano

[bethrules11]

I enjoy both contralto and soprano, but opera is limited to Deanna Durbin. I like lots of contralto singers, I am one too, Judy Garland is my favorite though. I prefer contralto.

[EmilyGreene1984]

Not exactly, there is one singer called Rosa Ponselle. Whose voice was a blend of both of soprano and mezzo (sometimes contralto) like qualities.

[tbagwellpianist]

Incredible.

[tbagwellpianist]

Incredible sound, technique and musicianship.

[paulostroff99]

Easily the best version of this Ave Maria that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Eula ranks up there favourably with the finest contraltos ever.

[vstasov]

She has the loveliest contralto voice I've ever heard.

[bleetenor]

Oh how I would love to hear a voice like this in a live concert! Incredible.

[MrCafiero]

THIS IS COORDINATED VOCAL REGISTRATION!!!!!! Brava!!!!

[PhillipLWilcher]

So effortless and timelessly elegant. Incredible voice!

[NonMatchingUnderwear]

Thank God I've finally discovered someone whose singing voice is as deep as mine! I always thought there was something wrong with me for not beign able to sing as high as normal women!

[PennyDreadfulness]

You're not the only one. I've been a contralto since I was in grade school — it made singing in the choir _very_ frustrating, since even the _boys_ were sopranos! And then in high school, to have to watch all the good stuff go to the sopranos in the chorus, knowing that I was better than they were, was disappointing enough to make me leave. (Well, that, and the _hideous_ dress they made us wear. I looked like a _Christmas tree_ in that thing.)

[arttale280]

oh Im a contralto too...

i also sometimes feel disappointed and a little mad about my voice. Altough im getting used to be a contralto and liking it when i have to sing in public i feel a little embarrased.

[highnote32]

Seriously, there's nothing wrong with being a Contralto.

[forallyouknow]

I agree. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with being a contralto. In fact, it's sad that there is a dearth of fame and opportunity in opera for this voice type; most you can do is try to make your voice as beautiful as possible. I can imagine the frustration must be similar (albeit a little less) for the basso.

[EmilyGreene1984]

Well the reason why is mostly contraltos have little material and good roles to sing, and they unfortuantely are forced to play pants roles or villanous or old women.

[EmilyGreene1984]

The other drawback of being a contralto is that you can sometimes attract bad attention from certain individuals, purely because your voice sounds lower. I can't tell you how offensive it is to get that attention, when you (yourself) are not that way or like one of those obsessive fans.

[justinian693]

Never be ashamed about having one of the rarest voices, it just means you're extra special my friend. Make that money!

[Hisrevenge]

I don't see why this comment got four 'thumbs down' ratings. This is a very valid statement, and I agree.

[MrJustin2782]

Great Comment, You're so Wonderful!

[EmilyGreene1984]

I believe I'm a contralto as well and I share the same feelings with both of you. Its very sad when most of the feminine roles get to go to sopranos or mezzo-sopranos and contraltos are, unfortuantely, left playing evil women or men (which on the latter, I personally avoid performing in my career). But I've found a great many feminine roles that belong to the contralto voice - one of my favourites is that of Irene in "Bajazet" by Vivaldi.

[Hisrevenge]

What does it matter if a role is masculine or feminine or whatever? You're acting... it's what you get paid to do... be another character. The whole point is that you're not being yourself. Why not appreciate every possible facet of your voice type?

[alostsoul01]

Great voice!

[paulostroff99]

WWonderful voice. Brava! TY James!

[raigekimaru]

5/5, beautiful woman, beautiful voice

[andigrim007]

Beautiful singing

Thank you for posting