Was this her peak? Can't imagine any better--so creamy in every register, so unbelievably agile. I have this CD set and must listen to see if it's as good as this. But great seeing her produce that sound. Thanks so much trrill.
Podles is without a doubt the greatest contralto now before the public--and surely one of the greatest of all time, The fact that she is not singing more with the Met, while lesser singers clutter the stage like so much tuneless vermin should be proof enough. She makes the current house favorite, Dolora Zajik, sing like Jimminy Cricket. Podles's only "competition" was the legendary Kerstin Thorborg. Now THERE was a voice.
@jrtrmish not to be boring, but I would firmily recommend to hear Bernadette Manca di Nissa :) Both Bernadette and Ewa have wonderful contralto timbro, but I prefer Bernadette for her softness in emission and her nice coloratura. Best wishes :D
Well I have checked it up. The role of Tancredi was always sung by a contralto or mezzo soprano. The first performance was on Feb 6th 1813 and Tancredi was sung by Adelaide Melanotte Montresor. I have never heard adelaide as a man's name but there is always a first time! I thought the point was that the contralto and soprano voices express the beauty of love better than coarser mens voices and that is why he used them.
I don't pretend to be a specialist in Rossini, I just love his music. But he uses the mezzo voice as the male hero in Tancredi, Bianca et Fallerio and Semiramide - all are opera seria and not opera buffo. As far as I know, all cds and dvds use mezzos in these roles and not counter tenors. They are actually wonderful roles.
Lastly, taste is always subjective. I don't say that your preference for contraltos in these roles are made in bad taste. You are equally entitled to your opinion as I am.
it was Handel who wrote for castrati and usually mezzo castrati. That is the correct voice range for for Nerone and Guilio for example so a mezzo soprano is singing in the correct range as he wrote it originally. Rossini, who was almost castrated himself but his mother stopped it, never wrote for castrati. He wrote only for mezzo sopranos. Check it out if you want to make sure.
He didn't only write for mezzo-sopranos or contraltos, he also wrote quite a few roles for sopranos to perform. I will say that Rossini was more forgiving to women who have lower voices. There were a few feminine roles he wrote for the type of voice.
Eh, I don't care for when Ewa Podles performs pants roles' arias - or any contralto for that matter. I believe this would sound better in the hands of countertenors or castrati, as originally intended.
everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My opinion is that some people have very bad taste. i am sure you don't believe countertenors sound the same way castrati used to sound do you?
well... kinda... i mean how can anyone prefer a falsettist, (or "countertenor" as they like to be called to make it sound like it's a voice type), over Ewa Podles? this woman is like, ridiculous, like she almost doesn't exist, but hey that's just my opinion! btw, i would have loved to hear a castrati (a good one, not moreschi)
Speaking as both a contralto and simple bystander, I think your not entitled to judge me for my own opinions. I personally avoid playing trouser roles in my career, merely because it goes against my convictions. I've never cared for the practice and there are actually quite a few other women, who are lower voiced, who feel the same way - but they currently put up with it - since it is considered to be the general practice. However, I admire a good countertenor like David Daniels.
i'm a total sucker for the contralto voice! however i think i am entitled to an opinion on anyone's opinion, after all, that's the point of opinions, you don't have to take responsability for them, just have them as they are don't you think? do you have any videos posted? i think there are not enough contraltos
quelle profondeur dans le timbre! on est loin de la mièvrerie qui met sur le marché des soubrettes à trilles dont la portée vocale est grossie mille fois et n'a aucun intérêt. Ewa Podles mérite la première place : avec ou sans marketing.
This is something Rossini is famous for. The style isn't typical recitative then aria. The form is a cabaletta double aria. The first long part is an actual aria (the cantabile -- more songlike) followed by what you considered the "aria" which in this form is called the cabaletta. So in essence there are two arias working as one piece.
Actually the recitative is "O Patria", then the aria comes at "Tu che accendi" (the orchestra ceases to just throw in comments into the voice), then comes the cabaletta ´"Di tanti palpiti".
For me she is the best contralto since Marian Anderson, also although not demonstrated here she has a killer top, topping out at about an E above high C, and killer bottom enough to make a baritone nervous.
Has she ever recorded that alleged E? I have her her go to a high B and was pretty good, a high C would probably really good too. But high E? that's like the range of Maria Malibran (low D to high D).
If you can find it, I strongly recommend the full recording of Tancredi with Ewa Podles and Sumi Jo. It's on Naxos. It's terrific. I've never been very fond of contraltos but Ewa has such a gorgeous sound.
She is excellent down to the smallest gesture, her deep and rich contralto and the strength of her occasional high notes the treat to those who are strangers to operatic recital.
Podles is one of a handful of supreme singers of this generation. I seen her in IL TROVATORE, TANCREDI, RODELINA, and several recitals. She never disappoints.
Yummy yummy voice!I have not had the pleasure of hearing this lovely voice before but boy! is she something to enjoy listening to!! thank you for the posting on you site
piękne
polish109 1 year ago
Was this her peak? Can't imagine any better--so creamy in every register, so unbelievably agile. I have this CD set and must listen to see if it's as good as this. But great seeing her produce that sound. Thanks so much trrill.
bbbartolo 1 year ago
She sounds like a tenor when she goes low. This was a fantastic performance. Wish the video quality was better.
GermanOperaSinger 1 year ago
wow. just wow.
alexookpik 1 year ago
she is not better in any way than Horne...she owns this aria!!!
TheBelcantolover 1 year ago
@TheBelcantolover: Well, Podleś might not be outstanding on this take, but at least I
like how she sings it from the diaphragm rather than how Horne sings it with rather stuffy nose.
Dogaradodia 1 year ago
@TheBelcantolover: I like Lucia Valentini-Terrani's take better. Horne sings it from her throat.
Dogaradodia 1 year ago
She is such a fantastic artist....just out of this world. It is the Met's loss that they are not taking advantage of this great talent.
operas6 1 year ago 4
Podles is without a doubt the greatest contralto now before the public--and surely one of the greatest of all time, The fact that she is not singing more with the Met, while lesser singers clutter the stage like so much tuneless vermin should be proof enough. She makes the current house favorite, Dolora Zajik, sing like Jimminy Cricket. Podles's only "competition" was the legendary Kerstin Thorborg. Now THERE was a voice.
jrtrmish 1 year ago 2
@jrtrmish not to be boring, but I would firmily recommend to hear Bernadette Manca di Nissa :) Both Bernadette and Ewa have wonderful contralto timbro, but I prefer Bernadette for her softness in emission and her nice coloratura. Best wishes :D
konigdernacht 1 year ago
Beautiful voice and beautiful music!
justin10292000 2 years ago
Certified Intergalactic! Better than Marilyn Horne. Love you, Madam Podleś!
Dogaradodia 2 years ago
@Dogaradodia you have no idea!!!!
TheBelcantolover 1 year ago
La più grande di tutte!
scarpia1965 2 years ago
This is the first time I am hearing her. Quite an experience!
7inga7 2 years ago
Ewa Podles !!!
Es Asombroso... apoteósico... !!!
Qué grande, los pelos de punta !!!
rodolfoleones 2 years ago
Je suis fan !!!!!!!!!
mariasarda 2 years ago
Well I have checked it up. The role of Tancredi was always sung by a contralto or mezzo soprano. The first performance was on Feb 6th 1813 and Tancredi was sung by Adelaide Melanotte Montresor. I have never heard adelaide as a man's name but there is always a first time! I thought the point was that the contralto and soprano voices express the beauty of love better than coarser mens voices and that is why he used them.
catrynn 2 years ago
I don't pretend to be a specialist in Rossini, I just love his music. But he uses the mezzo voice as the male hero in Tancredi, Bianca et Fallerio and Semiramide - all are opera seria and not opera buffo. As far as I know, all cds and dvds use mezzos in these roles and not counter tenors. They are actually wonderful roles.
catrynn 2 years ago
Right!
Gioachino Rossini wrote only ONE role for castrato:Arsace in "Aureliano in Palmira" (1813).
The first Arsace was Giovanni Battista Velluti.
Tancredi,Malcom and other male young heroes are female contraltoes.
Check it!
Violah1985 2 years ago
Lastly, taste is always subjective. I don't say that your preference for contraltos in these roles are made in bad taste. You are equally entitled to your opinion as I am.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
it was Handel who wrote for castrati and usually mezzo castrati. That is the correct voice range for for Nerone and Guilio for example so a mezzo soprano is singing in the correct range as he wrote it originally. Rossini, who was almost castrated himself but his mother stopped it, never wrote for castrati. He wrote only for mezzo sopranos. Check it out if you want to make sure.
catrynn 2 years ago
But originally, women were not meant to play these roles. They were supposed to be done by men. I'd suggest you do your research again.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
He didn't only write for mezzo-sopranos or contraltos, he also wrote quite a few roles for sopranos to perform. I will say that Rossini was more forgiving to women who have lower voices. There were a few feminine roles he wrote for the type of voice.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
Eh, I don't care for when Ewa Podles performs pants roles' arias - or any contralto for that matter. I believe this would sound better in the hands of countertenors or castrati, as originally intended.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My opinion is that some people have very bad taste. i am sure you don't believe countertenors sound the same way castrati used to sound do you?
SiEtIn1 2 years ago
Are you accusing me of bad taste?
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
well... kinda... i mean how can anyone prefer a falsettist, (or "countertenor" as they like to be called to make it sound like it's a voice type), over Ewa Podles? this woman is like, ridiculous, like she almost doesn't exist, but hey that's just my opinion! btw, i would have loved to hear a castrati (a good one, not moreschi)
SiEtIn1 2 years ago
Speaking as both a contralto and simple bystander, I think your not entitled to judge me for my own opinions. I personally avoid playing trouser roles in my career, merely because it goes against my convictions. I've never cared for the practice and there are actually quite a few other women, who are lower voiced, who feel the same way - but they currently put up with it - since it is considered to be the general practice. However, I admire a good countertenor like David Daniels.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
i'm a total sucker for the contralto voice! however i think i am entitled to an opinion on anyone's opinion, after all, that's the point of opinions, you don't have to take responsability for them, just have them as they are don't you think? do you have any videos posted? i think there are not enough contraltos
SiEtIn1 2 years ago
This aria is written for a mezzo not for countertenors or castrati so it sounds the best when sung by a mezzo as intended.
tehen162 2 years ago
I disagree, but that's just my two cents.
EmilyGreene1984 2 years ago
Certified Intergalactic! Bravissima Podleś! Woohoo! Simply the best! (hands & feet clapping...)
Dogaradodia 2 years ago
altro che horne -.-'' W Podleś
luigipava 2 years ago
Just amazing.
Period.
AureliaJulia 2 years ago
...for all who do not know where to find,...:
NAXXOS/Alberto Zedda/TANCREDI/Rossini
Graviak 2 years ago
SUPERB!!!
Sesto73 3 years ago
Wonderful! (maybe the greatest contralto since Schumann-Heink?) Thank you... FIVE STARS!
CurzonRoad 3 years ago 10
Incredible. She is perfect.
magicflute3 3 years ago 7
PETER TANTI
19gareth90 3 years ago
What a voice! The best rendition I have heard so far. Thanks for sharing.
tehen162 3 years ago
Beautiful.
SweetSopralto 3 years ago 3
Singing in the grand style I grew up with, thanks.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
quelle profondeur dans le timbre! on est loin de la mièvrerie qui met sur le marché des soubrettes à trilles dont la portée vocale est grossie mille fois et n'a aucun intérêt. Ewa Podles mérite la première place : avec ou sans marketing.
mariasarda 4 years ago 2
The intro is far too long compared to the actual aria, sublime contralto however.
Pity about the technical flaw towards the end.
steenbrug 4 years ago
This is something Rossini is famous for. The style isn't typical recitative then aria. The form is a cabaletta double aria. The first long part is an actual aria (the cantabile -- more songlike) followed by what you considered the "aria" which in this form is called the cabaletta. So in essence there are two arias working as one piece.
CountertenorJ 3 years ago 2
Thank you for your interesting and relevant information.
steenbrug 3 years ago
Actually the recitative is "O Patria", then the aria comes at "Tu che accendi" (the orchestra ceases to just throw in comments into the voice), then comes the cabaletta ´"Di tanti palpiti".
thierrybaer 2 years ago
Saw her last night in Houston. Incredible. In her best voice at an age where most are long since retired!
operanurse 4 years ago 3
For me she is the best contralto since Marian Anderson, also although not demonstrated here she has a killer top, topping out at about an E above high C, and killer bottom enough to make a baritone nervous.
burgerz28 4 years ago 3
Has she ever recorded that alleged E? I have her her go to a high B and was pretty good, a high C would probably really good too. But high E? that's like the range of Maria Malibran (low D to high D).
agnellodei 4 years ago
Sublime. In every respect. Nothing less.
mabemawi 4 years ago 3
what a fantastic voice ! A truly great and amazing singer.
k3mara 4 years ago 3
I've heard her voice for the first time about 10 years ago. She got even more expressive. What a voice! Bravissima!
scarpia1965 4 years ago
I'm ashamed to say I had never heard,or heard of,this singer. Thanks for opening my ears.
roddy2445 4 years ago
Her dark, rich sound would be good for Mahler songs.
sfkcbf 4 years ago 2
i need to meet this woman,for lessons ...
irynaa 4 years ago
If you can find it, I strongly recommend the full recording of Tancredi with Ewa Podles and Sumi Jo. It's on Naxos. It's terrific. I've never been very fond of contraltos but Ewa has such a gorgeous sound.
sschimel 4 years ago
She is excellent down to the smallest gesture, her deep and rich contralto and the strength of her occasional high notes the treat to those who are strangers to operatic recital.
tanynzh 5 years ago
holy poop!
xx0lifeispreciousxx0 5 years ago
Podles is one of a handful of supreme singers of this generation. I seen her in IL TROVATORE, TANCREDI, RODELINA, and several recitals. She never disappoints.
bobopera 5 years ago
Excellent!
relative7 5 years ago
Yummy yummy voice!I have not had the pleasure of hearing this lovely voice before but boy! is she something to enjoy listening to!! thank you for the posting on you site
sillsfan 5 years ago