Shirley Verrett - In Memoriam-

[Armado229]

Che grandissima cantante. Che grandissima cantante-attrice. Che grandissima donna.

[sergiobantam]

Que mulher linda e de alma branda! Que simplicidade! Absolutamente Maravilhosa.

Um anjo com a voz do Universo ou um Universo com a voz de um anjo?

[yahualico2007]

YO CONOCI pe rsonalmente a tan excelsa cantante en el metropolitan de nueva york y tuve la dicha de obsequiarle mi sarape mexicano el cual lucia en todas partes y fue en verdad inolvidable esa noche

[Rattywotin]

Rest in Peace Shirley . you have given so much over the years .. you will not be forgottenxx

[metropolitan1966]

Sing the song (Witness) girl! This picked me up big time! Amen, and Amen, sister!!!

[higharch]

Bravura. 

[tebaldicallas]

I saw her in Montreal in Carmen - she was great RIP

[stevevandien]

Here's a topic for an ambitious music historian to explore in detail: the African-American church, its music, and influence upon black American classical singers. The topic's enormity will require some years' research (I'm guessing 2-5 years) to do it justice. With my BA in English (magna cum laude) and scholarly background (I've also been a classical singer), I'd LOVE to take on this project, given sufficient grants and (perhaps) gifts to support my research and writing:) --=

[mjmacmtenor]

@stevevandien I agree that this is a good issue for research. From my perspective, there is an emotionallity in the African American church and its music that is a parallel to that in Mediterrean cultures such as Italy and which translates well into opera. Although we tend to think of contemporary Gospel music, there is a long tradition (started in black college such as Tuskeegee) of spirituals and other music that combine African-American musical styles with classical vocal sounds.

[stevevandien]

@mjmacmtenor Thanks for commenting. You bring up a facet of this issue that to my knowledge, at least, has rarely been discussed -- that element of emotionality common to both the African-American church tradition and the Mediterranean cultures. Interesting, too -- when I come to think of it, almost all my experience with spirituals since boyhood has been hearing them performed by classically trained singers, both black and white. So I grew up thinking of them as classical music:)

[stevevandien]

How I remember seeing this performance on video for the first time when I was 21, AND how I was blown into another dimension by the sheer sexiness of Shirley Verrett. Sheez, seeing this again nearly 30 years later, I STILL need a cold shower:) --

[stevevandien]

Verrett was a strikingly beautiful woman with a huge, powerful and gorgeous voice. Personally, I wish she would have settled on one fach, whether mezzo or dramatic soprano, rather than go back and forth between them. But that is one fan's opinion:). Rest in peace, dear Shirley --

[precint13]

wonderful Onegin ! shirley, an extraordinary singer.

[amneris54]

THKSSSSSSSSSSSSS à toi mon ami Onegin

[fdh1004]

I am so very sad to hear of Ms Verrett's passing. Such a talented artist. To my ear, one of the 2 or 3 most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Thanks for the wonderful tribute.

[joliegarrett]

RIP Shirley--thank you for your extraordinary gift that you gave to the world. You will be greatly missed.

[Nungirl238]

RIP...

[OperaDanceHall]

In memory......a great voice and a great lady Macbeth and Eboli in Paris... Thanks for al the opera's life and your records....

[klokheten]

The memory of your enormous artistic achievements will live forever

and impress and comfort people all over the world.

A profound singer.

[SINGINGOPERAFAN]

How very, very sad.........another GREAT artist passes away.

[DavidGarciaVaz]

The best Dalilah ever. Rest in peace.

[77Opera]

Merci pour tant de beauté Madame! Reposez en paix!

[barneswriter]

One of the greatest and nicest opera stars. A consummate artist with great vocal talent and dramatic commitment.

I had a lovely email from her early this year after thanking her for making musical life so rich.

RIP peace darling Shirley.

[iberioX]

A Wonderful woman..a great soul

[dsenRuskin]

At one point, she was said to possess the most beautiful mezzo-soprano voice in the world. I believe that.

[Geostrum2]

We've lost two of the greatest Shirley and Joan Sutherland in one year.

[57monks]

Shirley was one of the glories of our age. She was my first Eboli at Covent Garden in 1968, and I was fortunate to be at the opening Troyens at the Met in 73. Her interviews were as rewarding as it was to listen to her sing. Her voice was rich, plush, and so expressive, and her musicianship was peerless. Rest in peace Great Lady; your fans will always love you.

[lungdoc]

Gracias uan vez más Onegin.

[Canuckoperafan]

Wonderful tribute to a great singer - thank you!

[FoggyRoad81]

I have been listening to all the tributes and just crying, crying, crying.....

[phiddlestyx]

RIP, Shirley. Thank you for sharing your great artistry with the world.

[pazmerlot]

Love.

[55patri]

Que pena más grande. Descansa en paz Shirley

[ondaslokas]

REST IN PEACE SHIRLEY

[Herur22]

A lovely portrait of the great singer.

[1Renbar]

Tears and Love... R.I.P.

[ALVARUSPT]

:-(

RIP

[WdeBz]

Thank you so much! As usual.

[lyrictenore]

RIP

[milamalias]

Great lost!

[maricarmen123]

I will miss you!

[waterfordwinstons]

OH How You shall be missed.............. Rest in Peace my Loved one.

[ophunka]

Ismét elment egy csodálatos HANG!

Shirley Verrett nyugodjon békében!

[xafnndapp]

I will never forget her Lady Macbeth at La Scala in 1978 and also a recital there a few years later. Such an ARTIST, and with a golden voice.

Will be missed.

[bladezone1]

Onegin65 thank you so much for this expression love for this great voice. I met Ms. Verrett after a recital and she was so warm and inviting to me. She gave me the biggest hug! I am heartbroken. Onegin65 you are a true gift to us all.

[DrFernandoBicudo]

The world of Opera has lost one its brightest star: Shirley Verrett... she went to illuminate another dimension with her divine presence and artistry. She had one of the most beautiful and expressive voice registered anytime, anywhere...

[crazy4opera]

...my friend just told me... I'm crushed... :( RIP.... such an artist, such woman, such voice...

-power, elegancy, expression... EVERYTHING !!!

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE ! <3

T H A N K S !