the voice is wonderful, I do like ti. Italian pronunciation sounds with the American accent, a problem that seldom English speaking singers can avoid. I love her voive, though.
Great singer/actress. I never saw the great Callas in this roll but Sills surpasses Sutherland and Caballe easily.....Watching Sills do this at The Met was a revelation of sorts......and she was at her most stunning......Sills wasn't the first great soprano to deal with faltering high notes..
Bubbles is probably my favourite soprano. This would be one of my favourite interpretations, if not for the improv at 3:56 and repeated at 4:10 Otherwise, best performance of (pretty much) my absolute favourite arias.
Well I heard her sing Puritani with tenor Mauro (who had a good sized voice) years ago with NYCO in Los Angeles and on the high notes with him she held her own in volume, her voice did not sound small and had a good point and power on top. I also heard her a few other times, before that in Concert in the early 70's. She was wonderful.
As far as the comments about her Tremolo on the last note, she was older here and it's just one performance. I heard her often in the 70's and it was solid . This is still a great reading of the aria anyhow, listen to her recording of it earlier also. She was one of the greatest of all coloraturas and nobody can take that away from her. RIP Beverly (Bubbles) Silverman
Brava! Sills was a terrific soprano and a fine actress. I saw her in house many times. Always a fine occasion, her smile was genuine and her singing was emotional and of the highest order.
My first season singing professionally, we did Traviata with Sills. She was at the height of her popularity, and sang this every time the same- but you could not take your eyes off her- she really ACTED. Yes, the voice was 'smallish' - who cares? But you heard EVERY NOTE, and the runs were like quicksilver. And she was so HUMAN, and remembered EVERY chorister's name. I count the shows I sang with her as the highlight of my musical career. God bless you, Bev!
@jsmoir1 I have to disagree with the wide opinion that Beverly's voice was small. It was light, I think. Light, and fearless like lightning! It was so in contrast to the dramatic coloraturas who came before her, that I think it became misconstrewn as small. Thats my guess and opinion anyways. But I'm biased, cause I love me some Bubbles. So she really was as sweet as she seems in every video?
Yup, there is that "temelo" (never really noticed before)--but I'm still thrilled w/the sparkle & possible rendering of a "recklessness" of her characterization--guess, I'm a devoted fan from so many performances.
You know, she knew everything and could sing everything, but I just could not ever get past that everpresent warble, tremelo, what ever you want to call it. I mean no disrespect, and it is something many singers suffer from, I just have difficulty with it.
I love Sills Traviata. I love her EMI recording and that was my first Traviata. She sang the role more than 50 times in her career and she LIVED the part. Tender, touching and beautiful. It's great that at this time in the 70's she could sing not only Traviata but Daughter of the Regiment, Norma, the Queen Elisabeth I in Deveraux and Manon. Very wide range there.
I think her white gown is beautiful! Very 1870's with a bustle in the back..they got the period wrong. Traviata should be 1850's, which used wide hoopskirts and big ball gowns
@RaWrZzZz I love the little water droplet staccato though. :/ But BUBBLES IS MY FAVOURITE <3 I don't even think SUTHERLAND can come close to her in this role. The audience does not cheer enough.
Her voice always sounds vulnerable, almost fragile. But in reality she had a rock solid technique. And definitely one of the best actresses I've seen on the opera stage...
@ivelosthewilltolive I agree, even though she was mature, her condition and breath never went wrong. There's a part around 3:43 in which she has to repeat going upper in her scale, and she didn't miss a second breathing, I mean, her breathing technique is perfect.
I love Sills but does anyone else think her Eb here sounds like it hurts? It sounds very heavy with a big wobbly vibrato. Does anyone know why? I've heard her sing positively gorgeous notes above high C.
By the time she sung this, her voice had been damaged by her singing many Roberto Devereuxs (brilliantly, may I add), a role that is one of the most difficult & too heavy for her voice. As a result, her high notes became thinner and more arduous.
I just adore her! She was my introduction to opera 35 years ago in this very role. The joy she puts into singing are infectious. I have gone on to like many other singers, but Sills remains #1.
I love Sills' ball gown here and her hair. They made her look like a pretty young blonde Violetta. She sings with a fine understanding of the words, even if her voice is not Italianate like Callas, Tebaldi, Scotto or Freni. But she makes a warm, bubbly, frail and compassionate Violetta. Her portrayal is perfect. I own this DVD and it's amazing to watch her sing Violetta one night and Queen Elizabeth I another night. What an actress!
Sills: Una verdadera idola. Para mi, es una de las mejores Violetas de todos los tiempos. Lamento no haber podido verla en escena. Un verdadero angel de la musica.
Did you hear this fine singer, live & without a mic? Then please post an objective description to add to the great YouTube archive before the memory is lost for ever. Recordings don't tell us everything. Quality, size of voice, character, integrity, movement & the effect on an audience need describing too. e.g. I wish I'd heard Farinelli stun an audience with a single note. Fortunately we have Charles Burney's detailed account.
Have any of you heard Callas' Violetta? That is perfection! I've heard the Arias "Follie! Follie!" and "Sempre Libera" from Renata Tebaldi, Anna Netrebko, Montserrat Caballé, Joan Sutherland, Sumi Jo and now from Sills... And, for me, Callas' one is the best: excellent coloratura, very well sustained high notes, great acting. All of these are great singers guys, that's the richness of music is about. Be happy!
Yes, I saw Callas live at Covent Garden. Intensely sensitive acting with a truly harrowing death scene, but vocally as fragile as bone china. Nevertheless a wonderful character portrayal both her voice and in her person.
Yeah, they kinda are. She was late in her career though, and she had been doing those Queens which wreaked some havock with her. Thatś OK. She still has great runs and sings a lot better than the 'best' do today.
Exactly, but of course I had to recieve those 2 thunbs down just for saying the truth. She was amazing, but again, HERE the high notes are disgusting. Although she is one of my favorites.
Magnificent! My favorite Traviata DVD. In my opinion, Sills was the greatest singing actress of her era. Brava Beverly! And thank you for the pleasure that you gave us through your artistry. Rest in peace, Bubbles.
From Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center in 1976, Beverly Sills is 47, past her prime but had sung Violetta many times and knew the role well. She sings with exciting coloratura and she looks great. I love her Violetta. She sings it better on the EMI recording with Aldo Ceccato conducting and Nicolai Gedda as Alfredo.
I agree, she has better recordings of this: she is certainly not at her best here, seems too tired, vocal sustaining, etc. It must be the aging thing like Callas was in her 1960's.
haha Callas sounded disgusting for most of her career, her voice was harsh and nasal, she cracked and missed notes all over the place, and you could drive a truck through her vibrato.
I'm sorry to say you are severely misinformed:( What I would do, is learn a little more about vocal technique and then listen to Callas. I agree Callas had much vocal decline and made a lot of ugly sounds later in her career. She was focused on many other issues, firstly when she lost weight (and weakened her muscles around her voice) and later with personal issues. In any case she just plain stopped practicing. BUT when you listen to her recordings from the mid 40's to mid 50's GLORIOUS!
Hm - I agree with skitzo429. Callas had a great voice with poor technique (which failed her miserably in her declining years). Sills had a great technique and not much voice, but she made the most of what she had. In any case, both great artists in their own right, but I listen to Callas for the acting, Sills for the singing.
I would have to disagree with you as well. Tell me what was wrong with Callas' technique and what was great about Sills'? I ask only for the substance of your statements and mean no disrespect. Please explain, I am all ears my friend!
As a singer myself, what I hear from Callas is a very dark, strangled placement (too far back, tight throat) that masks the natural beauty of what was (at least at the beginning) an incredible instrument. With Sills, I hear a light, reedy (dare I say a bit astringent?) voice married to a pretty incredible technique (coloratura and legato for days, excellent intonation, etc.). I wouldn't cite either of them as a great example, per se, but enjoy listening to both, for different reasons.
Agreed. A pianist, violinist, cellist or similar musician would be laughed off the stage if they had a technique as flawed as Callas'. The voice is an instrument, and opera is (or was) art. Callas ushered in the permission for catterwalling that dominates the medium today. The decline is upon us.
If a voice encompasses 4 octaves, and a gorgeous tone but the artist can't express real emotion the most perfect technique means nothing. I'd rather hear an imperfect voice used in expressive brilliance than hear a perfect technical voice coupled with the artistry of a stick.(I want to make clear that this is a general reply about what you said about Callas not a criticism of Sills who is brilliant)
I hear buckets of "emotion" outside nightly from the hoary alley cats. Didn't know it was "artistry," but okay. If you want to pay $300 a pop to listen to that, have at it. You could, however, save some bucks and set your TiVo for American Idol. There's so much emotion I'll bet you'll beat our own stick.
And you conflate bad singing with great interpretations while simultaneously divorcing beauty from art. Stay away from the National Gallery and the Beaux Arts Trio: You'll be appalled with what you see and hear.
Not all visual art is beautiful or even meant to be beautiful,so there goes that theory. On top of that beauty is completely subjective and its not my fault you have such a narrow minded view of what's beautiful.I don't divorce beauty from art.For example I think Sutherland and Callas are equals with different strengths and approaches.I can see beauty in both places you cannot.Should prolific artists like Billie Holiday and Picasso be discredited because there art isn't conventionally beautiful?
Beauty is "completely subjective" but "not all visual art is beautiful" and I'm "narrow minded" about beauty? That's prime. I say we book you on a tour. You could be the next Anna Russell.
Sorry I MEANT conventionally beautiful but felt it would be redundant and a waste of space to type it in front of the word beautiful. And YES you are still narrow minded about beauty. Regarding great artists like Callas, Holiday, Piaf, Etc. you either get it or you don't. It's your loss if you don't.
So she is 47 here and retired from opera 4 years later, still at 47 taking the E flat and doing a fine job with the aria is too her credit, a great artist and a great actress, rest in peace bubbles silverman
Sills voice in not a light one. Her voice is perfect for the aria! Her transition from her lower register to her upper register blends perfectly. That is something a lot of sopranos singing this aria sometime lack. You scould listen to the various recording on this site to determine that. I believe I said in her singing! Of course everyone knows that she isn't well becuase the Marquese, Baron,and Alfredo sing about it. But,this aria is about simply being free and enjoying the pleasure of life!
I still think you're missing the point of the aria. The way the MUSIC is written, its about someone trying desperately to believe something she knows is not true. She has been knocked sideways by Alfredo and is terrified, because she knows that as a courtesan she can't love him back and that she may die before long. The repeated notes, words (goir, goir, goir, goir!) and tessitura are about desperation and manic drive. Verdi is no dummy. Its a deep aria, not just a coluratura showpiece.
But it must be said...she misses the point of the scene. She's putting it across as genuine joy, when in fact its all a put-on, sung by someone who knows she is dying and is terrified...
No, it must not be said because you are incorrect! Sills reactions are perfect. You need to analyze her reactions while reading the subtitle and you will understand why she does what she does!
I still don't buy it. She is not a great performer and singer, she is a PHEMONENAL performer and a MIRACULOUS singer. But in this case I feel she has most probably been directed badly. Anyway, I usually prefer slightly heavier voices in this role.
I don't care what anyone says, she was wonderful! A glorious singer and an inspired actress. The combination was dynamite! This is my favorite performance of "La Traviata".
Amen to that! This is my favorite opera and my favorite version of it. I've loved it since I was little. Beverly is so natural when she sings...it's an extension of her acting. Many opera singers today look more like singers than actors. I simply love her!!!
If something has to be said it is "on the stage management" or better the unexisting scenografy !!It is more an Hollywood's Traviata than a Visconti's one (if you see what I mean ??)..But for the voice,can you indicate me a better one???Imagine the result : Miss Sills in the Visconti's Production....Just a dream....
eh, not her best, the wobbliness was evident here. but thats what vocal decline does to everyone, although the e-flat wasn't bad, just how she looked doing it killed me.
She is a consumate artist!!! She sang here after her battle with cancer which she won then...so of course the voice is going to be a bit worn, but she used the vocal powers she had, which were still very significant!
I give her every pass on the Eb. Have any of you ever been to Wolf Trap?!?!?! Horribly large open house, A MILLION DEGREES during the summer festival...she's lucky she didn't pass out from heat prostration!
Personally, I prefer a little more of a fuller, more italianate sound in this role- but I simply adore Sills, and it's very hard not to. Apart from her impeccable musicianship, she was one of the few Violetta's who actually "acted" the role, and emotionally responded to the music. Brava Beverly!!
If i sound half as good as her after cancer i would thank the Opera Gods. After cancer she sounded like this...please a little more consideration and respect. One of the Best Opera Singers Ever
she said la traviata and roberto deveruex shortened her career by 10 years she had lost some of her timbre by 76 did you see her concert around this time
You are both forgetting that she also had a battle with cancer, and major surgery during this time. Read her book. You cannot expect her to sound the same after all that, now can you?
haha, damn harp messing up one the best off-stage tenor moments EVER. But who cares with Bubbles speeding through those melismas! yum.
cleanmyroomforme 2 hours ago
the voice is wonderful, I do like ti. Italian pronunciation sounds with the American accent, a problem that seldom English speaking singers can avoid. I love her voive, though.
rometube 8 months ago
I love her :)
pawws 10 months ago
4:27 onwards = WOW!!!
godivapaw 10 months ago
love love love and her real name was Bubbles Silverman
irishmom58 10 months ago
love love love
irishmom58 10 months ago
She is my favorite Violetta. And she is my favorite Lucia. Ah, heck, she is my favorite soprano!
jmuslvr 10 months ago
did everyone know that her nickname was bibbles?
leangesdemoi 10 months ago
@leangesdemoi Actually it was Bubbles. :)
bella5811 10 months ago
@leangesdemoi Actually it was Bubbles. :)
bella5811 10 months ago
The most beautiful soprano voice of all time. And the most agile.
ericscam2 11 months ago
Great singer/actress. I never saw the great Callas in this roll but Sills surpasses Sutherland and Caballe easily.....Watching Sills do this at The Met was a revelation of sorts......and she was at her most stunning......Sills wasn't the first great soprano to deal with faltering high notes..
profgv 11 months ago
The performances of Beverly Sills initiated my interest in European opera.
In this video, she is at her best!
Haiyati1 11 months ago
She not only sang beautiful but looked the same in this role.
Fegen 11 months ago
I can't believe people would be as petty as to complain about one tremolo- did you not just hear what she did? Could you do anything of the sort??
Imforeverone88 1 year ago
Bubbles is probably my favourite soprano. This would be one of my favourite interpretations, if not for the improv at 3:56 and repeated at 4:10 Otherwise, best performance of (pretty much) my absolute favourite arias.
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
Of all the great Violetta's, including Callas, Sutherland, and Caballe, my favorite is still Beverly Sills. She sang and acted the role brilliantly.
jmuslvr 1 year ago
Brilliant singing and magnificent acting. She was the best.
jmuslvr 1 year ago
Well I heard her sing Puritani with tenor Mauro (who had a good sized voice) years ago with NYCO in Los Angeles and on the high notes with him she held her own in volume, her voice did not sound small and had a good point and power on top. I also heard her a few other times, before that in Concert in the early 70's. She was wonderful.
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
As far as the comments about her Tremolo on the last note, she was older here and it's just one performance. I heard her often in the 70's and it was solid . This is still a great reading of the aria anyhow, listen to her recording of it earlier also. She was one of the greatest of all coloraturas and nobody can take that away from her. RIP Beverly (Bubbles) Silverman
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
Brava! Sills was a terrific soprano and a fine actress. I saw her in house many times. Always a fine occasion, her smile was genuine and her singing was emotional and of the highest order.
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
Good God! I don't know know a thing about opera but that was incredible singing.
selenite1 1 year ago
My first season singing professionally, we did Traviata with Sills. She was at the height of her popularity, and sang this every time the same- but you could not take your eyes off her- she really ACTED. Yes, the voice was 'smallish' - who cares? But you heard EVERY NOTE, and the runs were like quicksilver. And she was so HUMAN, and remembered EVERY chorister's name. I count the shows I sang with her as the highlight of my musical career. God bless you, Bev!
jsmoir1 1 year ago 3
@jsmoir1 thank you for your memory of Beverly Sills - my all time favorite soprano
Smile6784 1 year ago
@jsmoir1 I have to disagree with the wide opinion that Beverly's voice was small. It was light, I think. Light, and fearless like lightning! It was so in contrast to the dramatic coloraturas who came before her, that I think it became misconstrewn as small. Thats my guess and opinion anyways. But I'm biased, cause I love me some Bubbles. So she really was as sweet as she seems in every video?
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
Great Violetta!
teatrumuzical 1 year ago
Yup, there is that "temelo" (never really noticed before)--but I'm still thrilled w/the sparkle & possible rendering of a "recklessness" of her characterization--guess, I'm a devoted fan from so many performances.
nancywilken 1 year ago
You know, she knew everything and could sing everything, but I just could not ever get past that everpresent warble, tremelo, what ever you want to call it. I mean no disrespect, and it is something many singers suffer from, I just have difficulty with it.
operalament 1 year ago
Her coloratura is just perfect... I mean, I like it very much!
matthieusarah 1 year ago
One of the absolute greatest!
Liberty4ev63 1 year ago
hmmm after listenin to renee and now beverly angelou and many others...renee doesnt rock it like i thought she did
musicalopera93 1 year ago
yes she is very good, but i think anna netrebko fits the role better
brookieviv 1 year ago
@brookieviv I prefer Anna Russell to Anna Netboko
baritonebynight 1 year ago
I watch thsi lady sing and I just have to GRIN. She always put a huge smile on my face . Perhaps because her smile was so enfectious!
Dergotterdamerung 1 year ago 2
her colortura is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jomoses07 1 year ago
@jomoses07
What a stupid comment!
Liberty4ev63 1 year ago
@Liberty4ev63 i would have to agree with you.....
jomoses07 1 year ago
I love Sills Traviata. I love her EMI recording and that was my first Traviata. She sang the role more than 50 times in her career and she LIVED the part. Tender, touching and beautiful. It's great that at this time in the 70's she could sing not only Traviata but Daughter of the Regiment, Norma, the Queen Elisabeth I in Deveraux and Manon. Very wide range there.
MastersoftheOpera 1 year ago
Why does she wear a wedding cake?
ferrykalos 1 year ago
I think her white gown is beautiful! Very 1870's with a bustle in the back..they got the period wrong. Traviata should be 1850's, which used wide hoopskirts and big ball gowns
MastersoftheOpera 1 year ago
@MastersoftheOpera True....but this is SOOOOOOOOOOO much prettier, and really flatters her!
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
@RaWrZzZz I love the little water droplet staccato though. :/ But BUBBLES IS MY FAVOURITE <3 I don't even think SUTHERLAND can come close to her in this role. The audience does not cheer enough.
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
Her voice always sounds vulnerable, almost fragile. But in reality she had a rock solid technique. And definitely one of the best actresses I've seen on the opera stage...
ivelosthewilltolive 2 years ago 3
@ivelosthewilltolive I agree, even though she was mature, her condition and breath never went wrong. There's a part around 3:43 in which she has to repeat going upper in her scale, and she didn't miss a second breathing, I mean, her breathing technique is perfect.
RoOodOoOloOmeg 1 year ago
Violetta IS Beverly Sills- can't you hear!?
She rocks! YA!
NemoProkofiev551 2 years ago
She claimed that Violetta was trained in her vocal chords, and even when sick, she could sing Violetta easily. I believe her.
LadyEmmaHamilton 2 years ago 6
Sills' love of opera is as wonderful as her potrayal in singing the role of Violetta here. Bubbles is forever.
11777766 2 years ago 6
I love Sills but does anyone else think her Eb here sounds like it hurts? It sounds very heavy with a big wobbly vibrato. Does anyone know why? I've heard her sing positively gorgeous notes above high C.
vintagevoices 2 years ago
By the time she sung this, her voice had been damaged by her singing many Roberto Devereuxs (brilliantly, may I add), a role that is one of the most difficult & too heavy for her voice. As a result, her high notes became thinner and more arduous.
VivaMariaCallas 2 years ago
Dang...While Anna Moffo may still be my favorite, I must say Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, indeed Sills was brilliant!!!!
MoorOfDundee 2 years ago 4
Wow! Few could sing this like Sills...what the voice of an angel must sound like!!
taf7060 2 years ago 4
Aw, Bubbles...you are adorable.
sirenadellopera 2 years ago 3
I just adore her! She was my introduction to opera 35 years ago in this very role. The joy she puts into singing are infectious. I have gone on to like many other singers, but Sills remains #1.
htshoward 2 years ago 3
Thank you. I saw her in this role. I will never forget it.
louiseduvee 2 years ago
love sills but I prefer Moffo in this role specifically
flouraki 2 years ago
me too ;-)
2920Thomas 2 years ago
ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER!!!!
jimmyl324 2 years ago 20
THE BEST !
DivaDeb1234 2 years ago 5
I love Sills' ball gown here and her hair. They made her look like a pretty young blonde Violetta. She sings with a fine understanding of the words, even if her voice is not Italianate like Callas, Tebaldi, Scotto or Freni. But she makes a warm, bubbly, frail and compassionate Violetta. Her portrayal is perfect. I own this DVD and it's amazing to watch her sing Violetta one night and Queen Elizabeth I another night. What an actress!
MastersoftheOpera 2 years ago
And in a way, she should not sound italian as the story is based on a French play! So even better she does not sound Italian.
robertdonkers 2 years ago 2
Where are you gonna find better?
DivaDeb1234 2 years ago
wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!
bethnivelern 2 years ago
Beverly Sills is the best Traviata.
Callas may have been more intense - but look at her and listen to that voice.
Her Traviata was one of the first opera recordings I bought and I still cherish it.
Smile6784 2 years ago 4
Oooh- nice e-flat!
BarbaraPloyer333 2 years ago 2
Fantastic singing and acting!
geomusic 2 years ago 8
Sills: Una verdadera idola. Para mi, es una de las mejores Violetas de todos los tiempos. Lamento no haber podido verla en escena. Un verdadero angel de la musica.
ezequielabuin 2 years ago
I love La Traviata....this aria is one of my favorites...also love "The Drinking Song" from same.....
cutegrandma 2 years ago 2
Hush everyone there's a pretty lady singing from her heart and it's very nice!!
marym499 2 years ago 47
@marym499 I love you. <3 That makes me laugh everytime I watch this video.
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
Sempre libre, girls
johngotwalt 2 years ago
this video looks like an episod from "Young and Restless" lol
loredinusa 2 years ago
I just watched a vid of Cotrubas singing this in the same costume, I think! lol
JDOopera76 2 years ago
mamma mia, tenore - arpa!! catastrofa!
darije77 2 years ago
Comment removed
mozzrt 2 years ago
Did you hear this fine singer, live & without a mic? Then please post an objective description to add to the great YouTube archive before the memory is lost for ever. Recordings don't tell us everything. Quality, size of voice, character, integrity, movement & the effect on an audience need describing too. e.g. I wish I'd heard Farinelli stun an audience with a single note. Fortunately we have Charles Burney's detailed account.
CharlotteinWeimar 2 years ago
Sills: my favourite Violetta and one of the best sopranos I've ever heard
ezequielabuin 2 years ago
Sills was Violetta even past her prime.
There is absolute joy in her voice as she sings this. The passage work is wonderful.
She was a risk taker doing that high Eflat.
Who does that today?
Houndentenor1998 2 years ago 2
Completely agree with you- she was a.m.a.z.i.n.g- not many do so today take those risks, unfortunately, but then again, she was simply a prodigy.
BarbaraPloyer333 2 years ago 2
Hey! This is SILLS singing here. Enough about Callas!!!! Sills sings wonderfully!!!
godivapaw 2 years ago 6
Have any of you heard Callas' Violetta? That is perfection! I've heard the Arias "Follie! Follie!" and "Sempre Libera" from Renata Tebaldi, Anna Netrebko, Montserrat Caballé, Joan Sutherland, Sumi Jo and now from Sills... And, for me, Callas' one is the best: excellent coloratura, very well sustained high notes, great acting. All of these are great singers guys, that's the richness of music is about. Be happy!
gustavox1985 2 years ago 2
Yes, I saw Callas live at Covent Garden. Intensely sensitive acting with a truly harrowing death scene, but vocally as fragile as bone china. Nevertheless a wonderful character portrayal both her voice and in her person.
CharlotteinWeimar 2 years ago
Comment removed
gustavox1985 2 years ago
perfection. just perfection.
broadwaymusic4life 3 years ago
I just love her coloratura. Its beyond impressive.
Chilair1 3 years ago
Her high notes sound really disgusting here...
nicevidbro 3 years ago
Yeah, they kinda are. She was late in her career though, and she had been doing those Queens which wreaked some havock with her. Thatś OK. She still has great runs and sings a lot better than the 'best' do today.
CMOSjockey 3 years ago
Exactly, but of course I had to recieve those 2 thunbs down just for saying the truth. She was amazing, but again, HERE the high notes are disgusting. Although she is one of my favorites.
nicevidbro 3 years ago
"Really disgusting"? Uh, right. Listen to the Callas recordings at age 40 if you want to hear "really disgusting." Until then, munch some xanax.
iriisblue 2 years ago
So everyone that does not think the same way you do means that its wrong? You better think again.
nicevidbro 2 years ago
Fair enough. Some people think the earth is flat no matter what one says.
iriisblue 2 years ago
Thats a scientific matter. This is music, and it is subjected to the taste of each person, so dont expect that everyone thinks the same way you do.
nicevidbro 2 years ago
Bev and this song are great, but the dress is soooo UGLY!!!!!!
Opreaismylife10692 3 years ago
HAHA no kidding... it's like a horrible, horrible cupcake. xD Luckily the beauty of Sill's voice more than makes up for it!
maryjivinjane 3 years ago
Do you mean she would be better without it? :)
Aetion 3 years ago
Lol-- Good point, maybe not.
maryjivinjane 3 years ago
WOOOWW!!
THE BEST!
VAMPMEROT 3 years ago
Impresionante legato y precisión!
Impressive legato and precission!
yodavidnavarro 3 years ago
Magnificent! My favorite Traviata DVD. In my opinion, Sills was the greatest singing actress of her era. Brava Beverly! And thank you for the pleasure that you gave us through your artistry. Rest in peace, Bubbles.
jimthewriter 3 years ago
From Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center in 1976, Beverly Sills is 47, past her prime but had sung Violetta many times and knew the role well. She sings with exciting coloratura and she looks great. I love her Violetta. She sings it better on the EMI recording with Aldo Ceccato conducting and Nicolai Gedda as Alfredo.
AmericanEvita 3 years ago
I agree, she has better recordings of this: she is certainly not at her best here, seems too tired, vocal sustaining, etc. It must be the aging thing like Callas was in her 1960's.
iValkure 3 years ago
these two women should never be compared...Callas was a singer, sills was a commercialized "artist"
songsofscarlet 3 years ago
Huh? Callas was nothing if she wasn't a creation of the media.
iriisblue 3 years ago 4
I agree. As was Caruso, Bartoli, Sutherland, etc. After all, the media needs to sell copy, theaters need to sell seats, and singers want to perform.
coopandre 2 years ago
haha Callas sounded disgusting for most of her career, her voice was harsh and nasal, she cracked and missed notes all over the place, and you could drive a truck through her vibrato.
skitzo429 3 years ago
I'm sorry to say you are severely misinformed:( What I would do, is learn a little more about vocal technique and then listen to Callas. I agree Callas had much vocal decline and made a lot of ugly sounds later in her career. She was focused on many other issues, firstly when she lost weight (and weakened her muscles around her voice) and later with personal issues. In any case she just plain stopped practicing. BUT when you listen to her recordings from the mid 40's to mid 50's GLORIOUS!
songsofscarlet 3 years ago
Hm - I agree with skitzo429. Callas had a great voice with poor technique (which failed her miserably in her declining years). Sills had a great technique and not much voice, but she made the most of what she had. In any case, both great artists in their own right, but I listen to Callas for the acting, Sills for the singing.
jhwalker1963 3 years ago
I would have to disagree with you as well. Tell me what was wrong with Callas' technique and what was great about Sills'? I ask only for the substance of your statements and mean no disrespect. Please explain, I am all ears my friend!
songsofscarlet 3 years ago
As a singer myself, what I hear from Callas is a very dark, strangled placement (too far back, tight throat) that masks the natural beauty of what was (at least at the beginning) an incredible instrument. With Sills, I hear a light, reedy (dare I say a bit astringent?) voice married to a pretty incredible technique (coloratura and legato for days, excellent intonation, etc.). I wouldn't cite either of them as a great example, per se, but enjoy listening to both, for different reasons.
jhwalker1963 3 years ago
I do agree with you there, but everyone who saw her on stage said that she could ACT the part.
NatashaNabokov 3 years ago
Agreed. A pianist, violinist, cellist or similar musician would be laughed off the stage if they had a technique as flawed as Callas'. The voice is an instrument, and opera is (or was) art. Callas ushered in the permission for catterwalling that dominates the medium today. The decline is upon us.
iriisblue 2 years ago
If a voice encompasses 4 octaves, and a gorgeous tone but the artist can't express real emotion the most perfect technique means nothing. I'd rather hear an imperfect voice used in expressive brilliance than hear a perfect technical voice coupled with the artistry of a stick.(I want to make clear that this is a general reply about what you said about Callas not a criticism of Sills who is brilliant)
jalex11 2 years ago
I hear buckets of "emotion" outside nightly from the hoary alley cats. Didn't know it was "artistry," but okay. If you want to pay $300 a pop to listen to that, have at it. You could, however, save some bucks and set your TiVo for American Idol. There's so much emotion I'll bet you'll beat our own stick.
iriisblue 2 years ago
well I guess it's your loss that you can't distinguish bad singing from great interpretations and prefer superficial pretty sounds instead.
jalex11 2 years ago
And you conflate bad singing with great interpretations while simultaneously divorcing beauty from art. Stay away from the National Gallery and the Beaux Arts Trio: You'll be appalled with what you see and hear.
iriisblue 2 years ago
Not all visual art is beautiful or even meant to be beautiful,so there goes that theory. On top of that beauty is completely subjective and its not my fault you have such a narrow minded view of what's beautiful.I don't divorce beauty from art.For example I think Sutherland and Callas are equals with different strengths and approaches.I can see beauty in both places you cannot.Should prolific artists like Billie Holiday and Picasso be discredited because there art isn't conventionally beautiful?
vintagevoices 2 years ago 4
Beauty is "completely subjective" but "not all visual art is beautiful" and I'm "narrow minded" about beauty? That's prime. I say we book you on a tour. You could be the next Anna Russell.
iriisblue 2 years ago
Sorry I MEANT conventionally beautiful but felt it would be redundant and a waste of space to type it in front of the word beautiful. And YES you are still narrow minded about beauty. Regarding great artists like Callas, Holiday, Piaf, Etc. you either get it or you don't. It's your loss if you don't.
jalex11 2 years ago 2
Great point.
yesblanche 2 years ago
She could have done without the Eb...
latraviata1853 3 years ago 3
It's as if she doesn't have to make any effort at all - amazing!
YoodellyHoo 3 years ago
wow
bsmrk89 3 years ago
wow.. she makes colluratura sound easy
illian420 3 years ago 2
that is a nice costume but they need to add some more tulle from the inside to puff it out. It looks very unbalance.
virgoom 3 years ago
So she is 47 here and retired from opera 4 years later, still at 47 taking the E flat and doing a fine job with the aria is too her credit, a great artist and a great actress, rest in peace bubbles silverman
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 3
saw this live want her duet with carol when she retired no where to be found
damn
Davidoff1Gustav 3 years ago
How delightful! That gave me goosebumps!
jprobst1983 3 years ago 3
Really wonderful... singing cake.
Laeliapurpurata 3 years ago
Not such a great finish for her, there are plenty of good recordings of her Ebs, this isnt really one of them.
skitzo429 3 years ago
and PS. Violetta's dying isn't really mentioned or expressed in her singing until ACT 2
OperaAdonis 3 years ago
Her recent illness IS mentioned, and she nearly collapses twice. She is not well, and she would have to be an idiot not to know.
altodivo 3 years ago
Sills voice in not a light one. Her voice is perfect for the aria! Her transition from her lower register to her upper register blends perfectly. That is something a lot of sopranos singing this aria sometime lack. You scould listen to the various recording on this site to determine that. I believe I said in her singing! Of course everyone knows that she isn't well becuase the Marquese, Baron,and Alfredo sing about it. But,this aria is about simply being free and enjoying the pleasure of life!
OperaAdonis 3 years ago
I still think you're missing the point of the aria. The way the MUSIC is written, its about someone trying desperately to believe something she knows is not true. She has been knocked sideways by Alfredo and is terrified, because she knows that as a courtesan she can't love him back and that she may die before long. The repeated notes, words (goir, goir, goir, goir!) and tessitura are about desperation and manic drive. Verdi is no dummy. Its a deep aria, not just a coluratura showpiece.
altodivo 3 years ago 2
But it must be said...she misses the point of the scene. She's putting it across as genuine joy, when in fact its all a put-on, sung by someone who knows she is dying and is terrified...
altodivo 3 years ago
No, it must not be said because you are incorrect! Sills reactions are perfect. You need to analyze her reactions while reading the subtitle and you will understand why she does what she does!
BEVERLY SILLS IS A GREAT PERFORMER AND SINGER!
OperaAdonis 3 years ago
I still don't buy it. She is not a great performer and singer, she is a PHEMONENAL performer and a MIRACULOUS singer. But in this case I feel she has most probably been directed badly. Anyway, I usually prefer slightly heavier voices in this role.
altodivo 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
rubbish
puppetoz 3 years ago
Who? You?
hisimperialmajesty 3 years ago 2
Yummi...
altodivo 3 years ago
I'm happy and sad... it's not enough to say that I adored Her !
Coloraturissimo 3 years ago
My Beloved Bev, LOVE this toooooooooo much! Brava Diva!
petelovesbevsills 3 years ago
FABULOUS SINGING
anohso 3 years ago
I will always revere this performance. So sincere!!!
godivapaw 3 years ago
beautiful. i can't stop watching this.
broadwaymusic4life 3 years ago
Not only voice.Music in person and the voice is an ornament hehehe of her personality.Fantastic
oboistCONDUCTOR 3 years ago
One of my favorites.
StanleyWTom 3 years ago
Best Violetta ever
broadwaysweetheart 3 years ago 2
I don't care what anyone says, she was wonderful! A glorious singer and an inspired actress. The combination was dynamite! This is my favorite performance of "La Traviata".
jimthewriter 3 years ago 8
Amen to that! This is my favorite opera and my favorite version of it. I've loved it since I was little. Beverly is so natural when she sings...it's an extension of her acting. Many opera singers today look more like singers than actors. I simply love her!!!
AuDioSLavE802 3 years ago
Just shows you that Traviata is not a lyric coloratura role.
This is how you get the wobble, when you try to impress with something that is too heavy for you.
To appreciate fully Beverly Sills listen to her Adina. That's lovely.
beacoloratura 3 years ago
WOOOW, Marvelous!
Haristotel 3 years ago
Inspiring performance. For the most part, I think she just makes it look effortless.
lrosmond 4 years ago
Perfetta la dizione della lingua italiana. Sublimi toni, musicalità e passione.
In una sola parola: magnifica!
napbia 4 years ago
If something has to be said it is "on the stage management" or better the unexisting scenografy !!It is more an Hollywood's Traviata than a Visconti's one (if you see what I mean ??)..But for the voice,can you indicate me a better one???Imagine the result : Miss Sills in the Visconti's Production....Just a dream....
motardbear15 4 years ago
eh, not her best, the wobbliness was evident here. but thats what vocal decline does to everyone, although the e-flat wasn't bad, just how she looked doing it killed me.
JuillHope17 4 years ago
my favorite traviata of all...beverly sills...
jimmyl324 4 years ago
Oh my God... No WONDER she was so immensely popular.. She's 47 here and absolutely BEUATIFUL.
kmillard 4 years ago 3
Telltaleheart79: I seriously question your ability to judge Beverly Sills. Perhaps the concept of vibrato escapes you? I am trying to be kind here...
sqqqsme 4 years ago
Well how kind of you dear.
Telltaleheart79 4 years ago
Yes the voice was a bit wobbly, but she really knew how to interpret the part properly. Excellent acting.
Telltaleheart79 4 years ago
She is a consumate artist!!! She sang here after her battle with cancer which she won then...so of course the voice is going to be a bit worn, but she used the vocal powers she had, which were still very significant!
godivapaw 4 years ago
she is a wonderfull artist
mdancer01 4 years ago
A great artist, especially in the French repertory. Her personality will certainly be missed.
Hako2004 4 years ago
I give her every pass on the Eb. Have any of you ever been to Wolf Trap?!?!?! Horribly large open house, A MILLION DEGREES during the summer festival...she's lucky she didn't pass out from heat prostration!
We miss you Bubbles!
Catalogerman 4 years ago
We love you, Bubbles. Rest in peace. <3
iAMturandot 4 years ago
Ah, Bubbles!
(But dear GOD what a dress!)
SissiPearl 4 years ago
The news of her death just came "over the wire". You will be missed, Maestra.
hisimperialmajesty 4 years ago
Wonderful stuff! Bev rules!!
Ruxton 4 years ago
You're in my prayers, Bubbles...
nostalgiaopera 4 years ago
Godspeed Ms. Sills
s2dbaker 4 years ago
OMG! I love her vibrato!!!!!!!!!!! SHE IS REALLY GOOD!
She did have to work for that Eflat!
blkmichaux 4 years ago
A great Violetta!
sevoflurane 4 years ago
Her top only gets strained when she applies too much pressure. Otherwise her D flats are great...
Dymension 4 years ago
Personally, I prefer a little more of a fuller, more italianate sound in this role- but I simply adore Sills, and it's very hard not to. Apart from her impeccable musicianship, she was one of the few Violetta's who actually "acted" the role, and emotionally responded to the music. Brava Beverly!!
Andante735 4 years ago
Not to mention that the acting here is a nearly perfect Violetta. Brilliant. Her voice is good in this clip for sure.
Iareto 4 years ago
If i sound half as good as her after cancer i would thank the Opera Gods. After cancer she sounded like this...please a little more consideration and respect. One of the Best Opera Singers Ever
PapaMack07 4 years ago
FABULOUS!!!!
godivapaw 4 years ago
This is a DESPERATELY FABULOUS PERFORMANCE!!!!
godivapaw 4 years ago
she said la traviata and roberto deveruex shortened her career by 10 years she had lost some of her timbre by 76 did you see her concert around this time
bigsteel83 4 years ago
You are both forgetting that she also had a battle with cancer, and major surgery during this time. Read her book. You cannot expect her to sound the same after all that, now can you?
godivapaw 4 years ago