I believe this is from the "Who's Afraid of Opera?" series in the early '70s. It is sung with Sutherland's usual fluency and brilliance, but is not really her kind of role. It was a Pons specialty, though I understand she did not like the role very much. Some great recordings of the aria include Tetrazzini's several versions, Galli-Curci's, Abendroth's, and Siems'.
Agreed. Great to see this, what a gem, but not her fach. Still, I'd rather see your bigger coloraturas singing light stuff rather than the other way around. Hilarious lip-syncing, loves it.
As a follow up to Mesple, I only own one recording of her from "Ninetta." But I've heard others. She really did sing the "canary stuff" as Sutherland would say. Dame Joan's voice and Mesple's are not even remotely alike. Mesple's is very light, thin in the middle, and a small voice. Sutherland's was very rich, creamy and full in the middle, and a very large voice. They could never sing the same repertory.....with very few exceptions... like Mignon
Yes, I would agree that Mesple was lighter and thinner that Sutherland's. Also, her Italian diction was poor. Her one appearance at the Met, as Gilda, was met with less-than-stellar reviews, and she was not invited back. I definitely consider Sutherland to be the greater artist and talent. Still, in the light French reperatoire, Mesple could cast a spell.
A fun role, which Richard seemed to feel she enjoyed. Sutherland DID sing F's.....not in this music. She sang Madame Hertz in Mozart's Schauspieldirektor....which included the F's. And recorded the Queen of the nights aria back in the 60's. She was never really comfortable on F's...but she performed them and recorded them a few times.
I find Joanie's interpretation to be a bit eccentric, though certainly full of jaw-dropping trills and runs. Still, I have to say, hands-down, that Mady Mesple owns this aria. Mesple could go all the way up to F, whereas Joan could only go to E.
I'm a huge Mesple fan! Her version of this aria is fabulous... the F is taken with phenomenal ease. Joan does a fine job here, but I with she had opted for the C instead of an E flat in the cadenza, it just sounds a bit awkward in her voice.
Well, she certainly had one, but I just think the delicacy this one requires and the awkwardness of its approach just wasn't quite right for her dramatic coloratura instrument, her high e flats were generally best when it was soaring above a large orchestra, instead of being used as an ornamental addition. It sounds awkward when most sopranos do it, generally it's only the highest and most lyric of coloraturas that can really pull it off (in my opnion anyway).
What's a fach? Who's this other girl everyone's talking about? I LOVE Joan's dress, but why are the wings so small???
SopranoKayla1992 3 years ago
I cannot play this video. Have you deleted this??
AmorediPazzia 4 years ago
I believe this is from the "Who's Afraid of Opera?" series in the early '70s. It is sung with Sutherland's usual fluency and brilliance, but is not really her kind of role. It was a Pons specialty, though I understand she did not like the role very much. Some great recordings of the aria include Tetrazzini's several versions, Galli-Curci's, Abendroth's, and Siems'.
meltzerboy 4 years ago
Agreed. Great to see this, what a gem, but not her fach. Still, I'd rather see your bigger coloraturas singing light stuff rather than the other way around. Hilarious lip-syncing, loves it.
33blueberries 4 years ago
As a follow up to Mesple, I only own one recording of her from "Ninetta." But I've heard others. She really did sing the "canary stuff" as Sutherland would say. Dame Joan's voice and Mesple's are not even remotely alike. Mesple's is very light, thin in the middle, and a small voice. Sutherland's was very rich, creamy and full in the middle, and a very large voice. They could never sing the same repertory.....with very few exceptions... like Mignon
Hako2004 4 years ago
Yes, I would agree that Mesple was lighter and thinner that Sutherland's. Also, her Italian diction was poor. Her one appearance at the Met, as Gilda, was met with less-than-stellar reviews, and she was not invited back. I definitely consider Sutherland to be the greater artist and talent. Still, in the light French reperatoire, Mesple could cast a spell.
ariodante76 4 years ago
Yes, I do like what I have heard. But have heard only a few recordings.
Hako2004 4 years ago
A fun role, which Richard seemed to feel she enjoyed. Sutherland DID sing F's.....not in this music. She sang Madame Hertz in Mozart's Schauspieldirektor....which included the F's. And recorded the Queen of the nights aria back in the 60's. She was never really comfortable on F's...but she performed them and recorded them a few times.
Hako2004 4 years ago
Do you like Mady Mesple?
ariodante76 4 years ago
Pitty this never was on cd!!!
I love here as Philline!!!!!
andreasscholl 4 years ago
Actually, I believe she had it on her "French arias" CD...
drdre333 4 years ago
No she doesn't.
zacharybr 4 years ago
I find Joanie's interpretation to be a bit eccentric, though certainly full of jaw-dropping trills and runs. Still, I have to say, hands-down, that Mady Mesple owns this aria. Mesple could go all the way up to F, whereas Joan could only go to E.
ariodante76 4 years ago
I'm a huge Mesple fan! Her version of this aria is fabulous... the F is taken with phenomenal ease. Joan does a fine job here, but I with she had opted for the C instead of an E flat in the cadenza, it just sounds a bit awkward in her voice.
nectenorboi09 4 years ago
I honestly think that the sound of the video is distorted - Sutherland had no problem with the E flat in 1972.
MadonnaImperia 3 years ago
Well, she certainly had one, but I just think the delicacy this one requires and the awkwardness of its approach just wasn't quite right for her dramatic coloratura instrument, her high e flats were generally best when it was soaring above a large orchestra, instead of being used as an ornamental addition. It sounds awkward when most sopranos do it, generally it's only the highest and most lyric of coloraturas that can really pull it off (in my opnion anyway).
nectenorboi09 3 years ago
the fairy of all fairies!
Jabe88 4 years ago