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I m just messing with your heads ... it makes me laugh how opera lovers can fight ... much passion like in politics and religion ... so calm down a little : ))) but still I think MILLO has the most beautiful voice of all LOLOL .. it s true !
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I KNOW ... THE TRUTH HURTS : Leontyne is a great Aïda but ... APRILE MILLO s voice , finesse and nuances have NO equal ! Your ears and brain would have to be damaged not to recognize that ! Have a great day : )))
It's interesting you chose to post your pro-Millo blast on Ms. Price's "farewell" AIda. Taking nothing away from the performance, this is not Ms. Price at her best in this music. Ms. Millo in the mid 80s sang this role superlatively, but if you put her work side by side with Ms. Price's recordings in the early 60s there really is no comparison. Price brings something to this role no other soprano can. And Millo, while vocally great seems to do very little for the character.
In my opinion, I would highly disagree. Aprile Millo is a fantastic spinto, but she wouldn't know dynamic contrast if it smacked her in the face. Granted, the woman can sing Verdi exceptionally well, but Leontyne Price is THE Verdi Heroine.
This kind of vocalism is totally gone today. Today, all we get is sweat and strain...voices all aching and wracked with pain. Leontyne...you lifted us up then...and still do now.
With such grace, talent, beauty, and class, Leontyne could do know wrong in these performances; this ROLE was MADE for her! It's no wonder she's been hailed as the best Verdi soprano!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
you are incorrect. i just listened to her on here. she couldn't pull of the notes and she sounded like she had a burp that wouldn't come out on the last note. she has a beautiful voice, but that performance didn't speak well of your adoration. this is much better in my opinion, but it's just that, my opinion only!! but would the world of opera be more inclined to my point of view of yours my dear?!?!?
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I DON T fall for your pretty words "mm9913" (I was already aware of what you wrote anyway) ... I KNOW what I hear ... MILLO s voice is a MILLION times more BEAUTIFUL than Price s ... AGAIN : I m talking about PURE BEAUTY OF THE VOICE here AAAND the WAY it is sung ... SORRY ! I m not talking about recognition and/or standards . Also I never said I didn t like Price by the way !!! LOL
i have listened to this performance a hundred times and after listening to other great sopranos sing this when you hear the Price version you can not believe your ears.
Whenever I feel down I play this cli.. close my eyes and pretend the applause are for me.. This is without a doubt one of the greatest moments in opera.
There is another video of Ms Price on You Tube singing this aria. By the looks of the video, her clothes, and her age the performance was at the beginning of her career. This performance was on the night of her retirement and she sounds just as good, if not better, than the younger version. She was born to sing Verdi and OWNS Aida.
Wow, what can one say but wow. I wonder if there has ever been so much applause for one aria. The emotion of her voice, the purity of tone, the musicianship... She was the greatest voice we will ever hear in our time. There are very few videos on here that have so few negative comments, which just about says it all.
AmericanEvita I agree with you...That would be such an amazing thing to see...Her voice and tonality will never be forgotten...AMAZING is only one word to describe her talent man...
For so many years I wore out my VCR playing my taping of this performance - just to FEEL this again and again. When will they release this whole performance???? It's time has come! THANK U ONEGUIN for posting this so my OLD VCR doesn't completely destroy my old tape!
It's on one of the Great Moments videos, with her commentary about why she reacted the way she did -- she said that the words were her life, as she sang she realized she'd never see "her homeland" -- this view from the stage -- again.
Leontyne was a legend...she did a lot for blacks in opera during the Civil Rights Movement.. with her passion for singing, intelligence and good heart..and her beautiful voice...my wish is that she sing at Obama's Inauguration...I'm sure she can still bring down the house so why not the White House
AmericanEvita. Leontyne is bigger than any race issue. She was a great opera singer, the greatest soprano to my mind in American history. I worked in broadcasting in the 1960s. I knew who Leontyne Price was, as she was definitely by far the main soprano around for years. By the way, the main male singer was Glen Campbell. In those days, she was far better known than Callas. I had no idea that she was black. I did not care. I simply knew she was the best and had a phenomenal voice.
I have also been around a long time and I disagree that she was "far better known than Callas". But I do agree with you that her race has nothing to do with her talent and the people's love for her.
I just mentioned that Leontyne was better known in the 1960s. I never even knew she was black, and it wouldn't have mattered anyway. I worked in broadcasting, and many recordings at the time were from her. Callas was also famous, but more a star for the rich and famous, rather than a recorded artist.
I don't know where you were in the sixties, but Callas was the premier recording artist for decades before the sixties. I do not know a single opera fan who does not know that Callas was the numero una diva since forever, except you. :)
OK. Maybe it was quite different for me. People did know Callas, but knew that she was a star who only appeared for the likes of Kings and Queens at the Met and Carnegie Hall and such places. As people like me were not in this league, we had little interest in Callas and more in people like Leontyne Price, Joan Sutherland and Victoria de Los Angeles who were more down to earth.
I am not trying to give you a hard time. I just have never encountered your point of view re Callas. I have no idea why you have the impression she was an elitist. the point is she was the premier recording artist of her day, and the entire world loved her, regardless of theirsocio-economic status.
She sang mostly in Italy and few people could afford to fly to La Scala for a night of opera. But she was an artist of the people as well as of the sophisticated. She was a perfectionist, but not a snob.
OK. JS. I am always willing to learn. It was just a perception we had at the time. Callas did stay all the time a fancy hotels and was seen in the company of the rich and famous, was she not? Joan Sutherland was popular at the same time as Callas, and some say she was nearly as good. Joan was definitely seen as being more down to earth than Maria.
Okay Swanning, You win this round. I cannot argue with your perception, because we all perceive things differently. I only meant to address your comment that Callas was not a well-known recording artist compared to Ms. Price. Good talking with you. Take care.
As for being "almost as good" as Callas, I don't think we can really compare on that level. There were so many wonderful sopranos, such as de los angeles, Freni, Price, Southerland, etc. They were all spectacular. Callas was the queen, because people loved her so much, but she definitely had her detractors. My fave sopranos are Gundula Janovitz, Christa Ludwig and Callas.
I think she did that with just one breath, too. And that perfect sound in the upper register is why my daughter's voice teacher harps on her about breath support! A diaphragm is a terrible thing to waste!
I had forgotten how she could just float those high tones out with seemingly no problem and endless air.....what a great reminder. I remember when she sang a bunch of arias with the orchestra here many years ago, the first "pace" of Pace mio Dio was so soft it just came floating out of the orchestra and lasted forever. That sound was amazing.
Ms. Price's voice is like rich velvet in her bottom register and like silk in her upper register. The transition between the two is seamless.I was amazed and moved that she remained in character during the audience's applause with just the slightest nod of her head to acknowledge their vigorous approval. There will never be another like her: talent, beauty, grace and class. Thanks so much for this post!
"...an experience I will never, ever forget as long as I am living...It was the most amazing moment of my life. I was determined not to break character and reveal my personal emotions, but at the same time I have never felt so much love in my entire life, and really don't know where I was. I was like sponge, soaking up every vibration of that applause."
Oneguin65 - Thanx for leaving in the applause. What a poignant moment
I watched the broadcast on TV just like many others I imagine. I just sat there and thought "my god, she pulled out all the stops". I mean this is at the end of her career- simply stunning. I was just overcome from that ovation. Now who do we have to sing Aida? Maria Goulash or some other 3rd rate piece of dirt?
What this woman accomplished goes way beyond the music (which she was also brilliant at, just by the way ;) ). She opened so many doors. As if it wasn't enough to be so vocally and dramatically incredible.
One of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen. The 3 minutes of applause is LIFE. What a great american spirit, artist, and technician. I am weeping with joy at her musical soul and gift.
Incomprable. Greatest rendition of this aria by one of the all time best sopranos. And in her LAST performance...................Gift of God Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price was born to sing Verdi. She is the greatest Aida that I have ever heard. And she sang this aria with enormous beauty and tremendous passion. She well deserved the long ovation. Brava, Leontyne! And thank you.
Oh my GOD! I don't think I will ever hear this aria sang any better. I agree with the comment with all my heart that God has singularly blessed Miss Price with that HEAVENLY VOICE! Callas is legendary but Price is heavenly! BRAVISSIMA!!!
The aria ends at 7:05, and at 10:09 (when this clip ends), the applause is still ringing. And I'm in tears watching this final unbroken close-up on this beauty's face, marveling at her ability as an actress as well as a soprano. Singularly gorgeous.
Having listened to other sopranos sung this aria, Callas, Tebaldi, Caballe, among others, I consider the singing and interpretation of Miss Leontyne Price of this aria incomparable. She's simply amazing, brilliant and a gifted artist. BRAVISSIMA!!!
The first time I saw this I was reduced to TEARS.. As a performer I have never come close to receiving ANYTHING like the applause she commanded. Outstanding brilliant flawless and extraordinary
so human and so delicate .... so earthly and yet so DIVINE!!! ... knowing this is the last time SHE hardly mastered breaking down in the end.... but SHE managed to keep her head up like a GODESS she always was and will be....
At the very, very late age of 38, I started to study voice after hearing the beautiful, supreme voice of Leontyne Price. I will never be a star but I sing to hopefully inspire others as you inspired me those many years ago. Music is such a wonderful gift and we are blessed with your voice, your music. Thank you. Signed: Bermuda Soprano
everyone writes some doct sentences... ok! I'm also entitled to do it... besides flows or nonflows... besides everything one can say, THIS IS HISTORY OF MUSIC AND OF MANKIND....
Leontyne is absolutely positively magnificent in this role.The sustained high C is breath-taking every time I watch this.Her breath control is astonishing. I consider her one of the greatest teacher's I've ever had; not from personal experience but from watching her technique in each piece she does. Everything that comes out of her mouth is effortless: and her color fills the room with so much warmth that it melts any other possible way to describe what is pouring from her mouth.
I completely agree to the comparison with a fine wine. She has aged and sound even more fantastic than when she was young. No point having another recording of Aida than one with L.Price.
The older Leontyne became,the better and more glorious her voice and artistry became. This more so than most singers I have heard. Her technique is flawless, thus withstanding the test of time. She is like a fine wine that has aged to perfection and even now at 80 or 81 years old, she can outsing the best of the younger generation. We can all learn a thing or two not only about singing from this great lady, but how to overcome adversity and triumph. Viva Leontyne !!!!
Hmm, I can't agree with the first part of your comment. Artistically perhaps she became more accomplished, but technically no- there were some problems in the middle and lower registers that became more pronounced. Now before anyone attacks me, I have nothing but the greatest respect for her, and she's a true symbol of strength and determination. Her high notes were nothing short of ethereal and golden. This performance is truly one of the greats of our time.
This is not an attack. Here's something to consider: Here's is woman who happened to appear on the classical music stage at an important moment in our country's history. She was prepared musically and emotionally for the moment that she assumed. So toward the end of her career she decides that there no mountains to climb and little to prove to anyone. So she decides to have a little fun and infuse an aria here or there with some American ethnic spice. This is what you're hearing, not a problem
If you had read what I wrote, in the context that it was written, and to which post it was in reply to, your reply would be quite different. The reference was not to her place in history, or her choice of infusing some american spice, or the moutains she climbed- I know all that. But someone wrote "flawless technique", she did not have that, and very, very few singers do. At age 81 she sounds great, has a killer Bflat, and she's a lovely, exceptional person and artist.
First,let me say that I read your response to Sop07 and understood the context in which it was written. Perhaps you would like to define the middle register vocal problem. I totally agree with you that Ms. Price didn't have a "flawless technique" - whatever that means. This "American spice" observation is something that identifiable dating back to around 1977 - or post Adriane.From that point on she infused some of the great arias from her repetoire with an taste of Sarah Vaughn. Quirky and fun.
I'm glad you know the context, great. Look, her voice was magnificent from the top up, not the bottom down. She had the "donut in the middle" as I would call it, and I don't mean that as an insult. It tended to sound hollow, and sang through the lower middle, it sounded a bit opaque and hollow. Again, I know about the American Spice, and her foray into Jazzy, quirky, fun stuff. I personally didn't care for it, but I don't care for singers who do crossover. She reamins an American Glory.
The great predecessors of Price's Aida were Zinka Milanov and Renata Tebaldi. Millo's Aida was lovely, I saw her sing it several times back in the 80's at the Met.
I remember finding this broadcast among my father's opera tapes when I was very young and being spellbound for over two hours by the magical performance of the Aida of the century. Dad used to talk about Price a lot, having seen her live in our hometown--an experience he was completely bowled over by. Watching this again, as an adult, makes me proud to be pursuing the art of singing. Price, more than anyone else I've been exposed to, exemplifies the dignity of our art. Viva Price!
For some strange and terrible reason I can't watch this video, the stupid white self-chasing dot keeps circling itself in the middle of the video screen. Anybody know what's up?
She sings it almost as well as she did in her prime. I can't find a better compliment than this one. At her prime she was the most alluring, beautiful, authentic and dramatic Aida I can imagine, and here - at 58! - she's still very much like in the past. Brava!
Tears are coming ( like for her after the aria) , what a singer she was !!! We saw her Aida at the Paris Opera , the scene was covered with flowers after the same aria and they were 20 minutes of applause!GREAT PRICE!
I broke down at the ending of the song--I watched this for the first time to find out for myself why the name Leontyne Price --rings a big bell in my ears---This is the best and foremost performance of a single human voice in the whole world.
I hope that someday we can at least have a DVD of this final performance to cherish again and again. Even on TV, we hear the resonance that we rarely hear in any of today's singers. We have been blessed and she is nothing less than a triumph.
I tell you... when I saw this live and Miss Price dropped to her knees, I wanted to set my hair on fire! That voice, that face, that moment. I'll never forget it. All these young pop things they call divas these days .... harumph. They can't touch this true Diva for sure. Leontyne was/is a true vessel for Verdi. Brava.
I just seen it and clapped and yelled "brava" like i was there!! All I kept repeating was "la primma donna assoluta". May the heavens bless Leontyne Price
There is not a EurocentrIc or Afrocentric technical for singing. Miss Price is a GREAT artist and a treasure for the humanity. BRAVA!!!! GREAT DIVA, GREAT SINGER, GREAT ARTIST
I remember seeing this performance on public Television when it aired and just enjoying every minute. At the end of O Patria Mia, to not only stay in character, but acknowledge the praise was a joy to see. Brava Madame Price!!!!!!!!!!!!
I, too, saw that performance. It was simulcast over PBS radio for the full stereo effect (and, yes, my speakers got a full workout that night!).
If I recall correctly, didn't she acknowledge the response by twice taking bows? And, for those who might NOT have witnessed the original airing, the applause went on several MINUTES beyond what is shown in this video clip!
GRAN DIVA!!!!
gaytenor 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I m just messing with your heads ... it makes me laugh how opera lovers can fight ... much passion like in politics and religion ... so calm down a little : ))) but still I think MILLO has the most beautiful voice of all LOLOL .. it s true !
miuzefreak 2 years ago
i wish the video quality were better and even so.
WOW. bravissimo.
ak92092 2 years ago 2
there is another one posted by the same user that is of a better quality. You should look for it
khamikins 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
LISTEN TO APRILE MILLO s VOICE ... it s a million times more beautiful ... I m talking about THE VOICE ... THE VOICE have a nice day folks : )))
miuzefreak 2 years ago
Totally agree, no one like Price can sing Verdi!
nickalternativo 2 years ago 2
.........PURE BEAUTY..........
Medeea7 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I KNOW ... THE TRUTH HURTS : Leontyne is a great Aïda but ... APRILE MILLO s voice , finesse and nuances have NO equal ! Your ears and brain would have to be damaged not to recognize that ! Have a great day : )))
miuzefreak 2 years ago
It's interesting you chose to post your pro-Millo blast on Ms. Price's "farewell" AIda. Taking nothing away from the performance, this is not Ms. Price at her best in this music. Ms. Millo in the mid 80s sang this role superlatively, but if you put her work side by side with Ms. Price's recordings in the early 60s there really is no comparison. Price brings something to this role no other soprano can. And Millo, while vocally great seems to do very little for the character.
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago 3
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APRILE MILLO s voice is a MILLION times more beautiful ... but she s great too !
miuzefreak 2 years ago
In my opinion, I would highly disagree. Aprile Millo is a fantastic spinto, but she wouldn't know dynamic contrast if it smacked her in the face. Granted, the woman can sing Verdi exceptionally well, but Leontyne Price is THE Verdi Heroine.
AllThat77 2 years ago 12
The one and only. Totally unique. The ovation at the end says it all.
petrina1022 2 years ago 6
I cried the first time I heard this and it still makes me cry. Such an amazing, amazing talent; graceful, giving. An amazing American Treasure.
mermodfreres 2 years ago 2
beautifu!! thanks :)
angelicdevil6162 2 years ago
This kind of vocalism is totally gone today. Today, all we get is sweat and strain...voices all aching and wracked with pain. Leontyne...you lifted us up then...and still do now.
Operaddict 2 years ago 5
Yup, it's all gone. One wonders what the few remaining maestro who worked with greats like Price think of the current crop of singers.
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago 2
There was a time when gods trod the earth
benjaminvox 2 years ago 3
Whenever I feel down I listen to this and it replenishes my soul. You just can't believe your ears.
bigjoetube 2 years ago
With such grace, talent, beauty, and class, Leontyne could do know wrong in these performances; this ROLE was MADE for her! It's no wonder she's been hailed as the best Verdi soprano!
MrKariRueslatten 2 years ago
Powerful, beautiful voice!
MrKariRueslatten 2 years ago 3
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APRILE MILLO s voice is A MILLION TIMES more beautiful ... but Mrs. Price is great too : )))
miuzefreak 2 years ago
Wow!!! After 24 years singing at the Met... she was surely touched! i would hv cried to hell if I hv been there.
escamillo 2 years ago
Leontyne Price is not a national treasure, she is a world treasure.
luigicorvi24 2 years ago 3
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MILLO s voice is a MILLION times more beautiful ... but she s great too ! : )
miuzefreak 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
you are incorrect. i just listened to her on here. she couldn't pull of the notes and she sounded like she had a burp that wouldn't come out on the last note. she has a beautiful voice, but that performance didn't speak well of your adoration. this is much better in my opinion, but it's just that, my opinion only!! but would the world of opera be more inclined to my point of view of yours my dear?!?!?
couturesixfour 2 years ago
just plain sickening!!!! there will never be another voice like that!!! and did u feel the ending note into the trance? hotness!!!
kenndogg 2 years ago 2
Nice work. keep it up. mean time come for social media marketing for esteembpo**com JF
jeraldmcginnis 2 years ago
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Nice try. Keep it up check out esteembpo + com for social media marketing. vcb c
umayanarosy 2 years ago
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I DON T fall for your pretty words "mm9913" (I was already aware of what you wrote anyway) ... I KNOW what I hear ... MILLO s voice is a MILLION times more BEAUTIFUL than Price s ... AGAIN : I m talking about PURE BEAUTY OF THE VOICE here AAAND the WAY it is sung ... SORRY ! I m not talking about recognition and/or standards . Also I never said I didn t like Price by the way !!! LOL
miuzefreak 2 years ago
Um habe you heard Price when she was younger? Have you heard Millo now? Millo never knew how to take care of her talent.
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago
Such dignity, she so trully deserves such adulation. Bravissima Diva
peteobh 2 years ago
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f*** me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:O
wotansschwert 2 years ago
Another opera could be written just from the emotions that play across her visage at the end. What an amazing life story.
kingjulianne1 2 years ago 5
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for pure vocal beauty and perfection also see APRILE MILLO in this aria
miuzefreak 2 years ago
For iconic status in the world of opera and for penultimate recognition in this role, go no furthur.
mm9913 2 years ago 3
HAIL QUEEN LEONTYNE!!! We Love You Ms. Price!!!
LeeVita19 2 years ago 2
Bravissimaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
thunderboltful 2 years ago 6
Magnifique!
leesterg 2 years ago 7
Price's Aida simply has no rival. She is absolutely incredible. I have chills from the beginning to the end!
matticus201 2 years ago 12
they applauded her for 40+ minutes straight. Must be a record.
zelarian 2 years ago
the record is placido domingo at the vienna state opera. 80 minute standing ovation for his otello in 91 or 92. 108 curtain calls
pechorin1841 2 years ago 3
yes they did my grandmother was there :)
classicalgal14 2 years ago
Incorrect. The record was Pavarotti in Germany in 1976 for L'elisir d'amor. He had 165 curtain calls for one hour and seven minutes!
bigjoetube 2 years ago 2
I'm applauding with tears in my eyes. Brava Diva! There will never be another like you Ms. Price!
mellowfellow16 2 years ago 5
You took the word right out of my mout! I have tears in my eyes too!
blackaristo 2 years ago 2
i have listened to this performance a hundred times and after listening to other great sopranos sing this when you hear the Price version you can not believe your ears.
bigjoetube 2 years ago 5
PERFECT!
violentorgasms 2 years ago 4
Bravaaaaaaaaaaaa! Bravissimaaaaaaaaa!
avs163 2 years ago
Astonishing. The thundering applause is more than deserved - one of the best Verdian sopranos in recorded history.
libro07 2 years ago 6
is this out in dvd?
jorgepda 3 years ago
No (:
Oneguin65 2 years ago
it really really really should. thank you very much for posting this. she's beyond unbelievable.
jorgepda 2 years ago
Why don't we hear applause like that today in the opera house? Because we don't hear singing like that!
I'd love to say I was at the Met that night. Alas, I was not. I was, however one of the millions who saw this performance on PBS.
There was screaming at the Met that night and for once it wasn't coming from the stage......LOL!
Brava Price! Brava Diva!
Houndentenor1998 3 years ago 7
w. o . w.
notrightnow49 3 years ago
Whenever I feel down I play this cli.. close my eyes and pretend the applause are for me.. This is without a doubt one of the greatest moments in opera.
khykhy 3 years ago
Magnifique...
QuantoCielo 3 years ago 2
Wow--Ms. Price owns AIDA. She and Callas are my faves but Ms. Price's AIDA especially is just LUXURIOUS!!!!!!
Stanlos 3 years ago 7
You all should hear her Tosca!
JSBach5000 3 years ago
She only has to open her mouth and without even looking, you know that it is Ms Price. What a talent - thank you
queenslanddiva 3 years ago
There is another video of Ms Price on You Tube singing this aria. By the looks of the video, her clothes, and her age the performance was at the beginning of her career. This performance was on the night of her retirement and she sounds just as good, if not better, than the younger version. She was born to sing Verdi and OWNS Aida.
NKWIAM 3 years ago 4
Wow, what can one say but wow. I wonder if there has ever been so much applause for one aria. The emotion of her voice, the purity of tone, the musicianship... She was the greatest voice we will ever hear in our time. There are very few videos on here that have so few negative comments, which just about says it all.
trevjr 3 years ago
the custom is that farewell performances consist of a goodwill audience and an "ex" that comes begging for some last bit of love.
This woman aint no begging! This woman came to kill!!
I would have had a heart-attack had I been in the audience that day!
CONTESTAR 3 years ago 10
AmericanEvita I agree with you...That would be such an amazing thing to see...Her voice and tonality will never be forgotten...AMAZING is only one word to describe her talent man...
cjjacks12 3 years ago
For so many years I wore out my VCR playing my taping of this performance - just to FEEL this again and again. When will they release this whole performance???? It's time has come! THANK U ONEGUIN for posting this so my OLD VCR doesn't completely destroy my old tape!
cubanbach 3 years ago 2
It's on one of the Great Moments videos, with her commentary about why she reacted the way she did -- she said that the words were her life, as she sang she realized she'd never see "her homeland" -- this view from the stage -- again.
geschwitz4 3 years ago
Leontyne was a legend...she did a lot for blacks in opera during the Civil Rights Movement.. with her passion for singing, intelligence and good heart..and her beautiful voice...my wish is that she sing at Obama's Inauguration...I'm sure she can still bring down the house so why not the White House
AmericanEvita 3 years ago 2
AmericanEvita. Leontyne is bigger than any race issue. She was a great opera singer, the greatest soprano to my mind in American history. I worked in broadcasting in the 1960s. I knew who Leontyne Price was, as she was definitely by far the main soprano around for years. By the way, the main male singer was Glen Campbell. In those days, she was far better known than Callas. I had no idea that she was black. I did not care. I simply knew she was the best and had a phenomenal voice.
swanningaround 3 years ago 2
I have also been around a long time and I disagree that she was "far better known than Callas". But I do agree with you that her race has nothing to do with her talent and the people's love for her.
JSBach5000 3 years ago
I just mentioned that Leontyne was better known in the 1960s. I never even knew she was black, and it wouldn't have mattered anyway. I worked in broadcasting, and many recordings at the time were from her. Callas was also famous, but more a star for the rich and famous, rather than a recorded artist.
swanningaround 3 years ago 2
I don't know where you were in the sixties, but Callas was the premier recording artist for decades before the sixties. I do not know a single opera fan who does not know that Callas was the numero una diva since forever, except you. :)
JSBach5000 3 years ago
OK. Maybe it was quite different for me. People did know Callas, but knew that she was a star who only appeared for the likes of Kings and Queens at the Met and Carnegie Hall and such places. As people like me were not in this league, we had little interest in Callas and more in people like Leontyne Price, Joan Sutherland and Victoria de Los Angeles who were more down to earth.
swanningaround 3 years ago
I am not trying to give you a hard time. I just have never encountered your point of view re Callas. I have no idea why you have the impression she was an elitist. the point is she was the premier recording artist of her day, and the entire world loved her, regardless of theirsocio-economic status.
JSBach5000 3 years ago
She sang mostly in Italy and few people could afford to fly to La Scala for a night of opera. But she was an artist of the people as well as of the sophisticated. She was a perfectionist, but not a snob.
JSBach5000 3 years ago
OK. JS. I am always willing to learn. It was just a perception we had at the time. Callas did stay all the time a fancy hotels and was seen in the company of the rich and famous, was she not? Joan Sutherland was popular at the same time as Callas, and some say she was nearly as good. Joan was definitely seen as being more down to earth than Maria.
swanningaround 3 years ago
Okay Swanning, You win this round. I cannot argue with your perception, because we all perceive things differently. I only meant to address your comment that Callas was not a well-known recording artist compared to Ms. Price. Good talking with you. Take care.
JSBach5000 3 years ago
As for being "almost as good" as Callas, I don't think we can really compare on that level. There were so many wonderful sopranos, such as de los angeles, Freni, Price, Southerland, etc. They were all spectacular. Callas was the queen, because people loved her so much, but she definitely had her detractors. My fave sopranos are Gundula Janovitz, Christa Ludwig and Callas.
JSBach5000 3 years ago
5.34 - 6.00 is something that for me is the thing I've have heard closest to perfection!
yodavidnavarro 3 years ago
I think she did that with just one breath, too. And that perfect sound in the upper register is why my daughter's voice teacher harps on her about breath support! A diaphragm is a terrible thing to waste!
suziedoozie123 3 years ago
I had forgotten how she could just float those high tones out with seemingly no problem and endless air.....what a great reminder. I remember when she sang a bunch of arias with the orchestra here many years ago, the first "pace" of Pace mio Dio was so soft it just came floating out of the orchestra and lasted forever. That sound was amazing.
cmhmuscle 3 years ago
BRAVISSIMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lovemaxaroni 3 years ago
WOW, Magnificent woman. What an ending. Thank you for posting this.
TruthFan 3 years ago 2
Ms. Price's voice is like rich velvet in her bottom register and like silk in her upper register. The transition between the two is seamless.I was amazed and moved that she remained in character during the audience's applause with just the slightest nod of her head to acknowledge their vigorous approval. There will never be another like her: talent, beauty, grace and class. Thanks so much for this post!
suziedoozie123 3 years ago 5
I congratulate you for your great comment! As good as it gets!
yodavidnavarro 3 years ago
Oneguin65- thank you so much for putting this up. This is a potent moment, important in so many ways.
pawdaw 3 years ago 3
If angels exist this is what they sound like. I can't imagine a more divine, glorious sound.
jhughessings 3 years ago 4
Sublime!
SPTN58 3 years ago 4
Miss Price's impressions of that night:
"...an experience I will never, ever forget as long as I am living...It was the most amazing moment of my life. I was determined not to break character and reveal my personal emotions, but at the same time I have never felt so much love in my entire life, and really don't know where I was. I was like sponge, soaking up every vibration of that applause."
Oneguin65 - Thanx for leaving in the applause. What a poignant moment
andrea585ny 3 years ago 5
I watched the broadcast on TV just like many others I imagine. I just sat there and thought "my god, she pulled out all the stops". I mean this is at the end of her career- simply stunning. I was just overcome from that ovation. Now who do we have to sing Aida? Maria Goulash or some other 3rd rate piece of dirt?
Andante735 3 years ago
I agree with the first part of your statement, but don't call people pieces of dirt. Absolutely unnecessary and mean spirited.
tt1st 3 years ago 3
What this woman accomplished goes way beyond the music (which she was also brilliant at, just by the way ;) ). She opened so many doors. As if it wasn't enough to be so vocally and dramatically incredible.
Iareto 3 years ago 4
5.42
SimoFY 3 years ago
One of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen. The 3 minutes of applause is LIFE. What a great american spirit, artist, and technician. I am weeping with joy at her musical soul and gift.
radish95 3 years ago 6
Incomprable. Greatest rendition of this aria by one of the all time best sopranos. And in her LAST performance...................Gift of God Leontyne Price
bigjoetube 3 years ago 4
I have never heard anything so beautiful in all my days as a singer, actress, and performer... simply breathtaking.
JoyceLicorish 3 years ago 4
6:28...thats all I have to say
seanieboi83 3 years ago 2
Leontyne Price was born to sing Verdi. She is the greatest Aida that I have ever heard. And she sang this aria with enormous beauty and tremendous passion. She well deserved the long ovation. Brava, Leontyne! And thank you.
jimthewriter 3 years ago 5
Oh my GOD! I don't think I will ever hear this aria sang any better. I agree with the comment with all my heart that God has singularly blessed Miss Price with that HEAVENLY VOICE! Callas is legendary but Price is heavenly! BRAVISSIMA!!!
pintoora 3 years ago 3
Thank you,Thank you,Thank you
caddlac 3 years ago 3
The aria ends at 7:05, and at 10:09 (when this clip ends), the applause is still ringing. And I'm in tears watching this final unbroken close-up on this beauty's face, marveling at her ability as an actress as well as a soprano. Singularly gorgeous.
mca1218 3 years ago 10
THEE AIDA!
TreblesBasses 3 years ago 4
I just don't get it. Her breath control was utterly amazing!! The power and richness of her tone matched by her control is matchable.
bigdigger87 3 years ago 2
It's impossible to sing it better...
Desideria7 3 years ago 6
Truly the greatest!!!! I was there!!!!
busterxx1033 3 years ago 7
Having listened to other sopranos sung this aria, Callas, Tebaldi, Caballe, among others, I consider the singing and interpretation of Miss Leontyne Price of this aria incomparable. She's simply amazing, brilliant and a gifted artist. BRAVISSIMA!!!
pintoora 3 years ago 7
Magnificent! I remember when this first aired.
Price is such an incredible performer. I'm so glad that I had the honor of seeing her in person many years ago.
alto1953 3 years ago 3
The first time I saw this I was reduced to TEARS.. As a performer I have never come close to receiving ANYTHING like the applause she commanded. Outstanding brilliant flawless and extraordinary
khykhy 3 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
shitty quality.
notcant 3 years ago
One is carried away by the beauty of her voice so that we seldom mention what a gorgeous woman this is!
CONTESTAR 3 years ago 3
so human and so delicate .... so earthly and yet so DIVINE!!! ... knowing this is the last time SHE hardly mastered breaking down in the end.... but SHE managed to keep her head up like a GODESS she always was and will be....
brodsky96 3 years ago 6
THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF OPERA!!!
LeeVita19 3 years ago 4
At the very, very late age of 38, I started to study voice after hearing the beautiful, supreme voice of Leontyne Price. I will never be a star but I sing to hopefully inspire others as you inspired me those many years ago. Music is such a wonderful gift and we are blessed with your voice, your music. Thank you. Signed: Bermuda Soprano
225339c 3 years ago 3
I remember this like the back of my hand. I watched this on live broadcast with my mother. Such a supreme moment in my life and in Opera...
TDRock8 3 years ago 3
God this is amazing. Thanks to whomever uploaded this!!!!
betteronlineedu 3 years ago 3
im always so impressed with her space!! ITS AMAZING!!!
ScottAuc 3 years ago 4
OMGGGGGG...5:34-6:00...EXCEEDS flawlessness!!!!!!...I have died and gone to Heaven!
musicboy403 3 years ago 7
everyone writes some doct sentences... ok! I'm also entitled to do it... besides flows or nonflows... besides everything one can say, THIS IS HISTORY OF MUSIC AND OF MANKIND....
brodsky96 3 years ago 4
Leontyne is absolutely positively magnificent in this role.The sustained high C is breath-taking every time I watch this.Her breath control is astonishing. I consider her one of the greatest teacher's I've ever had; not from personal experience but from watching her technique in each piece she does. Everything that comes out of her mouth is effortless: and her color fills the room with so much warmth that it melts any other possible way to describe what is pouring from her mouth.
BRAVA!!!
dramaticsoprano01 3 years ago 2
I saw this for the first time last night on PBS. It's AMAZING!!!
LadyJay114 3 years ago
FLAWLESS!!!!...
redbonegal 3 years ago
A talent only god can give. God Bless you miss Price. Hearing her voice is like entering the gates of heaven.
csuqared 3 years ago 6
amen.
isinglouderthanu 3 years ago 3
Name one person/singer without a flaw? Price was near perfect in her vocal technique; much closer to perfection than 95% of her colleagues.
benderpm 3 years ago 4
THEY COME NO GREATER!!!
LeeVita19 3 years ago
I completely agree to the comparison with a fine wine. She has aged and sound even more fantastic than when she was young. No point having another recording of Aida than one with L.Price.
Turand0t 3 years ago 2
Leotyne price was an underated DIVA!the true meaning of the word DIVA is Leotyne Price
My GOD the heavens shall hear your voice!FOREVER! artist Blonstr
Blonstr 3 years ago 2
The older Leontyne became,the better and more glorious her voice and artistry became. This more so than most singers I have heard. Her technique is flawless, thus withstanding the test of time. She is like a fine wine that has aged to perfection and even now at 80 or 81 years old, she can outsing the best of the younger generation. We can all learn a thing or two not only about singing from this great lady, but how to overcome adversity and triumph. Viva Leontyne !!!!
Sop07 3 years ago
Hmm, I can't agree with the first part of your comment. Artistically perhaps she became more accomplished, but technically no- there were some problems in the middle and lower registers that became more pronounced. Now before anyone attacks me, I have nothing but the greatest respect for her, and she's a true symbol of strength and determination. Her high notes were nothing short of ethereal and golden. This performance is truly one of the greats of our time.
Andante735 3 years ago
This is not an attack. Here's something to consider: Here's is woman who happened to appear on the classical music stage at an important moment in our country's history. She was prepared musically and emotionally for the moment that she assumed. So toward the end of her career she decides that there no mountains to climb and little to prove to anyone. So she decides to have a little fun and infuse an aria here or there with some American ethnic spice. This is what you're hearing, not a problem
Arnold3135 3 years ago
If you had read what I wrote, in the context that it was written, and to which post it was in reply to, your reply would be quite different. The reference was not to her place in history, or her choice of infusing some american spice, or the moutains she climbed- I know all that. But someone wrote "flawless technique", she did not have that, and very, very few singers do. At age 81 she sounds great, has a killer Bflat, and she's a lovely, exceptional person and artist.
.
Andante735 3 years ago
First,let me say that I read your response to Sop07 and understood the context in which it was written. Perhaps you would like to define the middle register vocal problem. I totally agree with you that Ms. Price didn't have a "flawless technique" - whatever that means. This "American spice" observation is something that identifiable dating back to around 1977 - or post Adriane.From that point on she infused some of the great arias from her repetoire with an taste of Sarah Vaughn. Quirky and fun.
Arnold3135 3 years ago
I'm glad you know the context, great. Look, her voice was magnificent from the top up, not the bottom down. She had the "donut in the middle" as I would call it, and I don't mean that as an insult. It tended to sound hollow, and sang through the lower middle, it sounded a bit opaque and hollow. Again, I know about the American Spice, and her foray into Jazzy, quirky, fun stuff. I personally didn't care for it, but I don't care for singers who do crossover. She reamins an American Glory.
Andante735 3 years ago
Pardon me, "when singers do crossover", not "for".
Andante735 3 years ago
God's voice and perfection on earth; Ms. Leontyne Price. Hail To The Great Goddess!!!
LeeVita19 3 years ago 2
God's voice and perfection on earth; Ms. Leontyne Price. Hail To The Great Goddess!!!
LeeVita19 3 years ago
Aida's Leontyne Price, the great predecessor of Aida's Aprile Millo.
fer1179 3 years ago
Who?
tenornmd 3 years ago 2
The great predecessors of Price's Aida were Zinka Milanov and Renata Tebaldi. Millo's Aida was lovely, I saw her sing it several times back in the 80's at the Met.
Andante735 3 years ago
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my god I LOVE HER!!!! she is electrifying! AND THOSE HIGH Cs!!!!
Italia1987 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SIMPLY PUT THEEE VERDI AIDA!
TreblesBasses 4 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
The best Aida ever!!!
dedal141 4 years ago
Beautiful singing.
ntsubise 4 years ago 2
I remember finding this broadcast among my father's opera tapes when I was very young and being spellbound for over two hours by the magical performance of the Aida of the century. Dad used to talk about Price a lot, having seen her live in our hometown--an experience he was completely bowled over by. Watching this again, as an adult, makes me proud to be pursuing the art of singing. Price, more than anyone else I've been exposed to, exemplifies the dignity of our art. Viva Price!
erutander83 4 years ago 2
For some strange and terrible reason I can't watch this video, the stupid white self-chasing dot keeps circling itself in the middle of the video screen. Anybody know what's up?
AndyMcIntyre 4 years ago
I absolutely love the oboe trill.
AndyMcIntyre 4 years ago
She sings it almost as well as she did in her prime. I can't find a better compliment than this one. At her prime she was the most alluring, beautiful, authentic and dramatic Aida I can imagine, and here - at 58! - she's still very much like in the past. Brava!
Homoclassicus 4 years ago 6
Tears are coming ( like for her after the aria) , what a singer she was !!! We saw her Aida at the Paris Opera , the scene was covered with flowers after the same aria and they were 20 minutes of applause!GREAT PRICE!
motardbear15 4 years ago 5
I remember reading that this performance was voted #1 on the best moments from the Met, and it's no wonder why.
ImpatraZ 4 years ago
who's conducting?
willthrillws 4 years ago
James Levine, as usual.
ilmaestro18 4 years ago
James Levine.
nessie96 4 years ago
Glorious top and bottom notes. Not hard to
understand why this became her signature
role.
Fegen 4 years ago 2
I broke down at the ending of the song--I watched this for the first time to find out for myself why the name Leontyne Price --rings a big bell in my ears---This is the best and foremost performance of a single human voice in the whole world.
phialin1954 4 years ago
La più grande Aida sempre. Brava Leonessa!
loumanar 4 years ago 2
Amazing....thanks for posting...the greatest Aida ever....just love it...
carmenlover91 4 years ago
she was AIDA, period, among the many recordings I heard is the Price Bumbry VIckers sorry does not come Amonasro R. Raimondi as Ramphis
egymagyar1111111 4 years ago
Plain and simple... it has never been sung better - nor is it ever likely to be! BRAVISSIMA MAESTRA!!!
operasanger 4 years ago 2
I hope that someday we can at least have a DVD of this final performance to cherish again and again. Even on TV, we hear the resonance that we rarely hear in any of today's singers. We have been blessed and she is nothing less than a triumph.
larespo1 4 years ago 2
I tell you... when I saw this live and Miss Price dropped to her knees, I wanted to set my hair on fire! That voice, that face, that moment. I'll never forget it. All these young pop things they call divas these days .... harumph. They can't touch this true Diva for sure. Leontyne was/is a true vessel for Verdi. Brava.
tenorbear60 4 years ago 3
No they cannot, they have no clue. She was verdi's soprano!
blackaristo 2 years ago 4
This fall, PBS viewers voted this the No. 1 "great moment" in the 30 years of Met TV broadcasts.
davidperk 4 years ago
I just seen it and clapped and yelled "brava" like i was there!! All I kept repeating was "la primma donna assoluta". May the heavens bless Leontyne Price
VoyArrasando 4 years ago
absolutely stunning, even more so for a woman at 59 years of age, to end her opera career at its height. Wonderful!
CateDiva 4 years ago
There is not a EurocentrIc or Afrocentric technical for singing. Miss Price is a GREAT artist and a treasure for the humanity. BRAVA!!!! GREAT DIVA, GREAT SINGER, GREAT ARTIST
jokenruth 4 years ago
Miss Price is a treasure. Magnificent!
veramour 4 years ago
I remember seeing this performance on public Television when it aired and just enjoying every minute. At the end of O Patria Mia, to not only stay in character, but acknowledge the praise was a joy to see. Brava Madame Price!!!!!!!!!!!!
jerantrob 4 years ago
I, too, saw that performance. It was simulcast over PBS radio for the full stereo effect (and, yes, my speakers got a full workout that night!).
If I recall correctly, didn't she acknowledge the response by twice taking bows? And, for those who might NOT have witnessed the original airing, the applause went on several MINUTES beyond what is shown in this video clip!
tyoonz 4 years ago