It's my birthday, and I always listen to "Glitter and Be Gay" for my birthday. There are so many great interpretations of this. We all have favorites among them-- Anderson, Cook, Kahn, Chenoweth, Damrau... and of course, Dessay. She understands the character as well as any of them, and her vocal expression is peerless. I'm with pogodu59... elle déchire, la Dessay!
Uhm,.... I came to watch this video because I love Candide and Natalie Dessay and all i can focus on is her lack of underwear? Is that a french thing or does she just feel constricted by the usage of panties.
Personally, I prefer Dessay's interpretation to Chenoweth's, even though I'm not really a bona fide Dessay fan. I find Chenoweth's interpretation to be superficial and trivializing. Of course Candide is a farce and irony plays a major role, but I find Chenoweth's performances abrasive, personally, and that makes it difficult to see her character as a person - and even comedy characters must be imaginable to an audience as people.
Both Kristin Chenoweth and June Anderson are MUCH better in this role. This is nice, but not as good as two mentioned by me performers. Please, check Kristin and June... :)
@wotanBrunhilde Is their something mentally wrong with you? I mean she is a opera singer. She isn't and pop singer. Wow its called projecting her voice. She did this perfectly.(:
I much prefere Chenowth's comedic timing and sense, though I found that Dessay has a much more conflicting character at hand. Both are splendid either way!
Her English pronunuciation is so much better here than elsewhere singing this same aria... that is, of course, until the phrase "If I'm not pure at least my jewels are," which has been the downfall of almost every non-native English singer who performs this song.
Speaking of irony....Lenny Bernstein (and whoever wrote the lyrics) was certainly prescient of contemporary times....since we now have gay people throwing glitter on anti-gay Republicans.... ;-)
I love opera <3 And I'm 13! I became familiar with Natalie Dessay through Lucia di Lammermorre. I saw the opera live but at a movie theater in RI. I've been watching more operas since then. And then I came across this song. Actually I first heard it by Kristin Chenoweth and then I saw Natalie sang it. She sings this beautifully :)
I agree with Overthemoo. I am a big fan of Dessay. I think she is the Callas of her generation: the greatest acting singer of the day, despite not having the best technique of all current singers. As much as I adore her, I suspect her voice may indeed not last as long as it might have done. I have seen her live three or four times, each a revelation. And here, it's hard to be funny in a foreign language. It doesn't help here that her francophone audience doesn't seem to know or get the song.
This is a Broadway Show song. It should be short, sharp, an satircal. Natalie is great in the colourtoura The parlondo is overdone. Listen to the orginal, Barbara Cook. It's on youtube.
Her voice is amazing!! What I love the most is that even though the keys she reaches are so high, and the song is dramatic, she is able to keep her throat completely relaxed, so the sound comes out clean and beautiful. She is definitely a wonderful example. I love her and the song!
You're getting an extreme close-up view of Natalie in this performance. In the hall, she is projecting her expressions for EVERYONE to see, even those in the very last row. It probably looks less exaggerated when you're watching it from an audience perspective.
@ShreddaCheese Why...? Just because Europe has a tradition of Opera in their own language, doesn't necessarily mean that there is not also very good English Opera....
I really love and respect how so many of the posters here are coming from an objective eye (and ear) on this song and the various interpretations of it. Kristen Chenoweth went for the comedy (and killed!) and Dessay went for the descent into madness angle closer to the Voltaire original. So cool that people are having a dignified conversation as opposed to the usual vitriolic garbage that most post on the internet. KUDOS TO ALL
@wackybrinyc29 I agree! I like every interpretation I've heard so far (Damrau, Chenoweth, Dessay). What I think makes it easy to discuss the differences is that this role really is incredibly complex. They each took one characterization to excess, but each is correct in her respective performance. I laugh with Chenoweth, I'm creeped out by Dessay (for good reasons!), and Damrau almost makes me feel sorry for the girl. I adore all three and commend them for tackling such a difficult piece!
This isn't a comedic song as much as an ironic song. Dessay is singing satire, as she should be. Dessay creates a complex, paradoxical Cunegonde who optimistically convinces herself that she can regain her integrity through means which, ironically, degrade it further. So as Cunegonde deludes herself into her happiness, Dessay shows the audience how she corrupts more and more, blinded by her own optimism. At the end she's left a shell of herself. French girl knows her Voltaire.
@ThePaulineproduction Je pense qu'il ne faut même pas lui répondre, elle est juste pitoyable et elle l'est même trop pour s'en rendre compte lol ^^ au passage j'ai découvert l'opéra avec Nathalie Dessay et la flute enchantée il y a tout juste quelques mois donc si des passionés pouvaient m'envoyer quelques liens ce serai cool :)
@LeDairyQueen You are soooo talking out of your ass in this post. It is a satirical opera based upon a satirical book. Bernstein even writes the music to make fun of itself: mixing the tawdry and ostentatious vocalizations of European opera with the pedantic fluff of American pop. This is not to be taken seriously and drooled over (driveled over).
I feel that she took the approach going from disguised madness, to full blown gluttony and lunacy in the very end. It sort of reminds me of the 'mad scene' in Strauss' Don Quixote at around the 7-minute mark. While Cheno has this ridiculously funny approach, Dessay scares the living crap out of me. I'm not sure which I prefer.
While this may not be her best, she has the absolutely best voice in opera today. She is brilliant in both dramatic and comedic roles. She is fabulous.
While this may not be her best, she has the absolutely best voice in opera today. She is brilliant in both dramatic and comedic roles. She is fabulous.
Misinterpretation. Too fierce (as always with Dessay), trying way too hard, and ending up not being in the slightest bit charming. An excellent final Eb, but ALL the high notes right before it are quite flat. Oh, Natalie, calm down. I long for the olden days when she just sang, and sang really well.
@ihazluvncake Well - that may be true, but I would have thought unlikely. Dessay is a keen advocate for opera singers acting not just singing. Maybe it's a contrast in acting styles, Chenoweth coming from Broadway and Dessay from the world of opera. Well I should probably watch the Chenoweth version to know what I am talking about :)
@Kylezilla :No! follow what the emotion of this song . She is feigning being carefree but is really, desperate, outraged and fed up with her lot.Dessay does it one way-Pat Petibon another,as does Cheno &Damrau or as one commenter said,which I thought was pretty good, as l.ong as you have sopranos to sing this, you are going to haave a different take.
@Kylezilla You're right, well, i love her interpretion but... I don't know... I rather just listening the song, watching the video makes me feel pretty much uncomfortable.... :-S
PEOPLE WHO THINK CHENOWETH IS BETTER THAN DESSAY ARE NOT EVEN AWAAARE THEY DON T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE ART OF SINGING AND INTERPRETATION. LOL I M SORRY BUT IT S THE TRUTH. THE ONLY ONE BETTER THAN DESSAY HERE IS HERSELF (see Glyndebourne 1997)
people people people... if you don't know anything.. please do ask questions... because, if you just say what you want with out knowing informations, then, that makes you a genuine stupid person.. ^^
Wonderful voice, but the phrasing and emphasis are a little odd, and her acting does not come across well on video. Stage and video need different techniques, and she is definitely more suited to the stage.
Please. You aren't telling me you don't know this is a real word for "joyful." Right? I realize hardly anyone uses it in its true meaning now-a-days, but you should be aware that it's true meaning has nothing to do with homosexuality.
That was terrifying, but amazing. I do like Cheno's performance better but Natalie Dessay has one of the purest and most beautiful soprano voices I've ever heard. Voice wise, I'd give this song to Dessay but Cheno's so freakin adorable
I'm new to opera; I have a couple of people helping me out, pointing me to performers first (Dessay being one) rather than shows, because they feel it's best I find shows to my own liking first and then get recommendations from there. Anyway, I don't want to start anything but I have a feeling Cheno fans came here simply to compare. Why not just enjoy what you are watching? I mean, do you have ANY idea who Dessay is? She's an extraordinary talent from what I've heard and the little I've seen.
joan sutherland, zinka milanov, franco corelli, kirsten flagstad, ramon vinay, robert merrill, sherrill milnes, leonard warren, alexander kipnis
current (but not necessarily in their prime)
samuel ramey, jennifer larmore, mariella devia (I used to not like her at all, but her maria stuarda won me over), ewa podles, jonas kaufmann, milla edelman, peter mattei, joyce didonato, dolora zajick, violetta urmana
@raigekimaru Thank you so much for the recs! I really do appreciate it. Will be copying and pasting them to an "opera recommendations" text file on my computer. (Yes, I'm a huge dork.) I do recognize one lady from your list - Joyce DiDonato. I absolutely adore her. Outside of seeing Barber of Seville performed locally, Joyce was my foray into opera.
I'm relatively new to opera as well, and I LOVE Natalie Dessay. She owned Lakme, and several other operas, but I have to admit, for this particular song, I liked Chenowith's rendition better. Maybe because Kristen"s acting seemed a bit more real.
@Airhead90DancerGirl Cool! Oh well, Dessay isn't even my preferred version. I like the original... Barbara Cook. And then I like Diana Damrau's. They all perform it differently and they all perform it well, so in the end it's really all about preference. :)
She doesn't reach Chenoweth to the socks .. she sings it all with such ease, and you understands every word she sings meanwhile she jumps around like some idiot :D LOVE HER !
One has to listen to the entire performance. The beginning was probably a bit too slow and plodding, but what follows is a delight! Ms. Dessay is using no props (unlke Cheno). She sings and portrays the meaning with her eyes, her nose - her entire being. Her high notes and trills are effortless and sparkling, and she just plain sings the hell out of this piece.
For as many sopranos there are, there will be that many interpretations of this aria. And thank goodness for the variety.
Sorry people. Natalie does this piece a good service, as do other sopranos, in their various (sometimes overdone) way, but none of you seem to even consider the ORIGINAL and to-date unsurpassed version of Barbara Cook. And she wasnt even an ACTUAL opera singer. Go have a listen and you'll know what I mean!
@SuperJohnnykay It's funny. It used to be on youtube but seems to have disappeared. Someone should upload it again! anyway you get a glimpse of it on the Leonard Bernstein - Candide (1956) - Selections from the Original Broadway Cast Recording
@XPRT10R :Hopefully,someone can upload Barbaras again.Discussion with Melissa earlier. She suggested she liked the bright tone of Cook.Wikipedia has a good write-up, also, on the development of this operetta since 1956-originally, not a huge success as can often be. Worth a read,regards,john
Dessay was born to sing this - perfect acting, personality and physicality for the role, and vocal expression. Out of many version including Chenoweth's she is totally superior. (Chenoweth sounds like a chipmunk and acts like a 5 year old. Chen is also phony). Dessay - entertaining, just right.
I'm American & I adore Natalie Dessay. I also like Diana Damrau's version of this song. They are both amazing singers & actresses. I am not a huge fan of Chenoweth - her voice seems thin to me - but obviously she is someone who is loved by many.
@JRZGRL55 :Good comments!following Melissas line of reasoning,I viewed some American sopranos and must admit they are much clearer in the spoken parts; obviously.The clearest rendition belongs to Dawn Upshaw, followed closely by Renee Fleming with June Anderson not far behind.For authenticity,June, as Leonard is standing 5 yards away,making sure she stays true!Having the most fun Pat Petibon, save for the violinist in Dessays,here,see 3:50,4:00,4:35-shes really enjoying herself,all the best,jk
It`s useless to say who was the best vocally, but excluding her too much vocal acting here and there, Dessay is BRILLIANT. A note on DD - the first time I ever listened to the piece was her performance at the Tucker gala. I intended to listen only about 30 secs, but I was so captured until the last second, with a grin on my face. DD IS overacting but with so much style and finesse, that I thought the character was a spoiled primadona. If that doesn`t proof a huge artist, I don`t know what does
@Transoxiana94 :Great comments!Good to read someone who has thought about what they are writing.John from Australia(PS love watching Paricia Petibons rendition )
@Transoxiana94 :As one commenter said, as long as there are sopranos,there will be a slightly different take on this number!! Damrau does a good job. Patty Petibon is the one that really gets me chuckling.Its on YT-really worth viewing.At a concert with Susan Manoff on piano,watch her jump up & down on the lounge at the end.Petibon can do light comical roles, then also view her Mozart, Haendel and Gluck performances!!
It seems that almost everyone has listened only to Dessay`s and Chenowith`s renditions. To me the best (BOTH in singing and acting) are Damrau (who hit AN F) and ANDERSON (who was conducted by BERNSTEIN HIMSELF). About the different attitued to acting: Cheno`s a soubrette, Damrau - a slightly drunk primadona, Dessay - like Lucia or Ophelie (thou she`s the princess of mad scenes of our time) , Anderson - lyric, beleivable and effective.
sorry, this performance is seriously lacking compared to Kristin and Barbara's. Natalie's coloratura technique is without question, but hearing this English language song (by a very American composer) sung with a very distinct French accent ruined it. One would think that she could get better English dialect coaching.
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :Isnt this, Cunegondes aria,all about some slut living off blokes ,and set up in a paris flat? If so ,she may have lived thare for a while and picked up a Parisienne accent!!! Just a thought,john.
@SuperJohnnykay "slut"? wow, that's harsh. Have you even seen Candide? Cunegonde was doing what she needed to SURVIVE. Yes, she was relishing in her temporary wealth/lavish lifestyle, however, she was largely unhappy in her lot in life and for her, it was either to become a "kept" woman or probably be killed. 2nd, again, this is an AMERICAN opera, sung in ENGLISH, regardless if its set in France. Ergo, ENGLISH text=non heavy accented singing. If the role was in FRENCH, it would be different
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :Okay, Ive got it!It should be sung in American english. Probably best done be American sopranos , just not Chenoweth who trashes it-so who does this leave on the current scene??? hhmmm,jk
@SuperJohnnykay REALLY. Cheno "trashes" it? Are you actually a musician who has any knowledge/practice of vocal pedagogy or just a Dessay fantard who is hellbent on trashing Chenoweth? If anyone trashes it, its Renee Fleming and I love Renee. But her rendition, as with Damrau's is just way WAY cheesily overacted. Anderson and Damrau's timbre is too dark for Cunegonde, for my taste, IMHO. Cunegonde is a very young girl and requires a particularly bright tone, which Chenoweth and Cook both had.
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :summary of your comments:American operettas should be sung by Americans.Ive come onto this French sopranos site to trash her rendition because she doesnt speak American english! I am a person who is intolerantly convinced of the rightness of my particular opinion. OK! Solution for you-Only visit Cheno and Cook vid sites,enjoy your listening and viewing,john
@56sulu :matter of taste and perception,right!Love Dessays rendition,not Chenos.JRZs comment ,4 days ago is best-Cheno-thin voice-but is obviously someone loved by many.Wouldnt have noticed Dessays french-english until M pointing it out(Focused on performance intensity).In deference to M,it was a bit harsh of me calling Cunegonde a slut!Kept woman is a more correct term.
@56sulu :matter of taste and perception,right!Love Dessays rendition,not Chenos.JRZs comment ,4 days ago is best-Cheno-thin voice-but is obviously someone loved by many.Wouldnt have noticed Dessays french-english until M pointing it out(Focused on performance intensity).In deference to M,it was a bit harsh of me calling Cunegonde a slut!Kept woman is a more correct term and for that I stand corrected. You,JRZ,myself & countless others will continue to enjoy Nathalie(and her zany violinist).jk
@MakeupByMelissaLyn Wow, this is an American comic operetta based on a French story by a French philosopher, one of the characters being a daughter of a baron of Westphalia (now part of Germany). But no!, you insist, it can ONLY be done with an American English accent. Would you like to fail harder ?
She has a fine Cambridge English accent, though the rhotic 'r' gives her away. To me, Dessay's interpretation is closest to Voltaire's original irony.
Did she muck up the beginning of the second verse.."Pearls and Ruby rings"? Something is not right there. I think she was early... I love Natalie..She covered it well.
Another thing though that I didn't particularly like was she cheated a lot the Ha ha hahahahaha's with Oh Oh oohoohoohoo ah's. I think it would be easier to sing an ah than an oh...but hey, what are you gonna do :-)
@Tritano why does this matter so much to you? It's a recit and not specific like the musical passages. She's an amazing talent and being this picky looks like sour grapes hmm. Long live the wonderful high sops :D
@pianomags It matters because I love art. I have 2 Art degrees. I travel the world doing art as a performer and a Teacher. Still, I expressed genuine appreciation for this rendition. In fact, I said "...this woman did an amazing job" and "I was very impressed". Nevertheless, do understand criticism is the nature of art and it's necessary for elements to evolve within context. As a spectator I have the right and should desire to critique performances for meaning, form and technique.
@Tritano disagree entirely. Unless you do what they do and truly understand it, you don't have any "right" to critique; the only rights you have ar self-imposed so mean nothing to anyone but yourself. "I think it would be easier to sing an ."oh" than an "ah" ? *sigh* Nuff said.
@pianomags how can you disagree? What do you think audiences do? There are libraries full of literary criticisms. Non-performers in NYC and London make a living writing criticisms. I have an MFA in Acting and took singing lessons for 3 years I have the right. Also, you misquoted me, I said I think it's easier to sing an "Ah" than an "Oh". If you knew about vowel placement or the mechanics of singing you'd understand my point. And, you seemed to miss AGAIN that I really enjoyed this performance!
@pianomags You're wrong about vowels. [A] is a better vowel to sing on than [O]. It's silly to argue this kind of stuff in this context. I find her performance funny and somewhat safe - occasionally technically appalling. I also happen to know that Uncle Lenny would not be particularly fond of it because of her lack of articulation of the Ha, Ha, Ha's... (I don't agree with him on this but, hey, he wrote it...) Since we're listing credentials, I have a master's in vocal performance
@pianomags as well as a masters in music theory. I have taught at some of the best music school in the country including CCM and Oberlin. I also have performed fairly extensively in the US and London. Feel silly yet?
I love love love Kristin Chenoweth's performance because it's supposed to be over the top and comic and satirical. But this woman did an amazing job! When she got to the drama at the end and that build started with the orchestra behind her all the way to that amazing E-Flat (which I wished she held just a little longer) I was very impressed. The camera direction was very good too by the way.
She moves like a bird...but she is KILLING those high notes. She has such a tremendous voice, and totally fabulous with the edge of craziness at the end!
perhaps if she wore another dress this would be easier to watch? I don't know...this characterization just seems so out of place, I don't get it...(someone can enlighten me if they wish)
I mean...imagine say Helena Bonham Carter doing the faces for this aria, with Natalie's voice...I think that would be quite interesting. Don't know if I'm even making sense now. :-/
@austiefernoth Believe me, you do. With that exception that Helena Bonham Carter is an amazing actress (and also a pretty nice singer) and Dessay certainly has problems with her acting skills. Which is a pitty because of her beautiful timbre and effective technique.
she has a good voice but her acting destroys it for me. kristen chenoweth is a great performer, in vocal and acting quality. I prefer her so much more.
@hprlly4life kristen chenowith is a great actress, but her voice quality is far below that of Dessay. but i agree, the acting here isn't the best. you should watch Diana Damrau's performance.
@chicaboricua09 Damrau's acting in both videos is because of conditions in which she acted, if you take a look in Tucker's there's not micro, in the other one, she's the micro in her head, so in both of them she can get crazy. by this time, and all of her videos, except in her recital which is not a special time, she has microphones in her front, and she has to sing for them, if she were movil, she would have made miracles.
She is such an excellent singer and has such an interesting interpretation of the role... I fell madly in love with her when I watched this!! :D
3211lovelaughlive 2 days ago
It's my birthday, and I always listen to "Glitter and Be Gay" for my birthday. There are so many great interpretations of this. We all have favorites among them-- Anderson, Cook, Kahn, Chenoweth, Damrau... and of course, Dessay. She understands the character as well as any of them, and her vocal expression is peerless. I'm with pogodu59... elle déchire, la Dessay!
kallemia 1 week ago
In my opinion, no one can do this like Dessay! Flawless performance, engaging actress, unforgettable, unparalleled voice. Brava!
coloratura518 1 week ago
Diana Damrau is so much better!!! :3
DeadBoyrDreams 2 weeks ago
very beautiful
footballmania9 3 weeks ago
Please check out Madeleine Kahn and Barbara Cook. A whole other league.
Beaulechat 1 month ago
Affreuse!
Crwthy 1 month ago
@Crwthy Va mourir!
gjnldsem 1 month ago
Embarrassingly ridiculous.
Crwthy 1 month ago
LOVE HER!!! Her tone and dexterity are insane. And her facial expressions are so freaking adorable.
nannyrox107 2 months ago 2
GREAT!!! GREAT!!! GREAT!!!! I LOVE YOUR SINGING,DIVA NATALIE!!!!!
SHOLOMEY 2 months ago
mmmmmmmm super aburrido
LUNITA19781 3 months ago
@LUNITA19781 Existen videos de reggaeton para ti y mucha musica duranguense y de paquita la del barrio... :)
paulescence 2 months ago
She speaks amazing English! :)
MrDajx 3 months ago
Uhm,.... I came to watch this video because I love Candide and Natalie Dessay and all i can focus on is her lack of underwear? Is that a french thing or does she just feel constricted by the usage of panties.
MeTocaBason 3 months ago
Personally, I prefer Dessay's interpretation to Chenoweth's, even though I'm not really a bona fide Dessay fan. I find Chenoweth's interpretation to be superficial and trivializing. Of course Candide is a farce and irony plays a major role, but I find Chenoweth's performances abrasive, personally, and that makes it difficult to see her character as a person - and even comedy characters must be imaginable to an audience as people.
chebellamelodia 3 months ago
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Both Kristin Chenoweth and June Anderson are MUCH better in this role. This is nice, but not as good as two mentioned by me performers. Please, check Kristin and June... :)
ianislavus 3 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Terrible singer...is she crazy? Always screams...
wotanBrunhilde 3 months ago
@wotanBrunhilde Is their something mentally wrong with you? I mean she is a opera singer. She isn't and pop singer. Wow its called projecting her voice. She did this perfectly.(:
midnightrose414 3 months ago 3
I much prefere Chenowth's comedic timing and sense, though I found that Dessay has a much more conflicting character at hand. Both are splendid either way!
Yaratoma 4 months ago
Her English pronunuciation is so much better here than elsewhere singing this same aria... that is, of course, until the phrase "If I'm not pure at least my jewels are," which has been the downfall of almost every non-native English singer who performs this song.
flipsyboy 4 months ago
DÉSSSAY not deuhhssay fail in pronunciation
flippadeal 5 months ago
Speaking of irony....Lenny Bernstein (and whoever wrote the lyrics) was certainly prescient of contemporary times....since we now have gay people throwing glitter on anti-gay Republicans.... ;-)
ChuckyJesus666 5 months ago
better than Kristen C. for sure.
Chivalryaintdead 5 months ago
flute 6:28 looks like Mr. Bean ;-)
nadja1316 5 months ago
BRAVOOOO!!!!!!!
ModeModeMode63 6 months ago
I love opera <3 And I'm 13! I became familiar with Natalie Dessay through Lucia di Lammermorre. I saw the opera live but at a movie theater in RI. I've been watching more operas since then. And then I came across this song. Actually I first heard it by Kristin Chenoweth and then I saw Natalie sang it. She sings this beautifully :)
OperaGhostObsession 6 months ago 3
I agree with Overthemoo. I am a big fan of Dessay. I think she is the Callas of her generation: the greatest acting singer of the day, despite not having the best technique of all current singers. As much as I adore her, I suspect her voice may indeed not last as long as it might have done. I have seen her live three or four times, each a revelation. And here, it's hard to be funny in a foreign language. It doesn't help here that her francophone audience doesn't seem to know or get the song.
dugbran 7 months ago 4
I LOVE her little crazy laugh at the end! :)
01BroadwayMagic 7 months ago 4
This is a Broadway Show song. It should be short, sharp, an satircal. Natalie is great in the colourtoura The parlondo is overdone. Listen to the orginal, Barbara Cook. It's on youtube.
Geo789C 7 months ago
pourquoi je pleure a chaque fois ... et puis zut j'ai envie de le dire ! bordel elle dechire !!!
pogodu59 7 months ago 2
bordel pourquoi je pleure a chaque fois ... et puis zut j'ai envie de le dire ! bordel elle dechire !!!
pogodu59 7 months ago
Mais ici, c'est pratiquement impossble de ne pas grimacer. Bravo et merci!!! Et puis le personnage de Candide de Voltaire est perturbé.
sdegrace 7 months ago
Mais ici, c'est pratiquement impossble de ne pas grimacer. Bravo et merci!!!
sdegrace 7 months ago
Comment removed
sdegrace 7 months ago
Il ne faut jamais grimacer. Même avec les airs les plus difficiles.
sdegrace 7 months ago
Comment removed
sdegrace 7 months ago
Her voice is amazing!! What I love the most is that even though the keys she reaches are so high, and the song is dramatic, she is able to keep her throat completely relaxed, so the sound comes out clean and beautiful. She is definitely a wonderful example. I love her and the song!
GraciaGonzalez 7 months ago
hahahha love it! SHE'S CRAZAY! So clean, the melismas are wonderful! and the E! oh the E!
cleanmyroomforme 7 months ago 4
parece uma louca '-' gostei dela não :)
melukaloka 7 months ago
elle a une super voie trop belle
elle est francaise bien fait bon les anglais cher bien fait
ThePaulineproduction 8 months ago
okay... She has a Beautiful voice. Like, REALLY BEAUTIFUL. Like, one of the best voices that I've ever heard.
But she looks like she's having a seizure.
SeptemberStarz 8 months ago 5
@SeptemberStarz
You have ?
so451 8 months ago
@SeptemberStarz
You're getting an extreme close-up view of Natalie in this performance. In the hall, she is projecting her expressions for EVERYONE to see, even those in the very last row. It probably looks less exaggerated when you're watching it from an audience perspective.
Sexican 7 months ago 2
Interesting to hear Opera in English sung in continental Europe.
ShreddaCheese 9 months ago 15
@ShreddaCheese Why...? Just because Europe has a tradition of Opera in their own language, doesn't necessarily mean that there is not also very good English Opera....
TheMusicmanMB 2 weeks ago
@TheMusicmanMB In their own language, I mean, in languages such as French, German, and Italian...XD
TheMusicmanMB 2 weeks ago
I really love and respect how so many of the posters here are coming from an objective eye (and ear) on this song and the various interpretations of it. Kristen Chenoweth went for the comedy (and killed!) and Dessay went for the descent into madness angle closer to the Voltaire original. So cool that people are having a dignified conversation as opposed to the usual vitriolic garbage that most post on the internet. KUDOS TO ALL
wackybrinyc29 9 months ago 7
@wackybrinyc29 I agree! I like every interpretation I've heard so far (Damrau, Chenoweth, Dessay). What I think makes it easy to discuss the differences is that this role really is incredibly complex. They each took one characterization to excess, but each is correct in her respective performance. I laugh with Chenoweth, I'm creeped out by Dessay (for good reasons!), and Damrau almost makes me feel sorry for the girl. I adore all three and commend them for tackling such a difficult piece!
PianoMan62249 8 months ago 6
This isn't a comedic song as much as an ironic song. Dessay is singing satire, as she should be. Dessay creates a complex, paradoxical Cunegonde who optimistically convinces herself that she can regain her integrity through means which, ironically, degrade it further. So as Cunegonde deludes herself into her happiness, Dessay shows the audience how she corrupts more and more, blinded by her own optimism. At the end she's left a shell of herself. French girl knows her Voltaire.
LeDairyQueen 10 months ago 56
@LeDairyQueen - Great commentary!
wackybrinyc29 9 months ago
@LeDairyQueen t trop bete
ThePaulineproduction 8 months ago
@ThePaulineproduction Je pense qu'il ne faut même pas lui répondre, elle est juste pitoyable et elle l'est même trop pour s'en rendre compte lol ^^ au passage j'ai découvert l'opéra avec Nathalie Dessay et la flute enchantée il y a tout juste quelques mois donc si des passionés pouvaient m'envoyer quelques liens ce serai cool :)
bekkouchetou 8 months ago in playlist classique/lyrique
@LeDairyQueen Satire is comedy, and the music is just as satirical as the words.
wintereis57 4 months ago
@LeDairyQueen You are soooo talking out of your ass in this post. It is a satirical opera based upon a satirical book. Bernstein even writes the music to make fun of itself: mixing the tawdry and ostentatious vocalizations of European opera with the pedantic fluff of American pop. This is not to be taken seriously and drooled over (driveled over).
wintereis57 3 weeks ago
I feel that she took the approach going from disguised madness, to full blown gluttony and lunacy in the very end. It sort of reminds me of the 'mad scene' in Strauss' Don Quixote at around the 7-minute mark. While Cheno has this ridiculously funny approach, Dessay scares the living crap out of me. I'm not sure which I prefer.
Wagnerlover777 10 months ago
While this may not be her best, she has the absolutely best voice in opera today. She is brilliant in both dramatic and comedic roles. She is fabulous.
amandamarie105 10 months ago
While this may not be her best, she has the absolutely best voice in opera today. She is brilliant in both dramatic and comedic roles. She is fabulous.
amandamarie105 10 months ago
Misinterpretation. Too fierce (as always with Dessay), trying way too hard, and ending up not being in the slightest bit charming. An excellent final Eb, but ALL the high notes right before it are quite flat. Oh, Natalie, calm down. I long for the olden days when she just sang, and sang really well.
Richiesutherland 10 months ago
Dessay can sing,
But Chenoweth is better at acting by far.
ihazluvncake 10 months ago
@ihazluvncake Well - that may be true, but I would have thought unlikely. Dessay is a keen advocate for opera singers acting not just singing. Maybe it's a contrast in acting styles, Chenoweth coming from Broadway and Dessay from the world of opera. Well I should probably watch the Chenoweth version to know what I am talking about :)
firestartertwistedfi 4 months ago
I feel like she's trying to be funny.. and failing.
Kylezilla 10 months ago
@Kylezilla :No! follow what the emotion of this song . She is feigning being carefree but is really, desperate, outraged and fed up with her lot.Dessay does it one way-Pat Petibon another,as does Cheno &Damrau or as one commenter said,which I thought was pretty good, as l.ong as you have sopranos to sing this, you are going to haave a different take.
SuperJohnnykay 10 months ago
@Kylezilla You're right, well, i love her interpretion but... I don't know... I rather just listening the song, watching the video makes me feel pretty much uncomfortable.... :-S
SyndromeAsperger 4 months ago
TO ALL THE IDIOTS Gay means happy, and it has nothing to do with homosexuality.......jeeze.....And brava to Mrs.Dessay :D
violinistx100 10 months ago 4
I love how she makes crazy dances and faces!!!!
knucklestheecchidnaa 10 months ago
PEOPLE WHO THINK CHENOWETH IS BETTER THAN DESSAY ARE NOT EVEN AWAAARE THEY DON T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE ART OF SINGING AND INTERPRETATION. LOL I M SORRY BUT IT S THE TRUTH. THE ONLY ONE BETTER THAN DESSAY HERE IS HERSELF (see Glyndebourne 1997)
miuzefreak 11 months ago 2
Oh, please. We can't compare Chenoweth and Dessay. Of course Dessay is much better.
maryminoboli 11 months ago 4
@maryminoboli i agree with not being able to compare chenoweth and dessay. They entertain differently.
Chocmarywarren 10 months ago 4
Good, yes, but I like Kristin Chenoweth's rendition better.
bluegreenxlt 11 months ago
natalie,que hermosa estas!
te amo desde mexico.
anselgoya 11 months ago
Haha I love her eyes.
musicalgirl4life 11 months ago
She is awesome! HER AND CHENO NEED TO DO A DUET!
gluedhand 11 months ago
Did someone really compare Lady Gaga with Dessay? shameful
baburton81 11 months ago 3
Wow. She's superb.
MyuNekoi 11 months ago
some of her facial expressions creep me out
orangebhuddy29 11 months ago 2
people people people... if you don't know anything.. please do ask questions... because, if you just say what you want with out knowing informations, then, that makes you a genuine stupid person.. ^^
MusicalTenor23 11 months ago
Wonderful voice, but the phrasing and emphasis are a little odd, and her acting does not come across well on video. Stage and video need different techniques, and she is definitely more suited to the stage.
katfairy1969 11 months ago
She has very strange facial expressions, Kristin Chenoweth's acting is WAY better, but Dessay's voice is better for this song I think.
Katiedid724 11 months ago
51 people confused "dislike" with "dis i like" :D
alegrofermata 11 months ago 2
STELLAR.....unprecedented
TheJunedollar 1 year ago
GAY.
LOL
headphonejackd 1 year ago
@headphonejackd
Please. You aren't telling me you don't know this is a real word for "joyful." Right? I realize hardly anyone uses it in its true meaning now-a-days, but you should be aware that it's true meaning has nothing to do with homosexuality.
mocmus 11 months ago
@headphonejackd It means happy, not homosexuality.......jeeze.....
violinistx100 10 months ago
Kristin is too shrill, she almost screams the note....
nickyyy88 1 year ago
that was really fun to watch, thanks for uploading it! :D
mossalei 1 year ago
More than amazing
Wonderful
parvanehtube 1 year ago
she has it all!!
tarrera2005 1 year ago
That was terrifying, but amazing. I do like Cheno's performance better but Natalie Dessay has one of the purest and most beautiful soprano voices I've ever heard. Voice wise, I'd give this song to Dessay but Cheno's so freakin adorable
EveryDayMe43 1 year ago 3
I'm new to opera; I have a couple of people helping me out, pointing me to performers first (Dessay being one) rather than shows, because they feel it's best I find shows to my own liking first and then get recommendations from there. Anyway, I don't want to start anything but I have a feeling Cheno fans came here simply to compare. Why not just enjoy what you are watching? I mean, do you have ANY idea who Dessay is? She's an extraordinary talent from what I've heard and the little I've seen.
overthemoo 1 year ago 22
@overthemoo
in that case some of my favorite singers are
deceased/retired
joan sutherland, zinka milanov, franco corelli, kirsten flagstad, ramon vinay, robert merrill, sherrill milnes, leonard warren, alexander kipnis
current (but not necessarily in their prime)
samuel ramey, jennifer larmore, mariella devia (I used to not like her at all, but her maria stuarda won me over), ewa podles, jonas kaufmann, milla edelman, peter mattei, joyce didonato, dolora zajick, violetta urmana
raigekimaru 1 year ago
@raigekimaru Thank you so much for the recs! I really do appreciate it. Will be copying and pasting them to an "opera recommendations" text file on my computer. (Yes, I'm a huge dork.) I do recognize one lady from your list - Joyce DiDonato. I absolutely adore her. Outside of seeing Barber of Seville performed locally, Joyce was my foray into opera.
overthemoo 11 months ago
@overthemoo
I'm relatively new to opera as well, and I LOVE Natalie Dessay. She owned Lakme, and several other operas, but I have to admit, for this particular song, I liked Chenowith's rendition better. Maybe because Kristen"s acting seemed a bit more real.
Airhead90DancerGirl 10 months ago
@Airhead90DancerGirl Cool! Oh well, Dessay isn't even my preferred version. I like the original... Barbara Cook. And then I like Diana Damrau's. They all perform it differently and they all perform it well, so in the end it's really all about preference. :)
overthemoo 10 months ago
La pauvre...
Crwthy 1 year ago
@Crwthy haha pourquoi ?
SyndromeAsperger 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
her eyes are accusing me :(
deinarts 1 year ago
She looks drunk O.o
But her voice is great.
Kristin still is better. By far. Unreachable for that woman.
ItIsMeMaybe 1 year ago
What a peculiar interpretation!
adriandelacruz 1 year ago
She doesn't reach Chenoweth to the socks .. she sings it all with such ease, and you understands every word she sings meanwhile she jumps around like some idiot :D LOVE HER !
But this one is OK, just not perfection!
I think anywho !
Bibbob89 1 year ago
One has to listen to the entire performance. The beginning was probably a bit too slow and plodding, but what follows is a delight! Ms. Dessay is using no props (unlke Cheno). She sings and portrays the meaning with her eyes, her nose - her entire being. Her high notes and trills are effortless and sparkling, and she just plain sings the hell out of this piece.
For as many sopranos there are, there will be that many interpretations of this aria. And thank goodness for the variety.
iteachbass 1 year ago
@iteachbass well said(:
EveryDayMe43 1 year ago
Sorry people. Natalie does this piece a good service, as do other sopranos, in their various (sometimes overdone) way, but none of you seem to even consider the ORIGINAL and to-date unsurpassed version of Barbara Cook. And she wasnt even an ACTUAL opera singer. Go have a listen and you'll know what I mean!
XPRT10R 1 year ago
@XPRT10R :we will but where is she?!!
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay It's funny. It used to be on youtube but seems to have disappeared. Someone should upload it again! anyway you get a glimpse of it on the Leonard Bernstein - Candide (1956) - Selections from the Original Broadway Cast Recording
XPRT10R 1 year ago
@XPRT10R :Hopefully,someone can upload Barbaras again.Discussion with Melissa earlier. She suggested she liked the bright tone of Cook.Wikipedia has a good write-up, also, on the development of this operetta since 1956-originally, not a huge success as can often be. Worth a read,regards,john
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay try this in the meantime: My Love! - Barbara Cook, Irra Petinna and William Olvis
XPRT10R 1 year ago
@XPRT10R :OK! Thanks, just switching over now ,john
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
Dessay was born to sing this - perfect acting, personality and physicality for the role, and vocal expression. Out of many version including Chenoweth's she is totally superior. (Chenoweth sounds like a chipmunk and acts like a 5 year old. Chen is also phony). Dessay - entertaining, just right.
56sulu 1 year ago
I'm American & I adore Natalie Dessay. I also like Diana Damrau's version of this song. They are both amazing singers & actresses. I am not a huge fan of Chenoweth - her voice seems thin to me - but obviously she is someone who is loved by many.
JRZGRL55 1 year ago
@JRZGRL55 :Good comments!following Melissas line of reasoning,I viewed some American sopranos and must admit they are much clearer in the spoken parts; obviously.The clearest rendition belongs to Dawn Upshaw, followed closely by Renee Fleming with June Anderson not far behind.For authenticity,June, as Leonard is standing 5 yards away,making sure she stays true!Having the most fun Pat Petibon, save for the violinist in Dessays,here,see 3:50,4:00,4:35-shes really enjoying herself,all the best,jk
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
It`s useless to say who was the best vocally, but excluding her too much vocal acting here and there, Dessay is BRILLIANT. A note on DD - the first time I ever listened to the piece was her performance at the Tucker gala. I intended to listen only about 30 secs, but I was so captured until the last second, with a grin on my face. DD IS overacting but with so much style and finesse, that I thought the character was a spoiled primadona. If that doesn`t proof a huge artist, I don`t know what does
Transoxiana94 1 year ago
@Transoxiana94 :Great comments!Good to read someone who has thought about what they are writing.John from Australia(PS love watching Paricia Petibons rendition )
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay I do too! She`s a cute soubrette too, but her voice doesn`t pierce like Cheno`s.
Transoxiana94 1 year ago
@Transoxiana94 :As one commenter said, as long as there are sopranos,there will be a slightly different take on this number!! Damrau does a good job. Patty Petibon is the one that really gets me chuckling.Its on YT-really worth viewing.At a concert with Susan Manoff on piano,watch her jump up & down on the lounge at the end.Petibon can do light comical roles, then also view her Mozart, Haendel and Gluck performances!!
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
It seems that almost everyone has listened only to Dessay`s and Chenowith`s renditions. To me the best (BOTH in singing and acting) are Damrau (who hit AN F) and ANDERSON (who was conducted by BERNSTEIN HIMSELF). About the different attitued to acting: Cheno`s a soubrette, Damrau - a slightly drunk primadona, Dessay - like Lucia or Ophelie (thou she`s the princess of mad scenes of our time) , Anderson - lyric, beleivable and effective.
Transoxiana94 1 year ago
sorry, this performance is seriously lacking compared to Kristin and Barbara's. Natalie's coloratura technique is without question, but hearing this English language song (by a very American composer) sung with a very distinct French accent ruined it. One would think that she could get better English dialect coaching.
MakeupByMelissaLyn 1 year ago
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :Isnt this, Cunegondes aria,all about some slut living off blokes ,and set up in a paris flat? If so ,she may have lived thare for a while and picked up a Parisienne accent!!! Just a thought,john.
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay "slut"? wow, that's harsh. Have you even seen Candide? Cunegonde was doing what she needed to SURVIVE. Yes, she was relishing in her temporary wealth/lavish lifestyle, however, she was largely unhappy in her lot in life and for her, it was either to become a "kept" woman or probably be killed. 2nd, again, this is an AMERICAN opera, sung in ENGLISH, regardless if its set in France. Ergo, ENGLISH text=non heavy accented singing. If the role was in FRENCH, it would be different
MakeupByMelissaLyn 1 year ago
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :Okay, Ive got it!It should be sung in American english. Probably best done be American sopranos , just not Chenoweth who trashes it-so who does this leave on the current scene??? hhmmm,jk
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay REALLY. Cheno "trashes" it? Are you actually a musician who has any knowledge/practice of vocal pedagogy or just a Dessay fantard who is hellbent on trashing Chenoweth? If anyone trashes it, its Renee Fleming and I love Renee. But her rendition, as with Damrau's is just way WAY cheesily overacted. Anderson and Damrau's timbre is too dark for Cunegonde, for my taste, IMHO. Cunegonde is a very young girl and requires a particularly bright tone, which Chenoweth and Cook both had.
MakeupByMelissaLyn 1 year ago
@MakeupByMelissaLyn :summary of your comments:American operettas should be sung by Americans.Ive come onto this French sopranos site to trash her rendition because she doesnt speak American english! I am a person who is intolerantly convinced of the rightness of my particular opinion. OK! Solution for you-Only visit Cheno and Cook vid sites,enjoy your listening and viewing,john
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@SuperJohnnykay : thank you - I totally agree with you.56sulu
56sulu 1 year ago
@56sulu :matter of taste and perception,right!Love Dessays rendition,not Chenos.JRZs comment ,4 days ago is best-Cheno-thin voice-but is obviously someone loved by many.Wouldnt have noticed Dessays french-english until M pointing it out(Focused on performance intensity).In deference to M,it was a bit harsh of me calling Cunegonde a slut!Kept woman is a more correct term.
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@56sulu :matter of taste and perception,right!Love Dessays rendition,not Chenos.JRZs comment ,4 days ago is best-Cheno-thin voice-but is obviously someone loved by many.Wouldnt have noticed Dessays french-english until M pointing it out(Focused on performance intensity).In deference to M,it was a bit harsh of me calling Cunegonde a slut!Kept woman is a more correct term and for that I stand corrected. You,JRZ,myself & countless others will continue to enjoy Nathalie(and her zany violinist).jk
SuperJohnnykay 1 year ago
@MakeupByMelissaLyn Wow, this is an American comic operetta based on a French story by a French philosopher, one of the characters being a daughter of a baron of Westphalia (now part of Germany). But no!, you insist, it can ONLY be done with an American English accent. Would you like to fail harder ?
She has a fine Cambridge English accent, though the rhotic 'r' gives her away. To me, Dessay's interpretation is closest to Voltaire's original irony.
saintinaustralien 3 months ago 2
Best line interpretation:
If I'm not pure, at least my JEWELS are!
lol
Ethtetra 1 year ago
she doesnt only sings, she makes what we call interpretation, a very big vocal register combined with a lot of soul
robmadw 1 year ago
5:16 "wtf glance" ftw
ehohnke 1 year ago
the best version for me! just perfect.. voice, technic and interpretation!
tefalovett 1 year ago 3
i'm scared!
Vanissimova 1 year ago
I think Ms Dessay was psyched up ready for this performance and was thrown by the chit chat at the beginning...
aircraftnoseart 1 year ago
Check out this performance of hers from 10 years earlier. watch?v=B5pTwRhmRL4
bwaygammagurl 1 year ago
Bravissima..peccato sia francese. Nelle espressioni mi ricorda la brunetta dei Ricchi e Poveri. Ma il flautista è Sarkozy?
mrobyy 1 year ago 3
the ending!!!!! hahahhaah can't stop laughing! it's kinda scary!
cleanmyroomforme 1 year ago 4
Comment removed
SingerViolin 1 year ago
Great indeed, but I prefer Diana Damrau and her version
SingerViolin 1 year ago
@SingerViolin Close. Can't argue with either one, best of the Internet lot.
1HiMimi 1 year ago
at 4:00 ,,,,, um... I love her! she is an inspiration!!!
but ..... tone it down!!!!! .. it looks like someone fast forwarded this performance...
so ..... quite frankly .... she looks crazy.
but she SOUNDSS amazing!!!!!! ... as long as I dont look .... I am in awe!!
SamSkii14 1 year ago
at 4:00 ,,,,, um... I love her! she is an inspiration!!!
but ..... tone it down!!!!! .. it looks like someone fast forwarded this performance...
so ..... quite frankly .... she looks crazy.
SamSkii14 1 year ago
Did she muck up the beginning of the second verse.."Pearls and Ruby rings"? Something is not right there. I think she was early... I love Natalie..She covered it well.
jasonlesliestevens 1 year ago
She reminds me of Lady Gaga...
AdolphoIV 1 year ago
@AdolphoIV You can't compare Lady Gaga and Nathalie Dessay!!!!!
AlexandreJdB 1 year ago 36
@AlexandreJdB word
BSGomer 11 months ago
Barbara Cook created this role, and Cunegonde will always be her signature aria. You can hear her and the original cast on the CD of "Candide."
11777766 1 year ago
Comment removed
11777766 1 year ago
Another thing though that I didn't particularly like was she cheated a lot the Ha ha hahahahaha's with Oh Oh oohoohoohoo ah's. I think it would be easier to sing an ah than an oh...but hey, what are you gonna do :-)
Tritano 1 year ago
@Tritano why does this matter so much to you? It's a recit and not specific like the musical passages. She's an amazing talent and being this picky looks like sour grapes hmm. Long live the wonderful high sops :D
pianomags 1 year ago
@pianomags It matters because I love art. I have 2 Art degrees. I travel the world doing art as a performer and a Teacher. Still, I expressed genuine appreciation for this rendition. In fact, I said "...this woman did an amazing job" and "I was very impressed". Nevertheless, do understand criticism is the nature of art and it's necessary for elements to evolve within context. As a spectator I have the right and should desire to critique performances for meaning, form and technique.
Tritano 1 year ago
@Tritano disagree entirely. Unless you do what they do and truly understand it, you don't have any "right" to critique; the only rights you have ar self-imposed so mean nothing to anyone but yourself. "I think it would be easier to sing an ."oh" than an "ah" ? *sigh* Nuff said.
pianomags 1 year ago
@pianomags how can you disagree? What do you think audiences do? There are libraries full of literary criticisms. Non-performers in NYC and London make a living writing criticisms. I have an MFA in Acting and took singing lessons for 3 years I have the right. Also, you misquoted me, I said I think it's easier to sing an "Ah" than an "Oh". If you knew about vowel placement or the mechanics of singing you'd understand my point. And, you seemed to miss AGAIN that I really enjoyed this performance!
Tritano 1 year ago
@pianomags You're wrong about vowels. [A] is a better vowel to sing on than [O]. It's silly to argue this kind of stuff in this context. I find her performance funny and somewhat safe - occasionally technically appalling. I also happen to know that Uncle Lenny would not be particularly fond of it because of her lack of articulation of the Ha, Ha, Ha's... (I don't agree with him on this but, hey, he wrote it...) Since we're listing credentials, I have a master's in vocal performance
SCharton1972 1 year ago
@pianomags as well as a masters in music theory. I have taught at some of the best music school in the country including CCM and Oberlin. I also have performed fairly extensively in the US and London. Feel silly yet?
SCharton1972 1 year ago
I love love love Kristin Chenoweth's performance because it's supposed to be over the top and comic and satirical. But this woman did an amazing job! When she got to the drama at the end and that build started with the orchestra behind her all the way to that amazing E-Flat (which I wished she held just a little longer) I was very impressed. The camera direction was very good too by the way.
Tritano 1 year ago
she has a fantastic voice, but her acting style is a bit much
fll7181 1 year ago
She moves like a bird...but she is KILLING those high notes. She has such a tremendous voice, and totally fabulous with the edge of craziness at the end!
mtgal82 1 year ago
I preffer Kristin but the final crazy laught is just FANTASTIC , i say
SweetBoyMTB 1 year ago 3
Страшная как атомная война!
PastorShlaq 1 year ago
@PastorShlaq зато поёт как, в остальном можете пойти скачать виагру, да
slip2050 1 year ago
@slip2050 Там тоже страшны.
PastorShlaq 10 months ago
why's she so cute!? haha she's amazing
Erethras 1 year ago
Personally, I like Kristin Chenoweth better for this piece. But this is still great
cysotbone621 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
she played lucia di lammermoor very well though...the crazy eyes worked in that
siebenhens 1 year ago
she played lucia di lammermoor very wel though...the crazy eyes worked in that
siebenhens 1 year ago
Well, that was creepy...
SouthPacific005 1 year ago
perhaps if she wore another dress this would be easier to watch? I don't know...this characterization just seems so out of place, I don't get it...(someone can enlighten me if they wish)
austiefernoth 1 year ago
I mean...imagine say Helena Bonham Carter doing the faces for this aria, with Natalie's voice...I think that would be quite interesting. Don't know if I'm even making sense now. :-/
austiefernoth 1 year ago
@austiefernoth Believe me, you do. With that exception that Helena Bonham Carter is an amazing actress (and also a pretty nice singer) and Dessay certainly has problems with her acting skills. Which is a pitty because of her beautiful timbre and effective technique.
Transoxiana94 1 year ago
extraordinario
brardley 1 year ago
Damn, she is doing some SERIOUS eyebrow acting right there.
Awesome voice, though. What power! :D
nerdsrule06 1 year ago
Whoa buddy, her face is intense. .__.
Amazing voice though. lol
KikyoHater167 1 year ago
She is brilliant! I'm shocked!
DeboraFoxy 1 year ago
she has a good voice but her acting destroys it for me. kristen chenoweth is a great performer, in vocal and acting quality. I prefer her so much more.
hprlly4life 1 year ago
@hprlly4life kristen chenowith is a great actress, but her voice quality is far below that of Dessay. but i agree, the acting here isn't the best. you should watch Diana Damrau's performance.
chicaboricua09 1 year ago
@chicaboricua09 Damrau's acting in both videos is because of conditions in which she acted, if you take a look in Tucker's there's not micro, in the other one, she's the micro in her head, so in both of them she can get crazy. by this time, and all of her videos, except in her recital which is not a special time, she has microphones in her front, and she has to sing for them, if she were movil, she would have made miracles.
RoOodOoOloOmeg 1 year ago