Toute cette haine est pitoyable. Chacune de ces chanteuses a ses qualités et ses défauts, des points forts et faibles qui font le caractère et la qualité de leurs voix. Surtout ne me prévenez pas le jour où vous trouverez le chanteur parfait. L'erreur est humaine, et la beauté d'une voix réside dans les moments où ses faiblesses révèlent cette humanité.
i don;t understand why all the hate? Callas has been voted and recognized as the best opera singer of our last century. Nobody today can sing like Callas did. Dessay is only good in one opera, and that was Lakme, flower duet. Callas is superior in every and each opera of Bellini, Puccini, Verdi, etc....
As for the ugly voice that people say about Callas, i bet they are opera singers who sound like chickens, cko cko cko! . I heard Dessay singing Sempre Libera, it was horrible!
Durant sa vie d'artiste, la Callas a dû subir toute cette vulgarité, ces insultes et cette bêtise incommensurable. Et 34 années plus tard la coulée de boue se déverse encore et encore. Lamentable.
Why all this pompous snobbery about voice? Stop acting like fucking children. If you've had formal voice training, you KNOW that everyone has a unique voice. And if you all are SUCH music lovers and scholars and experts you would be able to criticize anything you don't like constructively.
Natalie Dessay says something here that is most revealing of Maria Callas; that she lost weight to be believable in her roles, to make the audience dream. In truth what Natalie Dessay says is that basically Callas was not a singer, she was an ARTIST! She literally gave everything of herself to her Art. Joan Sutherland had an amazing voice but Callas was Opera! The embodiment of all it's drama, tragedy, love, hatred, comedy etc. Callas DIED for her Art! THAT is a dedication that few have...
@Chanteuredelopera I have absolutely no respect for so-called "artists" of the opera like Maria Callas who sang with SURPASSING UGLINESS. It's unforgivable.
@romaitalia29 Please accept my humble apologies for pronouncing CALLAS'S voice to be of SUPERLATIVE HIDEOUSNESS. I forget sometimes that she was just a WHORE -- an expensive whore, admittedly -- but a whore, nevertheless -- and it really is unfair to expect her to sing well.
I'm going to retract my earlier statement. Dessay missed the point SO hard in this interview. When that interviewer said: "But some say her singing was not so good" she should have said: "What do you mean her singing was not good? She was the best fucking singer of all time!" End of interview
Iriisblue, with four thumbs up (from the gang of trolls?) is still a top comment? Dessay NEVER said Callas' greatest contribution to opera was losing weight !!! She did say that "for example...." as AN example of the continuous dedication to improvement that she so admires in Callas. Claiming that Dessay said things she did not and then (usually, but not this time) talking about how horrible it was to say them is the usual approach. I think Callas would be disgusted with this crap.
The honesty of Natalie Dessay is startling. On one interview with Charlie Rose she was going on and on about the value, and expertise of prompters. She mentioned that just a few days before (it was something she was doing at the Met) she had forgotten her lines and was so helped by the prompter. Charlie caught up after a few words and said, sounding very surprised "You forgot your words?" "Yes, it happens. Oh maybe I shouldn't have said that." and she laughed. I was impressed.. favorably.
Do trolls come in herds, flocks, gaggles or flights? I think most of the trolls on you tube showed up for this one. I think I've discovered some "species" of trolls. One is people who, if you intimate that either Callas or Sutherland have ever been less than perfect, will smother you in verbal graffiti. Another is people who just seem to resent Dessay generally. One that you don't see here is people who are pro either Callas or Netrebko and use excrement words on the other camp. Sick? I guess.
Natalie Dessay is an idiot and her voice is terrible. Maria Callas was one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Her acting was secondary to her voice. She's called La Divina for a reason. Her voice was flawless and amazing. For Dessay to agree that her voice wasn't good and that her acting made up for it, proves that she has no idea what she is talking about. Dessay wishes she could sing as good as Callas when. When Callas snores it's a better sound than Dessay singing at her best!
It is interesting that Dessay says that when Callas lost weight she became more believable in roles, yet on another interview Sutherland felt that Callas' voice was not as good after the weight loss
Thank God with the appearance of Youtube the voice of the people can be heard. More and more idiots like Charlie Rose who have been given the Power to speak to the masses and pass their retarded ideas to them get more and more weakened.
This nobody Charlie Rose has been bad mouthing Callas in all of his shows Only Horne stood up against him saying: "Well Callas in her prime was one hell of a singer, one hell of a technician" He almost ate the table!
Callas and Sutherland were both the bomb, in my opinion. JS will always be my favorite, but Callas had an awe-inspiring something about her that gives you thrills. She was robbed from us much too soon; if only she had lasted into the 60s and 70s! *Sigh*
Callas is wayyyyy better (in ALL ways) than Sutherland and omg that Dessay... I prefer hearing her "ugly voice".. at least she uses the right technique.
Dessay here is at the begining of her mental disease that began with the deterioration of her voice, continued with her attacking Callas and Sutherland (suicidal I would call that) trying to persuade us that she sang better than Sutherland (she never held a candle to Sutherland) and acted better than Callas (she is ridiculous on stage always jumping on tenors) and ended with her recent sad spectacle of showing her tits and pussy on stage.
@LohengrinT It seems to me that her comments about Sutherland and Callas were 95% positive and, at most, 5% negative. "She was a phenomenon. She had a huge, huge voice and she could...." Doesn't sound like an attack. "I love her. She inspires me every day" wasn't very insulting.
it is the older trick when you want to attack someone to beggin with a positive comment. In fact 3rd class minds use this :)
I wont discuss anymore poor stupid Dessay here, she got everything she deserved after this interview to the idiotic Callas-hater called Charlie Rose (we all know that idiot). Going onstage with her tits out because she no longer have a voice?
Stupid bitches who accidentally were born with a talent inside their body, that is Dessay's category
@LohengrinT You said "The older trick, when you want to attack someone to begin with a positive comment. In fact 3rd class minds use this." I went through this steaming pile of troll barrage and DID notice a lot of this use... by trolls. "Dessay was a good singer before she lost her voice" Then on and on about how stupid she is, mentally ill, has no anything.. blah, blah blah, blah. You trolls even have internal shit throwing fights. What on earth keeps such moronic, pathological stuff going?
Dessay looks like an ugly Clown next to Maria Callas - ugly and stupid I might add - perhaps stupider than La Stupida of the 20th century Joan Sutherland
Following her "fall" after this atrocious interview, the result was as expected: she completely lost her voice, she began showing her tits and pussy on stage in order to make an event.
I always thought that Caballe and Gruberova going around like Mummies singing were a sad spectacle till I saw Dessay humiliating her entire existence. And no one from her "circle of friends" stopped her from falling that low. She should really think if she is surrounded by friends or vipers
i don;t know how others hear or their aesthetics in vocal voices, in my ears Callas has a very beautiful voice, that i enjoy to listen to that voice, even for hours.
Ofc it is also how someone thinks how operatic voice should sound. For me i don;t want to go to the opera house and listen to birds, i want to hear a human voice. And I think Callas did that, we listen to a real human sing, not act like an instrument, but truly humanly sing.
I do like & respect Natalie Dessay as a talent. Her 'air des clochettes' is my favorite.But this 'singing ACTOR' definition she keeps insisting on,is just working to the detriment of opera.What's next? "Medea,The Musical"!!
Several legends are quoted as putting vocal performance before acting,saying they'd go to their local theater to see good acting.Even Maria Callas,the tragedian, said a singer's next aspiration should be to become a musician!And "no comment!" on the comments made on Callas!
How different is to watch a Dame Joan Sutherland's interview; so down to earth and so lovely... Dessay on the other hand... Well, I respect her as a singer but I just don't like her singing, and after watching this interview, I think I don't like her at all.
Wow. I guess I've learned my lesson about commenting on art and its discussions. I was just put in my place by fan2jnrc. I guess I can't make my own constructive criticism about art without someone taking it personal and making personal comments towards me. For the record, I love all the ladies and gentlemen of opera (and I admire Dessay - just didn't like her comment). my comments were never directed at anyone's talent, but only their comments which I assume were made to generate dialogue.
I have the entire interview in my channel. I love her old voice. I've seen some interviews and I've noticed she is a very secure woman (at least outside) and it seems she has a lot of ego and she is kind of crazy! I don't know how to say it!. She's not afraid of what people think, and her personality has led her to where she is.
Me caga el puto viejo que entrevista a Dessays el ya soñaria ser algo de la callas Y A MI GUSTO CALLAS ES LO MEJOR Y PUNTO. ME ENCANTA DESSAY PERO CALLAS POR SIEMPRE
I totally agree with "irisblue." it's really sad that thru all her somewhat intelligent comments regarding Callas and Sutherland, she feels "losing weight" by Callas is a great contribution to art. Sad, very sad indeed that this is still perpetuated by women themselves. In order to dream at the opera we must see the image of a thin soprano!!?? Insane! I dream at the opera by closing my eyes and listening. Shame on Dessay for saying such a thing.
I'm sorry, but if you really "dream at the opera by closing your eyes and listening", you don't have to go to the opera. Stay at home and listen to a CD.
I'm sorry, but on stage, it's true that a lovely soprano is more nice to see. When I see this poor Caballe in "Andre Chenier" or "Don Carlos", not able to move because of her weight, and supposed to be the exquisite and evanescent Madeleine de Coigny or Elisabeth de Valois, I'm sorry, but it doesn't work...
you spend a lot of time apologizing. thank you for your comments, however you don't need to "apologize" to me for how I like to watch or listen to opera. Don't tell me how to listen to the opera and I won't tell you. I'll stay at home or go to the opera if I damn well feel like it. Keep your comments to the video at hand or don't bother. And, 312pipi is right - "looking" the part has ruined opera. How do you know what these authors wanted these women to "look" like?
@cncole1 That's the most comic answer I've ever heard. "Looking the part as ruined the opera". That's exactly what I'm saying about this laughable warping. An opera is made to be PERFORMED! It's not a symphony. I KNOW that Ophelia or Salome were not fat and ugly. A perfect soprano has to be a perfect singer, but also a good actress, and for this she's got to be lovely as the role requires it. And btw you know what? I don't give a damn about what you like, and you about me. Conversation is over
Sutherland admitted to focus on the music and encouraged people who care more about the drama to go to a spoken play, not an opera. Dessay has a huge instrument too, but unfortunately she overacts everything; and she is proud of it. Like saying "Sutherland was a good singer but couldn't act, but I am a good singer and CAN act; that makes me better, right?" In some cases that is absolutely wrong (baroque for example). I guess I am able to criticize her if she is able to criticize Joan (RIP) .
Also after all these years I sincerely believe that Dessay is not well in her mind. Im 100% sure she needs psychiatrist - she really believes she was better than Callas and Sutherland lol The coloratura of the decade (who has lost her voice completely more than 8 years now) believes she was the voice of the century -
@iriisblue That was NOT what she said. Dessay was remarking about the self discipline that allowed Callas to lose weight, which allowed the audience to dream. She DID say that Callas had great musicianship and acting ability. When Rose asked her "of all the actresses whom you know, have heard, who was the best actress?" Without hesitation Dessay answered "Maria Callas".
You are discussing here the most famous Callas-hater on line (Charlie Rose) he keeps asking EVERYONE in his interviews about Callas trying to make them say she wasnt a good singer. Only Marilyn Horne all these years stood up against him and said: Callas in her prime was one hell of a singer, one hell of a technician, he almost fell off his chair:)
Im done commenting the atrocity of Dessay in this interview - besides she got what she deserved all these years after it ;)
@iriisblue "She lost weight in order to be believable." You're misquoting of Dessay is your own personal projection. And hey, I have fat-boy insecurity too, but I don't distort statements so grossly.
Dessay's right on the money:Joan's voice was large and her singing beautiful with a luscious tone and gorgeous trills, but some found her boring, and she couldn't pronounce a consonant for her life, and as for Callas, most people praise her skills as an actress to the skies but for others her over-the-top histrionics with a permanently pained look on her face was off-putting. Her voice some find sublime and others plain ugly. All singers have ardent fans and vicious detractors, no escaping that.
@Dtenor87 Yes but pre 1955 she was a large lady. Callas made a huge contribution to her performance by losing weight... you don't need a voice, you need to look believable! (at least according to Dessay).
@312pipi Now you're being ridiculous. Opera is all about the voice. Looking the part is what ruined opera. Look at what's out there now? shrilly voices who look great in a dress. It is pathetic. Show me Tebaldi, Leontyne Price, Arroyo, Verrett, Bumbry, Del Monaco now THEY ripped a score apart and sent their audience on a craze. Dessay....lol wow one word "nodules"
While I applaud Dessay's professionalism, I couldn't quite agree that she is beautiful per se. There are some singers who quickly make operatic roles theirs like their skin with their riveting stage presence despite (or in spite of) not looking like the most gorgeous creatures around. Dessay is dedicated in the art but somehow she doesn't exude the irresistable allure of a coloratura prima donna.
Love Natalie!!!!! so NEBESHIKU shut the hell up!!!!!! she is the best Lakme and she is a unique singer. Callas did not have those high notes that natalie had. Although Callas was amazing too. But natalie is an amazing singer and hse can do any role!!!!!!!!
Poor little Dessay, you are way out of your league talking about Callas and Sutherland. Besides ok F's and G's there is not much to your voice. No wonder your best role is Olimpia: A soul-less mechanical doll.
This interview with Natalie Dessay is a bit off for her. 1. True, Sutherland was not an actress but many of her fans would go and literally close thier eyes so they could lock in on her beautiful voice. 2. Callas was a very talented dramatic coloratura soprano before about 1955, when she lost weight she stunted her voice. 3. Callas in lost weight because she thought she was to big for certain roles like Madame Butterfly not to make people dream, that to me says insecurity.
that is to make people dream. to dream and imagine the role better because one looks believable in it rather than her weigfht distracting form that although I agree, Callas's voice before weight loss was AMAZING and I don't think she should have so drastically dropped 80 pounds. nonetheless, she had an understandable reason for doing so. we come from the same school of thought tho, opera is an occupation of singing first, acting second and appearence third =)
Dessay's not only a midget as a woman but also a vocal midget compared to Sutherland and Callas. She shouldn't embarrass herself in public by comparing herself to those two legends.
@tklogan11809 you obviously know nothing about brilliant singers! yes, callas and sutherland are legends, but natalie is also on of the best singers of our time and believe me, one day she will be considered as a legend!
@tklogan11809 Boy, please!!! Dessay has extreme high notes w/ basically a flawless technique.......I mean the woman has had two vocal surgeries and can still sing Ab's ABOVE High C!!! & She still sounds AMAZING!!!! btw, she's considered among the world's most acclaimed opera critics as the world's leading coloratura soprano!
I think her high notes are a little... shreaky, but overall she is a great musician who breaths fire into normally boring coloratura/soubrette roles. she really is a lyric coloratura with the temperament of a verdian lyrico spinto soprano
I don't understand all the hate, she's a bit of a freak, but she's a musician, that's a good thing in this business (after all, normal people couldn't do what we do, you have to be a bit crazy =P)
her comments were also spot on (although sutherland's acting doesn't bother me, all I care about is that celestial set of cords she has)
this clip makes me respect dessay much more, although in general, I think too many people try to be like Maria Callas. I would be the first to tell you that Maria Callas was wonderful, but she was an anomaly and many of her habits are best not emulated. most singers cannot devote 100% energy to both singing and acting simultaneously and most singers cannot sing the entire span of repertoire for the soprano voice and do so well.
..........could it be? Striker9410, I don't believe you could be right! Folks, could it be, you think the same like Striker and allegedly millions opera fans if you hear Callas sing like a Mezzo? They think MC was SHEMALE! All along she would clinks like a TRANNY and at the last years her singing sounded more and more like a BARITON? If you would see her without horsehair they might look like a man. Indeed one can see a Adam's apple.
GOOD NEWS dear Callas fans!!!! Striker capitulates! The automated production of feces is over. He's a nervous wreck because the great Filaredo gang has destroyed the white knight on his black donkey. Striker, you are alone in a hopeless plight!Go home and lick your wounds!!! Hoohooohaahaahhhaaa..... what a wonderful world...!!! Striker is only a picture of misery.....LOL
Very touching indeed, someone who is still proceeding her career giving her (ambiguous) opinion on two divas who have already left the branch (one of them not being among us to defend herself anymore)... Dessay is good, alright, but she losts a lot of her value by making such unfortunate comments, it is just not right, not professional from her to say this kind of stuff...
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Dessay has a lot to say about Callas and Sutherland, but I don't think she is fit to lick their boots. Dessay sings off pitch a lot and I don't find her phrasing musical - her voice sounds unsupported to me, little gaps. Callas was a force of nature, her voice was unique, but Dessay is most impressed that she lost weight!
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Maria Callas was one in a million - she is fire and light and water - but it is true that she had 3 voices (in opera a singer should have one unified voice - no resonance differences in different parts of the voice). This is something we have to live w
When you have 3 octaves of equally strong and supported sound, the voice is bound to have those breaks. A big column of even sound only works for less than two octaves.
Callas COULD SING. She had a voice. I dunno...where the two of them got that fact from...but...err....Callas had perfect technique, her health affected her voice, nothing more nothing less! Sigh.
@CatalinaDM56 Yes, many times Callas had an amazing technique, but if you listen to some of her stuff she will sacrifice technique over emotion and the acting. That is what they are referring to.
Callas has some defect in her voice，but hee skills are perfect.Natalie Dessay is different from Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas,she is a coloratura,she can do that dramatic soprano can't do .I love a coloratura much than dramatic soprano .I think she doesn't have to respect Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas
,although they were the top in 20 century.Because they are different.She can't learn too much thing from they.THE SKILLS ARE NOT THE SAME.
@ezayi Leaving voice out of it, it's in large part due to her unbelievable musicality, her fantastic technique, and her ability not to just portray a role but to inhabit it.
To be sure, if you're simply looking for vocal perfection -- singing the notes as written as well as possible -- then listen to Joan Sutherland recordings and definitely don't go to live performances, which can't and won't have the perfection of a studio recording. Sounds like a sterile pastime to me, but to each their own.
@regulargonzalez Don´t insult my intelligence with that crap of "if you´re simply looking for vocal perfection". But now that you mentioned it, prefer Sutherland and many others. So, give me Sutherland anytime, recordings or life performances. Btw... "fantastic technique" goes perfect with singers like Caballé, Price, Sutherland, Nilsson, Gruberova, Devia, etc... not Dessay. Thanks.
@ezayi You know what would be great? If, when one went to the opera, the singers just stood in a line and park'n'barked their way through the opera. No need for, say, a sheet and a chair for Nozze's 'Cosa Sento', just have the singers stand shoulder to shoulder facing the audience. Exciting stuff.
Out of curiosity, are there any current, active singers that you like? If so, who?
Also, can you tell me where Dessay lacks in technique? Thanks in advance!
@regulargonzalez Oh... and you call her overacting a good histrionic performance. What a great taste!
Yes, bad technique. Just listen to her and sorry to say this but, look at her... she looks like she´s screaming her head off and her neck is about to explode. She doesn´t even sound the way she used to and she is in her prime when she´s supposed to be at her best. I used to like her voice but not anymore. Unfortunately another one that got burned. Your welcome!
@ezayi Clearly you are an expert's expert; would you deign to precisely explain to this plebe her technical problems? Are you talking problems with support, fioritura, messa di voce? Because as best I can tell, your criticisms are directed at her voice, not her technique. Voice is surely a more subjective measure; pointing out technical flaws is more precise and can be agreed upon by everyone, if they exist.
PS: Callas didn't sound like Callas after 1954. Whither the criticism there?
@ezayi I never said differently. Anyone in a light fach will see their voice age by their mid 40s. Even in her prime, from a strict quality of sound standpoint -- leaving out technique and musicality -- hers was never among the all time great voices. I think she herself would agree.
My point is that there's more to opera than simply purity of sound. Anna Netrebko, say, has a rounder, fuller sound than Dessay but take into account diction, technique, interpretative skills, & I know who I prefer.
i adore Natalie..but i think it's wrong to say Maria Callas didn't have a good voice..La Divina had an incredible and wonderful voice..with an impressive range and special colours in her voice...these elements linked to a moving acting made her a myth...
I think Natalie doesnt say she has a bad voice at all - I think her point is that Callas was a better musician than vocalist, ie there were others with more beautiful voices, but Callas was the supreme musician - I'd agree with this. For example, Callas "La Momma Morta" is in a class of itself bc of her musicianship, I wonder why others, like Caballe, whose vocal abilities are in the same A** league, can't compare with Callas in that aria (but Caballe's Casta Diva is as good or better?).
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it suits Dessay to say such things about Callas because ever since 2002 Dessay has enormous vocal problems...
but really here, all that Dessay is, is simply a stupid nasty bitch ;) Ever since I saw this Dessay was over for me - I dont even listen to her Morgana anymore who will remain her greatest role. After this she made several documentaries explain how much she "adores" Callas but frankly if this is how she adores people I wouldnt wanna be in the list of the ones she truly hates ahahahah
you just didn't get it at all. Maybe because of her imperfections in english? that's quite possible. (the speaker says "at SOME POINT of her career, Callas's voice wasn't as good etc.) I do find all my love for la Divina in her words, I know she loves her as much as I do.
I found Dessay's comments insightful and very complimentary to both artists. And, yes, I believe she deserves to be called an artist herself. She has a true coloratura voice and is a wonderful actress. She is a great asset to opera (especially when one considers other voices that are out there now).
"but it's true!" That's sweet! I like her. I don't like musicians who say mean things about other musicians, and I like that she admits her admiration for other singers.
i think dessay had LOTS of respect for callas and sutherland..the two practically were the top sopranos in th 20th century...dessay is also good..but sometimes i just dont like her high notes..
What I find sad is that whenver Callas' voice or technique is put in question, most refferences are made of the voice when it was past its Prime. Callas' voice was flawless and unrivaled from 47-54. The recordings that remain of her in those days are enough to justice why she was hailed La Divina. Concerning Dessays comments about Callas' voice n acting. I think she meant WHEN callas' voice wasnt at its best, the acting made up for it and not that in general callas was more and act than a voice
Could you people stop misinterpretating Dessay's words?? She admires la Callas and loves her in ways you'll never get close to.
As said previously, she's very humble here. When the interviewer says that la Callas' voice was compensated by her acting in the end of her career, Dessay agrees on the fact that la Callas kept being fascinating even when she couldn't hit he same notes any more.
Dessay is a total bitch here and it is written all over her face :p
Nevertheless, in the years that followed this atrocity of an interview, she was more than enough punished and she is still being punished :))) So I personally rest my case with this ugly bitch's stupidities :))))
and furthermore, i think i've even heard Callas in interviews warning against overacting (e.g. Dessay in La Fille). It becomes puppetry, farcical, and extraneous. There's a big difference between simplicity with extreme focus on creating glorious music and standing on stage coldly reciting lines. I view performances of Sutherland and Caballe as complete though they didn't jump around the stage, whereas Dessay, admiring her voice as i do, makes too many inappropriate stage decisions.
too bad, i do like Dessay, and saw her perform Juliette and Lucia in New York. But every singer is different. Sutherland didn't have to flutter, run and flop all over the stage like Dessay does because there was so much volume and voluptousness in her own voice. Caballe's acting came mostly from her extreme vocal control and vocal expression-- the acting was from within and when the singer is good enough, the 'stand and deliver' approach is plenty enough because it draws the audience in more.
Dessay sounds so ignorant when she says "Callas' voice wasn't as good, but her acting overcame it." Sure, Dame Sutherland had a voice as clear and penetrating as a baroque trumpet (my favorite), but Callas had an equally important and technically superb voice. Both were unique in size, range, agility, and power. The issue of timbre is a matter of preference. According to Dessay, the most important thing Callas did was "to lose weight in order to allow us to dream". Sweeping statements are so...
I dont think it is a sweeping statement. Callas herself often emphasised that her lasting influence in opera was the importance she place in expressiveness, understanding the psychological aspect of the opera and performing it, both vocally and through acting, in order to make the opera as believable as possible, because, to quote callas herself "opera is not oratorio". Dessay is spot on.
Can someone explain to me why so many people openly downgrade Callas' voice? "...[Callas'] voice wasn't as good, but her acting over came it." Singing is a function of many components: range, tone, agility, expression, volume, coloration, pronunciation, intonation, musicality etc. Callas was second to none. The richness and expression of her voice are truly unique. Dessay can't hold a candle to Callas, but she wouldn't consider herself second rate.
How many divas do you know with a 3 octave range fully supported at both ends? That means with low notes as strong as the high notes... ONLY CALLAS in the 20th century, and a few others that had great instruments but not a great technique.
I think her English is excellent when one takes into account that she is French. I expected a much stronger French accent. As far as what she said about Callas is concerned, I think she was extremely HUMBLE and she expressed herself very COMPLIMENTARY about LA DIVINA. I don't agree what she said about Sutherland's voice, because, no offence, but her voice doesn't impress me much. But I agree with her when she said Callas was the greatest actress with great musicality.
@corellithebest Sutherland's voice never impresses a die-hard Callas fan because they are usually running scared because they know, vocally, she was superior. Moreover, what is all the talk about Callas' acting, she always had 'a general pained' expression on everything I saw. However she like Sutherland, was fantastic
If i'm not very much mistaken it sounds like she is pretty humble towards Callas and Sutherland, so I don't know what anyone is talking about with regards to her needing to "get on her knees when she talks about Callas."
What I don't like is that nobody minds when people attack dessay and call her an amateur but if somebody points out when Callas strains a high note (which she does a lot), die-hard Callas fans pop out of the paintwork and go crazy.
@primohomme Listen, I like Callas. In fact, I love Callas. I think she changed the world of opera indefinitely. But I also like Dessay, and truly enjoy listening to and watching Dessay perform.
And for some reason, that bothers you. I don't know why, and quite frankly I don't really care, because nothing anyone says about Dessay's lack of artistry or credibility can change the fact that I simply enjoy watching her perform.
@primohomme I heard the fourth at the end, which in the score is C to F, so unless it was transposed(which is possible although I doubt it) I am sure she sang an F.
Well in the score the key of Ah non giunge is Bb, so F to C...mmmmh...maybe Eb to Bb. Anyways, I had not chance to see her Sonnambula except for the very end of the MET broadcast...I saw her Marie however and she was tired by the end of first act with all the jumping and screaming, the top notes were very strained. I think her voice is lovely now between middle C and high C, like in her Handel and Bach albums.
There is a lot of theatrical waffle going on here, I am constantly reminded of two words; Mendacity and Affectation. I honestly believe that if she could sing half as well as either of the stars she is commenting about, she would be ok.
This is a great job of complimenting and then backstabbing Sutherland as far as I am concerned. Dessay thinks she is such an 'artist', her acting is way over the top - and even with her high notes she just is not a vocalist with the musicianship, technique of beauty of tone of Sutherland.
Callas and Sutherland are ugly women compared to Dessay...sry this has nothing to do with their voice. I just love EVERY aspect of Dessay...that woman is great....and how many languages she speaks...English, German, French...omg so talented in many things over singing
the despicable thing here is your behaviour cause like them or not comments are a right that everyone has here on youtube....if you dont like my comment ive got nothing against your telling your opinion about why you disagree but please behave more maturelly and gracefully instead of making me feel like im talking to a 5 year old
I do love Callas' singing, and I do agree with the asertion that Callas was more beautiful (as a woman) than Dessay. But I do not think Dessay is a "joke": she is an extremely talented artist. And for the record, I know for sure that Callas spoke English, greek, italian and french. I never read on her (many) biographies about german and spanish. That is certainly an invention.
Agree to disagree. You made my point exactly though, Dessay is an artist; Callas was a singer. German definitely spanish I am pretty certain. Although I think what languages she spoke would be the least important aspect of her epic life. I am glad you love her singing however.
Callas wasn't the best singer??? WTH??
goldengal1989 1 month ago
ugly ugh ;(
G5r5C 1 month ago
La tua volgarità è l'esatta espressione del tuo volgarissimo essere.
Bhavatam 1 month ago
Toute cette haine est pitoyable. Chacune de ces chanteuses a ses qualités et ses défauts, des points forts et faibles qui font le caractère et la qualité de leurs voix. Surtout ne me prévenez pas le jour où vous trouverez le chanteur parfait. L'erreur est humaine, et la beauté d'une voix réside dans les moments où ses faiblesses révèlent cette humanité.
aCHYAouh 3 months ago
Dessay inspired herself to lose her voice like Callas =/
HeidelbergSoprano 3 months ago
i don;t understand why all the hate? Callas has been voted and recognized as the best opera singer of our last century. Nobody today can sing like Callas did. Dessay is only good in one opera, and that was Lakme, flower duet. Callas is superior in every and each opera of Bellini, Puccini, Verdi, etc....
As for the ugly voice that people say about Callas, i bet they are opera singers who sound like chickens, cko cko cko! . I heard Dessay singing Sempre Libera, it was horrible!
charisaob 3 months ago
Durant sa vie d'artiste, la Callas a dû subir toute cette vulgarité, ces insultes et cette bêtise incommensurable. Et 34 années plus tard la coulée de boue se déverse encore et encore. Lamentable.
micherman 4 months ago
Why all this pompous snobbery about voice? Stop acting like fucking children. If you've had formal voice training, you KNOW that everyone has a unique voice. And if you all are SUCH music lovers and scholars and experts you would be able to criticize anything you don't like constructively.
SickMouth 4 months ago
@GhostRaider18765 Please accept my heartfelt apology for calling Maria Callas a PUTRID WHORE.
But speaking of cunts, Callas's singing always did sound like she had one of Ari's fists up hers, and the other up her shithole :)
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite Get lost
Bhavatam 2 months ago
@SenseAndSpite more cunt
G5r5C 1 month ago
Natalie Dessay says something here that is most revealing of Maria Callas; that she lost weight to be believable in her roles, to make the audience dream. In truth what Natalie Dessay says is that basically Callas was not a singer, she was an ARTIST! She literally gave everything of herself to her Art. Joan Sutherland had an amazing voice but Callas was Opera! The embodiment of all it's drama, tragedy, love, hatred, comedy etc. Callas DIED for her Art! THAT is a dedication that few have...
Chanteuredelopera 4 months ago 8
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@Chanteuredelopera I have absolutely no respect for so-called "artists" of the opera like Maria Callas who sang with SURPASSING UGLINESS. It's unforgivable.
SenseAndSpite 3 months ago
Any halfway decent soprano sounds better than Callas. I completely agree with Dessay here.
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite Dessay of Maria Callas - 'She was such a musician. I love her, I love her.. she inspires me everyday!'.
Are you a clown?...
romaitalia29 4 months ago
Comment removed
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite cunt agree more
G5r5C 1 month ago
@romaitalia29 Dessay of Callas: "She was NO SINGER." LOL
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite She did not say those words actually, even if she had.... Dessay????
romaitalia29 4 months ago
@romaitalia29 She as good as said those words. Callas was simply UNBEARABLE to listen to.
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite She did not say it!! End of.... if she was unbearable for you then go fuck yourself. Millions of people adore her and always will.
romaitalia29 4 months ago
@romaitalia29 Please accept my humble apologies for pronouncing CALLAS'S voice to be of SUPERLATIVE HIDEOUSNESS. I forget sometimes that she was just a WHORE -- an expensive whore, admittedly -- but a whore, nevertheless -- and it really is unfair to expect her to sing well.
SenseAndSpite 4 months ago
@SenseAndSpite Such a stupidity
Bhavatam 2 months ago
@Bhavatam Maria Callas was nothing but a SUPPURATIVE CUNT who couldn't sing beautifully.
SHE'S NOT WORTH DESSAY'S FART.
You'd do well to accept the wisdom of this :)
SenseAndSpite 1 month ago
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G5r5C 1 month ago
@SenseAndSpite you cunt say it right
G5r5C 1 month ago
@SenseAndSpite just cunt more
G5r5C 1 month ago
I'm going to retract my earlier statement. Dessay missed the point SO hard in this interview. When that interviewer said: "But some say her singing was not so good" she should have said: "What do you mean her singing was not good? She was the best fucking singer of all time!" End of interview
flicfan416 5 months ago 2
Callas' voice compared to Sutherland and Tebaldi is laughable.
Easleytee 5 months ago
Iriisblue, with four thumbs up (from the gang of trolls?) is still a top comment? Dessay NEVER said Callas' greatest contribution to opera was losing weight !!! She did say that "for example...." as AN example of the continuous dedication to improvement that she so admires in Callas. Claiming that Dessay said things she did not and then (usually, but not this time) talking about how horrible it was to say them is the usual approach. I think Callas would be disgusted with this crap.
MrHbc3 7 months ago
The honesty of Natalie Dessay is startling. On one interview with Charlie Rose she was going on and on about the value, and expertise of prompters. She mentioned that just a few days before (it was something she was doing at the Met) she had forgotten her lines and was so helped by the prompter. Charlie caught up after a few words and said, sounding very surprised "You forgot your words?" "Yes, it happens. Oh maybe I shouldn't have said that." and she laughed. I was impressed.. favorably.
MrHbc3 7 months ago 2
Do trolls come in herds, flocks, gaggles or flights? I think most of the trolls on you tube showed up for this one. I think I've discovered some "species" of trolls. One is people who, if you intimate that either Callas or Sutherland have ever been less than perfect, will smother you in verbal graffiti. Another is people who just seem to resent Dessay generally. One that you don't see here is people who are pro either Callas or Netrebko and use excrement words on the other camp. Sick? I guess.
MrHbc3 7 months ago
Natalie Dessay is an idiot and her voice is terrible. Maria Callas was one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Her acting was secondary to her voice. She's called La Divina for a reason. Her voice was flawless and amazing. For Dessay to agree that her voice wasn't good and that her acting made up for it, proves that she has no idea what she is talking about. Dessay wishes she could sing as good as Callas when. When Callas snores it's a better sound than Dessay singing at her best!
cafecitojcv 7 months ago
Why would they show such a bunk ass clip of Sutherland?
gustopheles 8 months ago
It is interesting that Dessay says that when Callas lost weight she became more believable in roles, yet on another interview Sutherland felt that Callas' voice was not as good after the weight loss
timsuffolk 8 months ago
@timsuffolk Dessay is not addressing the Callas sound, but her artistic integrity.
gustopheles 8 months ago
Thank God with the appearance of Youtube the voice of the people can be heard. More and more idiots like Charlie Rose who have been given the Power to speak to the masses and pass their retarded ideas to them get more and more weakened.
This nobody Charlie Rose has been bad mouthing Callas in all of his shows Only Horne stood up against him saying: "Well Callas in her prime was one hell of a singer, one hell of a technician" He almost ate the table!
Sad spectacles of malice and hatred
LohengrinT 9 months ago
Callas and Sutherland were both the bomb, in my opinion. JS will always be my favorite, but Callas had an awe-inspiring something about her that gives you thrills. She was robbed from us much too soon; if only she had lasted into the 60s and 70s! *Sigh*
CaptFitzbattleaxe 9 months ago
Callas is wayyyyy better (in ALL ways) than Sutherland and omg that Dessay... I prefer hearing her "ugly voice".. at least she uses the right technique.
jdpotc123 9 months ago
@jdpotc123
Dessay here is at the begining of her mental disease that began with the deterioration of her voice, continued with her attacking Callas and Sutherland (suicidal I would call that) trying to persuade us that she sang better than Sutherland (she never held a candle to Sutherland) and acted better than Callas (she is ridiculous on stage always jumping on tenors) and ended with her recent sad spectacle of showing her tits and pussy on stage.
She is pathetic
LohengrinT 9 months ago
@LohengrinT I love, love, LOVE... this comment! You are my new hero!
cafecitojcv 7 months ago
@cafecitojcv
click the pause button here and there in this video - you will capture Dessay in facial expressions of Supreme Ugliness and Malice.
The funny thing is that she attacks Callas and Sutherland as IF she were ever in their League.
The poor French Idiot hasn't even realized how far lower her rank was ;)
LohengrinT 7 months ago
@LohengrinT It seems to me that her comments about Sutherland and Callas were 95% positive and, at most, 5% negative. "She was a phenomenon. She had a huge, huge voice and she could...." Doesn't sound like an attack. "I love her. She inspires me every day" wasn't very insulting.
MrHbc3 7 months ago
@MrHbc3
it is the older trick when you want to attack someone to beggin with a positive comment. In fact 3rd class minds use this :)
I wont discuss anymore poor stupid Dessay here, she got everything she deserved after this interview to the idiotic Callas-hater called Charlie Rose (we all know that idiot). Going onstage with her tits out because she no longer have a voice?
Stupid bitches who accidentally were born with a talent inside their body, that is Dessay's category
LohengrinT 7 months ago
@LohengrinT You said "The older trick, when you want to attack someone to begin with a positive comment. In fact 3rd class minds use this." I went through this steaming pile of troll barrage and DID notice a lot of this use... by trolls. "Dessay was a good singer before she lost her voice" Then on and on about how stupid she is, mentally ill, has no anything.. blah, blah blah, blah. You trolls even have internal shit throwing fights. What on earth keeps such moronic, pathological stuff going?
MrHbc3 7 months ago
Dessay´s voioce sounds tiny next to Maria Callas
ernest671 6 months ago
@ernest671
Dessay looks like an ugly Clown next to Maria Callas - ugly and stupid I might add - perhaps stupider than La Stupida of the 20th century Joan Sutherland
LohengrinT 6 months ago
@jdpotc123
Following her "fall" after this atrocious interview, the result was as expected: she completely lost her voice, she began showing her tits and pussy on stage in order to make an event.
I always thought that Caballe and Gruberova going around like Mummies singing were a sad spectacle till I saw Dessay humiliating her entire existence. And no one from her "circle of friends" stopped her from falling that low. She should really think if she is surrounded by friends or vipers
LohengrinT 9 months ago
i don;t know how others hear or their aesthetics in vocal voices, in my ears Callas has a very beautiful voice, that i enjoy to listen to that voice, even for hours.
Ofc it is also how someone thinks how operatic voice should sound. For me i don;t want to go to the opera house and listen to birds, i want to hear a human voice. And I think Callas did that, we listen to a real human sing, not act like an instrument, but truly humanly sing.
charisaob 10 months ago
@charisaob So beautiful what you wrote, and very true :)
YaelBerman 9 months ago
I do like & respect Natalie Dessay as a talent. Her 'air des clochettes' is my favorite.But this 'singing ACTOR' definition she keeps insisting on,is just working to the detriment of opera.What's next? "Medea,The Musical"!!
Several legends are quoted as putting vocal performance before acting,saying they'd go to their local theater to see good acting.Even Maria Callas,the tragedian, said a singer's next aspiration should be to become a musician!And "no comment!" on the comments made on Callas!
RoyKa2010 11 months ago
How different is to watch a Dame Joan Sutherland's interview; so down to earth and so lovely... Dessay on the other hand... Well, I respect her as a singer but I just don't like her singing, and after watching this interview, I think I don't like her at all.
perlfarben 11 months ago
Natalie is kinda hot...
Blackwargreymon 1 year ago
Wow. I guess I've learned my lesson about commenting on art and its discussions. I was just put in my place by fan2jnrc. I guess I can't make my own constructive criticism about art without someone taking it personal and making personal comments towards me. For the record, I love all the ladies and gentlemen of opera (and I admire Dessay - just didn't like her comment). my comments were never directed at anyone's talent, but only their comments which I assume were made to generate dialogue.
cncole1 1 year ago
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fan2jnrc 1 year ago
I have the entire interview in my channel. I love her old voice. I've seen some interviews and I've noticed she is a very secure woman (at least outside) and it seems she has a lot of ego and she is kind of crazy! I don't know how to say it!. She's not afraid of what people think, and her personality has led her to where she is.
necrogoddess 1 year ago
Me caga el puto viejo que entrevista a Dessays el ya soñaria ser algo de la callas Y A MI GUSTO CALLAS ES LO MEJOR Y PUNTO. ME ENCANTA DESSAY PERO CALLAS POR SIEMPRE
stardiablito 1 year ago
I totally agree with "irisblue." it's really sad that thru all her somewhat intelligent comments regarding Callas and Sutherland, she feels "losing weight" by Callas is a great contribution to art. Sad, very sad indeed that this is still perpetuated by women themselves. In order to dream at the opera we must see the image of a thin soprano!!?? Insane! I dream at the opera by closing my eyes and listening. Shame on Dessay for saying such a thing.
cncole1 1 year ago
@cncole1
I'm sorry, but if you really "dream at the opera by closing your eyes and listening", you don't have to go to the opera. Stay at home and listen to a CD.
I'm sorry, but on stage, it's true that a lovely soprano is more nice to see. When I see this poor Caballe in "Andre Chenier" or "Don Carlos", not able to move because of her weight, and supposed to be the exquisite and evanescent Madeleine de Coigny or Elisabeth de Valois, I'm sorry, but it doesn't work...
fan2jnrc 1 year ago
@fan2jnrc
you spend a lot of time apologizing. thank you for your comments, however you don't need to "apologize" to me for how I like to watch or listen to opera. Don't tell me how to listen to the opera and I won't tell you. I'll stay at home or go to the opera if I damn well feel like it. Keep your comments to the video at hand or don't bother. And, 312pipi is right - "looking" the part has ruined opera. How do you know what these authors wanted these women to "look" like?
cncole1 1 year ago
@cncole1 That's the most comic answer I've ever heard. "Looking the part as ruined the opera". That's exactly what I'm saying about this laughable warping. An opera is made to be PERFORMED! It's not a symphony. I KNOW that Ophelia or Salome were not fat and ugly. A perfect soprano has to be a perfect singer, but also a good actress, and for this she's got to be lovely as the role requires it. And btw you know what? I don't give a damn about what you like, and you about me. Conversation is over
fan2jnrc 1 year ago
@cncole1 Amen! I wouldn't have written anything myself if had seen your comment before. Nicely put!
RoyKa2010 11 months ago
Sutherland admitted to focus on the music and encouraged people who care more about the drama to go to a spoken play, not an opera. Dessay has a huge instrument too, but unfortunately she overacts everything; and she is proud of it. Like saying "Sutherland was a good singer but couldn't act, but I am a good singer and CAN act; that makes me better, right?" In some cases that is absolutely wrong (baroque for example). I guess I am able to criticize her if she is able to criticize Joan (RIP) .
leoperarm 1 year ago
Also after all these years I sincerely believe that Dessay is not well in her mind. Im 100% sure she needs psychiatrist - she really believes she was better than Callas and Sutherland lol The coloratura of the decade (who has lost her voice completely more than 8 years now) believes she was the voice of the century -
Deranged bitches that need sex but never get it!
LohengrinT 1 year ago
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It's nice to know, according to Dessay, that Callas' greatest contribution to opera was losing weight.
iriisblue 1 year ago 13
@iriisblue That was NOT what she said. Dessay was remarking about the self discipline that allowed Callas to lose weight, which allowed the audience to dream. She DID say that Callas had great musicianship and acting ability. When Rose asked her "of all the actresses whom you know, have heard, who was the best actress?" Without hesitation Dessay answered "Maria Callas".
MrHbc3 7 months ago
@MrHbc3
You are discussing here the most famous Callas-hater on line (Charlie Rose) he keeps asking EVERYONE in his interviews about Callas trying to make them say she wasnt a good singer. Only Marilyn Horne all these years stood up against him and said: Callas in her prime was one hell of a singer, one hell of a technician, he almost fell off his chair:)
Im done commenting the atrocity of Dessay in this interview - besides she got what she deserved all these years after it ;)
LohengrinT 7 months ago
@iriisblue "She lost weight in order to be believable." You're misquoting of Dessay is your own personal projection. And hey, I have fat-boy insecurity too, but I don't distort statements so grossly.
gustopheles 5 months ago
Dessay's right on the money:Joan's voice was large and her singing beautiful with a luscious tone and gorgeous trills, but some found her boring, and she couldn't pronounce a consonant for her life, and as for Callas, most people praise her skills as an actress to the skies but for others her over-the-top histrionics with a permanently pained look on her face was off-putting. Her voice some find sublime and others plain ugly. All singers have ardent fans and vicious detractors, no escaping that.
CoreyLeig 1 year ago 3
Idiot did not know much about Callas did she...pre 1955 Callas' voice was UNRIVALED!
Dtenor87 1 year ago
@Dtenor87 Yes but pre 1955 she was a large lady. Callas made a huge contribution to her performance by losing weight... you don't need a voice, you need to look believable! (at least according to Dessay).
312pipi 1 year ago
@312pipi Now you're being ridiculous. Opera is all about the voice. Looking the part is what ruined opera. Look at what's out there now? shrilly voices who look great in a dress. It is pathetic. Show me Tebaldi, Leontyne Price, Arroyo, Verrett, Bumbry, Del Monaco now THEY ripped a score apart and sent their audience on a craze. Dessay....lol wow one word "nodules"
Dtenor87 1 year ago
@Dtenor87 Seriously, you need to develop a sense of humour. And/or check the dictionary for the definition of sarcasm.
312pipi 1 year ago
@312pipi I'm sorry if what you write only makes "sarcastic" sense to you
Dtenor87 1 year ago
After t his interview her voice went down the drain - she should be more careful ... in her next life!
LohengrinT 1 year ago
While I applaud Dessay's professionalism, I couldn't quite agree that she is beautiful per se. There are some singers who quickly make operatic roles theirs like their skin with their riveting stage presence despite (or in spite of) not looking like the most gorgeous creatures around. Dessay is dedicated in the art but somehow she doesn't exude the irresistable allure of a coloratura prima donna.
MonsieurDarcy 1 year ago
Love Natalie!!!!! so NEBESHIKU shut the hell up!!!!!! she is the best Lakme and she is a unique singer. Callas did not have those high notes that natalie had. Although Callas was amazing too. But natalie is an amazing singer and hse can do any role!!!!!!!!
Lukejoker3 1 year ago
Poor little Dessay, you are way out of your league talking about Callas and Sutherland. Besides ok F's and G's there is not much to your voice. No wonder your best role is Olimpia: A soul-less mechanical doll.
NEBESHIKU 1 year ago
Interesting interview, thank you.
CharlotteinWeimar 1 year ago
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Extraordinary...
La Stupenda o The incomparable...
Her secret...
Effortless, warm, vibrant...
Freely, powerfully, intensely...
Clarity and finesse...
Her voice was so naturally glorious...
Una diva
©...Aronne
aarongluzman 1 year ago
It's sad that she can't just sing without speaking contemptously of her colleagues.
lospazio 1 year ago
@lospazio
she's not speaking contemptuously. she obviously admires both of them and brings up minor things that the singers themselves will even admit to.
raigekimaru 1 year ago
M. Callas Forever!
VisualGrower 1 year ago 2
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RoyKa2010 1 year ago
Her (Natalie) speech and mannerisms are very similar Celine Dion. I won't hold that against her though.
newcoyote 1 year ago
im in love with Callas!!!!
diaTeri 1 year ago
This interview with Natalie Dessay is a bit off for her. 1. True, Sutherland was not an actress but many of her fans would go and literally close thier eyes so they could lock in on her beautiful voice. 2. Callas was a very talented dramatic coloratura soprano before about 1955, when she lost weight she stunted her voice. 3. Callas in lost weight because she thought she was to big for certain roles like Madame Butterfly not to make people dream, that to me says insecurity.
chrisscruzzz 1 year ago
@chrisscruzzz
that is to make people dream. to dream and imagine the role better because one looks believable in it rather than her weigfht distracting form that although I agree, Callas's voice before weight loss was AMAZING and I don't think she should have so drastically dropped 80 pounds. nonetheless, she had an understandable reason for doing so. we come from the same school of thought tho, opera is an occupation of singing first, acting second and appearence third =)
raigekimaru 1 year ago
Dessay's not only a midget as a woman but also a vocal midget compared to Sutherland and Callas. She shouldn't embarrass herself in public by comparing herself to those two legends.
tklogan11809 1 year ago
@tklogan11809 you obviously know nothing about brilliant singers! yes, callas and sutherland are legends, but natalie is also on of the best singers of our time and believe me, one day she will be considered as a legend!
silvija73 1 year ago
@tklogan11809 Boy, please!!! Dessay has extreme high notes w/ basically a flawless technique.......I mean the woman has had two vocal surgeries and can still sing Ab's ABOVE High C!!! & She still sounds AMAZING!!!! btw, she's considered among the world's most acclaimed opera critics as the world's leading coloratura soprano!
musicaltheatrestar 1 year ago
@musicaltheatrestar
I think her high notes are a little... shreaky, but overall she is a great musician who breaths fire into normally boring coloratura/soubrette roles. she really is a lyric coloratura with the temperament of a verdian lyrico spinto soprano
raigekimaru 1 year ago
I don't understand all the hate, she's a bit of a freak, but she's a musician, that's a good thing in this business (after all, normal people couldn't do what we do, you have to be a bit crazy =P)
her comments were also spot on (although sutherland's acting doesn't bother me, all I care about is that celestial set of cords she has)
raigekimaru 1 year ago
@raigekimaru
this clip makes me respect dessay much more, although in general, I think too many people try to be like Maria Callas. I would be the first to tell you that Maria Callas was wonderful, but she was an anomaly and many of her habits are best not emulated. most singers cannot devote 100% energy to both singing and acting simultaneously and most singers cannot sing the entire span of repertoire for the soprano voice and do so well.
raigekimaru 1 year ago
She's unbearable. Pretentious, pathetic. Mièvre.
Pathetikos 1 year ago
@Pathetikos She just doesn't bring anything new or particularly valuable to the table in this discussion..or her operatic career, for that matter..
33blueberries 1 year ago
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bellafredina 2 years ago
Dessay is frightening!
jrr1234567890 2 years ago
love u callas!
tissetatten 2 years ago
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vandrops 2 years ago
Very touching indeed, someone who is still proceeding her career giving her (ambiguous) opinion on two divas who have already left the branch (one of them not being among us to defend herself anymore)... Dessay is good, alright, but she losts a lot of her value by making such unfortunate comments, it is just not right, not professional from her to say this kind of stuff...
LienPT 2 years ago
three Divas!
webbersarahlover 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Dessay has a lot to say about Callas and Sutherland, but I don't think she is fit to lick their boots. Dessay sings off pitch a lot and I don't find her phrasing musical - her voice sounds unsupported to me, little gaps. Callas was a force of nature, her voice was unique, but Dessay is most impressed that she lost weight!
concertobub 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Maria Callas was one in a million - she is fire and light and water - but it is true that she had 3 voices (in opera a singer should have one unified voice - no resonance differences in different parts of the voice). This is something we have to live w
concertobub 2 years ago
When you have 3 octaves of equally strong and supported sound, the voice is bound to have those breaks. A big column of even sound only works for less than two octaves.
primohomme 2 years ago
Callas COULD SING. She had a voice. I dunno...where the two of them got that fact from...but...err....Callas had perfect technique, her health affected her voice, nothing more nothing less! Sigh.
CatalinaDM56 2 years ago 34
@CatalinaDM56 this is true, the body is the voice, and vice versa
popertop 1 year ago
@CatalinaDM56 Yes, many times Callas had an amazing technique, but if you listen to some of her stuff she will sacrifice technique over emotion and the acting. That is what they are referring to.
bglife88 1 year ago 2
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Miss Dassay has alot to utter but nothing
original. What a bore.
chorus8 2 years ago
Callas has some defect in her voice，but hee skills are perfect.Natalie Dessay is different from Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas,she is a coloratura,she can do that dramatic soprano can't do .I love a coloratura much than dramatic soprano .I think she doesn't have to respect Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas
,although they were the top in 20 century.Because they are different.She can't learn too much thing from they.THE SKILLS ARE NOT THE SAME.
sarastro7845 2 years ago 5
@sarastro7845 I don´t even understand how she became famous. Such a common voice. I mean, Dessay
ezayi 11 months ago
@ezayi Leaving voice out of it, it's in large part due to her unbelievable musicality, her fantastic technique, and her ability not to just portray a role but to inhabit it.
To be sure, if you're simply looking for vocal perfection -- singing the notes as written as well as possible -- then listen to Joan Sutherland recordings and definitely don't go to live performances, which can't and won't have the perfection of a studio recording. Sounds like a sterile pastime to me, but to each their own.
regulargonzalez 11 months ago
@regulargonzalez Don´t insult my intelligence with that crap of "if you´re simply looking for vocal perfection". But now that you mentioned it, prefer Sutherland and many others. So, give me Sutherland anytime, recordings or life performances. Btw... "fantastic technique" goes perfect with singers like Caballé, Price, Sutherland, Nilsson, Gruberova, Devia, etc... not Dessay. Thanks.
ezayi 11 months ago
@ezayi You know what would be great? If, when one went to the opera, the singers just stood in a line and park'n'barked their way through the opera. No need for, say, a sheet and a chair for Nozze's 'Cosa Sento', just have the singers stand shoulder to shoulder facing the audience. Exciting stuff.
Out of curiosity, are there any current, active singers that you like? If so, who?
Also, can you tell me where Dessay lacks in technique? Thanks in advance!
regulargonzalez 11 months ago
@regulargonzalez Oh... and you call her overacting a good histrionic performance. What a great taste!
Yes, bad technique. Just listen to her and sorry to say this but, look at her... she looks like she´s screaming her head off and her neck is about to explode. She doesn´t even sound the way she used to and she is in her prime when she´s supposed to be at her best. I used to like her voice but not anymore. Unfortunately another one that got burned. Your welcome!
ezayi 11 months ago
@ezayi Clearly you are an expert's expert; would you deign to precisely explain to this plebe her technical problems? Are you talking problems with support, fioritura, messa di voce? Because as best I can tell, your criticisms are directed at her voice, not her technique. Voice is surely a more subjective measure; pointing out technical flaws is more precise and can be agreed upon by everyone, if they exist.
PS: Callas didn't sound like Callas after 1954. Whither the criticism there?
regulargonzalez 11 months ago
@regulargonzalez Im an expert´s expert???... thanks for the compliment. Wheter you like it or not, she´s not as good as she used to.
Callas is Callas.
Natalie doesn´t sound anymore as good as she used to. So, get over it!
ezayi 11 months ago
@ezayi I never said differently. Anyone in a light fach will see their voice age by their mid 40s. Even in her prime, from a strict quality of sound standpoint -- leaving out technique and musicality -- hers was never among the all time great voices. I think she herself would agree.
My point is that there's more to opera than simply purity of sound. Anna Netrebko, say, has a rounder, fuller sound than Dessay but take into account diction, technique, interpretative skills, & I know who I prefer.
regulargonzalez 10 months ago
@regulargonzalez I know too. That´s why I never liked her that much and never will. One in a million voice, overacts and for me very uninteresting.
ezayi 10 months ago
i adore Natalie..but i think it's wrong to say Maria Callas didn't have a good voice..La Divina had an incredible and wonderful voice..with an impressive range and special colours in her voice...these elements linked to a moving acting made her a myth...
Marcocucciolo91 2 years ago 6
I think Natalie doesnt say she has a bad voice at all - I think her point is that Callas was a better musician than vocalist, ie there were others with more beautiful voices, but Callas was the supreme musician - I'd agree with this. For example, Callas "La Momma Morta" is in a class of itself bc of her musicianship, I wonder why others, like Caballe, whose vocal abilities are in the same A** league, can't compare with Callas in that aria (but Caballe's Casta Diva is as good or better?).
oceans80 2 years ago 10
@oceans80
Caballe's vocal abilities were nothing compared to Callas' You chose the wrong person to make the comparison You ve been watching the wrong shows lol
LohengrinT 9 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
it suits Dessay to say such things about Callas because ever since 2002 Dessay has enormous vocal problems...
but really here, all that Dessay is, is simply a stupid nasty bitch ;) Ever since I saw this Dessay was over for me - I dont even listen to her Morgana anymore who will remain her greatest role. After this she made several documentaries explain how much she "adores" Callas but frankly if this is how she adores people I wouldnt wanna be in the list of the ones she truly hates ahahahah
LohengrinT 2 years ago
you just didn't get it at all. Maybe because of her imperfections in english? that's quite possible. (the speaker says "at SOME POINT of her career, Callas's voice wasn't as good etc.) I do find all my love for la Divina in her words, I know she loves her as much as I do.
luvxl 2 years ago 2
I found Dessay's comments insightful and very complimentary to both artists. And, yes, I believe she deserves to be called an artist herself. She has a true coloratura voice and is a wonderful actress. She is a great asset to opera (especially when one considers other voices that are out there now).
quakercub 2 years ago 7
"Who's the best actress?"
"Maria Callas"
"Everybody says that!"
"but it's true!" That's sweet! I like her. I don't like musicians who say mean things about other musicians, and I like that she admits her admiration for other singers.
peaceblossom8 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Callus sings and shouts like a donkey!
She is the GREAT La DIVINA of WHORES!
Today Callas would be third class and sings only a advertising jingle for cat food!
Dessay was the last hag on stage!
mtnmanjtt 2 years ago
jjajajajjajjajjajjajajjjajja
calaf75 2 years ago
i think dessay had LOTS of respect for callas and sutherland..the two practically were the top sopranos in th 20th century...dessay is also good..but sometimes i just dont like her high notes..
tripleaxell 2 years ago 6
What I find sad is that whenver Callas' voice or technique is put in question, most refferences are made of the voice when it was past its Prime. Callas' voice was flawless and unrivaled from 47-54. The recordings that remain of her in those days are enough to justice why she was hailed La Divina. Concerning Dessays comments about Callas' voice n acting. I think she meant WHEN callas' voice wasnt at its best, the acting made up for it and not that in general callas was more and act than a voice
DanyelHawkes 2 years ago 3
Could you people stop misinterpretating Dessay's words?? She admires la Callas and loves her in ways you'll never get close to.
As said previously, she's very humble here. When the interviewer says that la Callas' voice was compensated by her acting in the end of her career, Dessay agrees on the fact that la Callas kept being fascinating even when she couldn't hit he same notes any more.
luvxl 2 years ago 3
Dessay is a total bitch here and it is written all over her face :p
Nevertheless, in the years that followed this atrocity of an interview, she was more than enough punished and she is still being punished :))) So I personally rest my case with this ugly bitch's stupidities :))))
LohengrinT 2 years ago
She thinks acting is jumping around like an idiot and sounding strained and tired.
primohomme 2 years ago
and furthermore, i think i've even heard Callas in interviews warning against overacting (e.g. Dessay in La Fille). It becomes puppetry, farcical, and extraneous. There's a big difference between simplicity with extreme focus on creating glorious music and standing on stage coldly reciting lines. I view performances of Sutherland and Caballe as complete though they didn't jump around the stage, whereas Dessay, admiring her voice as i do, makes too many inappropriate stage decisions.
StevenLivesay 2 years ago 3
fascinating...this performer is very actressy... perhaps a less excitable approach may help
Tristiano 2 years ago
too bad, i do like Dessay, and saw her perform Juliette and Lucia in New York. But every singer is different. Sutherland didn't have to flutter, run and flop all over the stage like Dessay does because there was so much volume and voluptousness in her own voice. Caballe's acting came mostly from her extreme vocal control and vocal expression-- the acting was from within and when the singer is good enough, the 'stand and deliver' approach is plenty enough because it draws the audience in more.
StevenLivesay 2 years ago 4
Dessay sounds so ignorant when she says "Callas' voice wasn't as good, but her acting overcame it." Sure, Dame Sutherland had a voice as clear and penetrating as a baroque trumpet (my favorite), but Callas had an equally important and technically superb voice. Both were unique in size, range, agility, and power. The issue of timbre is a matter of preference. According to Dessay, the most important thing Callas did was "to lose weight in order to allow us to dream". Sweeping statements are so...
operabuff23 2 years ago 3
I dont think it is a sweeping statement. Callas herself often emphasised that her lasting influence in opera was the importance she place in expressiveness, understanding the psychological aspect of the opera and performing it, both vocally and through acting, in order to make the opera as believable as possible, because, to quote callas herself "opera is not oratorio". Dessay is spot on.
jrr1234567890 2 years ago 8
Can someone explain to me why so many people openly downgrade Callas' voice? "...[Callas'] voice wasn't as good, but her acting over came it." Singing is a function of many components: range, tone, agility, expression, volume, coloration, pronunciation, intonation, musicality etc. Callas was second to none. The richness and expression of her voice are truly unique. Dessay can't hold a candle to Callas, but she wouldn't consider herself second rate.
DavidAlbro 2 years ago 2
If what you say about the components of singing is true, then Callas is second to many in respect to her range, volume, an agility.
with regards to her acting and expression, I agree she is second to none. As for her tone, I believe that is simply a matter of opinion.
A lot Callas' high notes are strained, and typically they get very loud above B5. Her high trills are also often very harsh.
flicfan416 2 years ago
How many divas do you know with a 3 octave range fully supported at both ends? That means with low notes as strong as the high notes... ONLY CALLAS in the 20th century, and a few others that had great instruments but not a great technique.
primohomme 2 years ago 2
I think her English is excellent when one takes into account that she is French. I expected a much stronger French accent. As far as what she said about Callas is concerned, I think she was extremely HUMBLE and she expressed herself very COMPLIMENTARY about LA DIVINA. I don't agree what she said about Sutherland's voice, because, no offence, but her voice doesn't impress me much. But I agree with her when she said Callas was the greatest actress with great musicality.
corellithebest 2 years ago 6
@corellithebest Sutherland's voice never impresses a die-hard Callas fan because they are usually running scared because they know, vocally, she was superior. Moreover, what is all the talk about Callas' acting, she always had 'a general pained' expression on everything I saw. However she like Sutherland, was fantastic
timsuffolk 1 year ago
If i'm not very much mistaken it sounds like she is pretty humble towards Callas and Sutherland, so I don't know what anyone is talking about with regards to her needing to "get on her knees when she talks about Callas."
What I don't like is that nobody minds when people attack dessay and call her an amateur but if somebody points out when Callas strains a high note (which she does a lot), die-hard Callas fans pop out of the paintwork and go crazy.
flicfan416 2 years ago 6
I completely agree.
ChrisStockslager 2 years ago
Callas had a secure high E throughout the 50's...Dessay doesn't even have a secure high C nowadays.
primohomme 2 years ago
@primohomme I saw dessay in la sonnambula six months ago at the met. she hit a sustained high f at the end of 'ah, non giunge'
flicfan416 2 years ago 3
how do you know? you had your pitch pipe with you?
primohomme 2 years ago
@primohomme Listen, I like Callas. In fact, I love Callas. I think she changed the world of opera indefinitely. But I also like Dessay, and truly enjoy listening to and watching Dessay perform.
And for some reason, that bothers you. I don't know why, and quite frankly I don't really care, because nothing anyone says about Dessay's lack of artistry or credibility can change the fact that I simply enjoy watching her perform.
flicfan416 2 years ago
Pfff my point is, how do you know she actually sang an F? Did you record it or had a pitch pipe right there or how?
primohomme 2 years ago
@primohomme I heard the fourth at the end, which in the score is C to F, so unless it was transposed(which is possible although I doubt it) I am sure she sang an F.
flicfan416 2 years ago
Well in the score the key of Ah non giunge is Bb, so F to C...mmmmh...maybe Eb to Bb. Anyways, I had not chance to see her Sonnambula except for the very end of the MET broadcast...I saw her Marie however and she was tired by the end of first act with all the jumping and screaming, the top notes were very strained. I think her voice is lovely now between middle C and high C, like in her Handel and Bach albums.
primohomme 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
She talks like Celine Dion. French accents piss me off somehow.
Jouwl 2 years ago
Celine Dion's accent isn't french...
MegaCawotte 2 years ago
You sure? She's from Quebec afaik.
Jouwl 2 years ago
She definitely is. But quebecer and french accent are not the same... Trust me, I'm french :P
(And don't talk about Natalie's accent like that! Mine is the same, so it's beautiful! xD
MegaCawotte 2 years ago 2
There is a lot of theatrical waffle going on here, I am constantly reminded of two words; Mendacity and Affectation. I honestly believe that if she could sing half as well as either of the stars she is commenting about, she would be ok.
dracher 2 years ago
HA! You're funny!
Andante735 2 years ago
You're an ignorant - the truth hurts. Shall we continue?
jeremiaheliseo 2 years ago
This amateur midget ought to be on her knees when speaking about Callas and Sutherland.
AulicExclusiva 2 years ago
Dessay has to focus more on acting to make up for that pip-squeaky voice.
uniqueattack 2 years ago
This is a great job of complimenting and then backstabbing Sutherland as far as I am concerned. Dessay thinks she is such an 'artist', her acting is way over the top - and even with her high notes she just is not a vocalist with the musicianship, technique of beauty of tone of Sutherland.
peejes 2 years ago
I agree with you all, but when I hear the reordering of all three Joan Sutherland is the best and will always be.
casade241 3 years ago 2
Callas and Sutherland are ugly women compared to Dessay...sry this has nothing to do with their voice. I just love EVERY aspect of Dessay...that woman is great....and how many languages she speaks...English, German, French...omg so talented in many things over singing
killerbunny123123 3 years ago 10
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songsofscarlet 3 years ago
the despicable thing here is your behaviour cause like them or not comments are a right that everyone has here on youtube....if you dont like my comment ive got nothing against your telling your opinion about why you disagree but please behave more maturelly and gracefully instead of making me feel like im talking to a 5 year old
killerbunny123123 3 years ago
I do love Callas' singing, and I do agree with the asertion that Callas was more beautiful (as a woman) than Dessay. But I do not think Dessay is a "joke": she is an extremely talented artist. And for the record, I know for sure that Callas spoke English, greek, italian and french. I never read on her (many) biographies about german and spanish. That is certainly an invention.
loboestepario24 3 years ago 2
Agree to disagree. You made my point exactly though, Dessay is an artist; Callas was a singer. German definitely spanish I am pretty certain. Although I think what languages she spoke would be the least important aspect of her epic life. I am glad you love her singing however.
songsofscarlet 3 years ago 8
Callas was an artist and a great singer, and a brilliant interperter of bel canto singing. You're wrong on both points.
Andante735 3 years ago 2
@songsofscarlet
Maria Callas is actually Greek.
martythetickler 1 year ago