There are at least ten stunningly beautiful versions of this aria here on YouTube, Dam-Jensen, Sutherland, Kozena, Kirkby, but, sorry, this is terrible. Badly placed voice, vulgar tone, imprecise intonation, no inner coherence in the sound or feeling for the style of this music. I think this is a great pity. Not the picture of femininity I would want to see admired, either. Of course, this is a matter of taste.
@TheLivirus Oh please, opera is not like that. This is operatic garbage. Watch any performance of Kathleen Battle and you'll see what opera really is.
I saw the DVD of this production and it was great and de Niese is good looking, but if I just heard her and not watched her, I would have turned off. Boring voice.
This argument always falls flat. Singing and speaking a language are completely different. I know plenty of my peers that speak fluent English and cannot sing it at all. Lei non sa cantare in italiano per niente. Mi dispiace però è la verità.
I didnt enjoy this much...the weird costume and dancing take away from it. If I hadnt seen so many other versions of the opera, I wouldve possibly thought differently. Her actions though have nothing to do with the meaning of the aria. She also doesn't sing well and has poor Italian pronunciation. Inger Dam-Jensen and Tatiana Troyanos are far better.
that is true but the kind of people who go on youtube to find videos nd then post hateful remarks about them are the kind of people who make me cringe.If she as a performer were to look at these comments do you think she'd gain anything by them?The tendency is not to suggest ways for improvement on which she can act but instead to just condemn it as bad nd unfixable.I put vids on youtube nd I occasionally get feedback but I usually just get abuse which isn't helpful nd just plain sucks.
les respirations sont insupportables,les fins de phrases n ont pas de tenues, les aigus sont lachés sans soutients.sa variation n est d aucun interet. heureusement qu elle est jolie,car vocalement il n y a rien.
l'accento italiano di Danielle De Niese è decisamente ottimo, ed assai superiore alla media fra i cantanti stranieri; le qualità di recitazione e la bellezza, per il resto, non possono certo costituire un ostacolo ad apprezzarne la straordinaria bravura
She really doesn't sound like an proper opera singer, her voice gets on my nerves after a while. And the scooping brings tears to my eyes for the wrong reason.
She's beautiful, but I'm sorry to say her singing is vulgar and inconsistent. She is not an opera singer, but a "popra" singer. No subtlety. Also,the arm-flailing was just horrible. She was like those inflatable-arm flailing advertising things.
But yes, she's beautiful, I won't begrudge her that. It might be good enough for some people, but not enough for me.
WOOOOOOW YOU GUYS ARE SO JEALOUS!!!! she's hot AND she can sing. stop hating on beautiful people!!! I don't know you personally Danielle, but don't listen to these jealous people. you're AMAZING
I do think Danielle De Niese is beautiful, but agree that she is not the best singer, especially for this song. I just watched a video of Laura Claycomb singing this, and she is absolutely amazing. Very unattractive, but her voice is enchanting.
"The costume is the biggest issue here. There is no way that anyone could fall in love with a woman wearing this"
Pah!
I saw this brilliant production, one of the most memorable nights I have ever spent in the theatre, and both of the subsequent revivals. I don't think you would find a single audience member of either sex who was not beguiled by Miss de Niese. She also impressed Mr Christie, and is now Mrs Christie. And the crazy Bollywood dancing was part of the magic of this show too.
I'm with brightonbreezy. Alas, haven't seen it live, but have the DVD and this production makes most others seem primitive. It's fashionable to decry de Niese's voice, but she's a very compelling stage presence and her voice is not hard to listen to. And by the way, how could anyone NOT fall in love with a woman in that costume?
@brightonbreezy I tend to agree with you. Her singing is first rateand with real trills. Caesar must see her as a foreigner with foreign ways of seduction--hence the arm waving. The costume suits the situation and history tells us that the whole package worked. The General was putty in those waving arms. Brava!
The costume is the biggest issue here. There is no way that anyone could fall in love with a woman wearing this. Regardless of history, it's very far removed from Handel and the Baroque. There is almost nothing feminine about her appearance at all (and who staged that ridiculous dance?). As for her voice: it's technically fabulous but there is no shimmer to her tone at all. The color is quite flat and unappealling. She has the voice of an instructor-not performer. B rated singer and performance.
I cannot judge the singing, not having a very fine ear, but you are absolutely right about the staging and costumes. Apparently the concept that a Baroque opera should look like a baroque opera is too hard for some people to grasp.
ok then, let's have it exactly how they did in the Baroque.. the singers should wear extravagant outfits and simply walk around a small portion of stage (and in many cases just stand still and sing). We live in the 21st century, obviously it will be far removed from the Baroque.. styles change, vocal techniques change, the public tastes change. If opera remained stagnant since the Baroque, opera would've died long ago.
lol petrina1022 i too think the choreography unfortunate but I think her voice is lovely and I wouldn't pressume to critcize her singing unless i was capable of singing this better than she does... if you can sing it better by all means post a video and I will with-draw my sentiment. I do however think that though opera is the loveliest of musical genre's it is rendered sour by all the people disparaging the best attempt of the singer to render it enjoyable.
Please note that I have not, in any of my comments, disparaged this singer's voice. What I take issue with is her distortion of Italian vowels and her musical style. The vocal line is paramount in Handel, and she cannot seem to deliver it effectively. Singing Handel is not like singing Giordano. You cannot emote your way through Handel and expect to get away with it. Enjoy it if like, but for the sake of compariston, listen to the lovely recording of Lucia Popp singing this aria in German.
@petrina1022 lol sorry i overreacted, I just get so fed up with people attacking videos on youtube when usually they don't have the faintest idea what they're on about... You do and I may post a vid of me singing O Mio Babbino Caro because last year the adjudicator at a competition I was in said I needed help with italian pronounciation and seeing as I'm self- taught that isn't exactly suprising... when I do your feed back would be helpful ^_^
Nice attempt to dodge the issue, but I'm a teacher, not a performer. There are many talented students who deserve a bright future who are forced to struggle because they aren't fortunate enough to receive instant recognition before they've earned it. Look at Ronen Tynen or Charlotte Church, two examples of the phenomenon of over-hype. It does a disservice to listeners who know better.
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petrina....I don't think it appropriate to compare De Niese to Charlotte Church, a pop singer. Also, as someone who's been attending opera around the globe since the age of 5 I think I can label myself a "lisener who knows better".
This young woman is a wonderful singer and the reason so many opera folks hate her is because she's beautiful not because she's bad. Jealousy and resentment isn't attractive.
I heard Ms. De Niese at the Met in "Marriage of Figaro" several years ago playing Barbarina and she was wonderful. That role suited her better, in my opinion. Oh, and I assure you, I do not resent her because she is "beautiful." What utter nonsense!
@petrina1022 u r totally right! bravo, what do you think of Maria Callas... she's all a bit dead now but in her day quite breath-taking, I'm a teacher too... I only teach little kids right now bcuz im only 17 but I'm forever trying to listen to proper music... not the mass produced garbage that most modern music is
her voice is wonderful, but the costuming and choreography are a little..distracting. but of course that's not the performer's decision and she pulled it off with poise.
Yikes... did anyone else feel awkward watching this? I kind of feel bad for her because she was so miscast and poorly directed. This is Handel, not Puccini... or Broadway, for that matter. Who decided that this was a good idea?
yikes... whats with the hand motions?! i found myself paying more attention to them than her singing. the actings good but a little annoying, extremely annoying actually, but her voice is okay.
Singing is very pop-ish and the Italian is distorted in certain places. The movement is just distracting as well. I don't find it seductive in the least and retain that to be an error in the artistic direction. Did anyone see this production live?
I saw her singing one of her Cleopatras - she has a wonderful stage presence and is a good actress which compensated for not-so-great singing. I thought with time she'd improve singing-wise. Judged by this, doesn't seem to be the case. Pity.
@akidogirl very true but he's spent his life critiquing music and knowing what he's talking about plus the people seek his judgement as opposed to him going and finding their videos and posting on them.
@Indubidubly4 That's not the point. I cringe whenever anyone uses this argument. There is a time and a place for everything. This is art music, meaning that a good portion of its beauty comes from perfection. It is perfectly fine to be dissatisfied with her performance if that's what you think. Do sports fans need to be good at football to say a player is bad or not? No.
I actually really like her...sure there are some stylistic issues...a lot of you have expressed a distaste for her use of straight tone.
Nonetheless you can't deny that she's a consumate performer and the voice is unique and gorgeous.
I still do stick by my opinion that she might be more useful as a musical theatre performer...which despite what some opera queens may argue....is not an inferior art....just ask any of us who've graced a Broadway stage what it took to get there!
I totally disagree with you yesblanche. Her voice is neither unique nor "gorgeous," at least by operatic standards. She has a strong presence though, so she would probably be best suited for musical theater or even American Idol.
How depressing that this mediocre soprano is being promoted by the music industry as a star. Uneven tone,no beautiful line. Its about time the actual singing reassumed its rightful predominant place in opera. At least we have youtube and thousands of examples of great singing to listen to.
Actually I probably do, he is not such a great musician; he is clever and surrounds himself by brilliant players, and then he takes the glory. Many i the profession will testify to that
I'm sure Handel would've been all eagerness to steal your work after all you're the great... Who are you?Do you think centuries after your death people will remember anything you did?If he wasn't a good musician how did he write this music?I've heard great orchestra's play shit music...I've been in great orchestras playing shit music.I'm in the proffession as you call it and I have played handel and for YOU to slander him is the height of priggishness and folly.
way too much volume modification for my taste. I think could learn from Inger Dam-Jensen. That performance , to me, is much more poised and the voice is flawless. Danielle's singing is messy to me! But that is my opinion. From 4:18 on it just sounds like R &B/popera to me!!! :P
Stress on the voice (i.e. "pushing" on the breath support) causes it to go sharp, technically speaking. This staging is unforgiving and makes no sense. The writhing arms remind me of an 8-armed Indian goddess, NOT Cleopatra. I genuinely feel sorry for the vocalist.
they should not have made her dance while singing this aria.. towards the end of the aria, her voice does sound a bit tired, almost straining. She is a talented singer, but the choreographer was cruel.
She was complicit throughout with the choreographer. She chose to do it this way. The choreographer tried to suggest less fro her to do and she wouldn't have it.
There's so much nuance in this scene that I think there are definate options of what you can play up or down.
However I think someone was a bit careless with the point where de Niesse is kneeling- her posture is out, she's leaning too far forward and it's hindering her voice slightly. Obviously the problem isn't that devastating, but she'd have sung better if some attention had been paid to it- possibly she didn't quite work out how to balance back on her heals.
does anyone have a copy on pdf of the V'adoro pupille aria? I need it for class urgently! i've looked for it on public domain but found nothing, perhaps i haven't been looking correctly. Thanx
Why do you hate her so much just because she is beautiful. So she was given a weird outfit and told to do a weird dance. That is not her fault as you should know if you are a singer...
I dont remember posting that I "hate" her. I'm just not very impressed. I've heard a lot of people who are undergrads that could do a job equal to this. That's all.
The "pop" aspect of her singing is simply that she starts many notes without vibrato and the adds it in, alla Streisand. This is simply a vocal mannerism that a good coach could work out of her technique. There is MOST definitely a voice here, (did they have to mike her?) and as for the arm movements, do we not remember that in this scene Cleo is in the BATH?
Refreshing and lovely, and not worth all this bitchiness. Chill out, opera queens, and if you don't like her, listen to your old LPS.
I think the people here saying she has no technique are being quite mean. I don't think the style is right for her at all: she sounds very popish here and it doesn't work but her voice is beautiful and there's so much expression to her performance. This is kind of well-rounded performer opera needs to stay relevant to today's audience.
Wow....sex sells even in the opera business! The 'important' opera houses are no longer interested in truly fine singing, just about having media manufactured stars who will sell out the house (eg the Met...and now, sadly, the hallowed halls of Glyndebourne). ....and to think that there are actually singers out there who sound as good as they look!
er... hello, this is Celopatra? Or would you rather go back to the times when Montserrat Caballé sang Salomé and did that little dance of the veils thingy that was simply grotesque? Danielle de Niese Does have a voice. I think there is too much bitchiness here due to her physique.
Her voice is bawdy and weak considering how hard she seems to be pushing. It clearly lacks the control and finesse necessary for baroque music. Very dissapointing, and especially obvious, singing next to Connolly.
no, it isn't a fresh approach; she scoops and is self indulgent. Showing off has nothing to do with portraying a character. She is terrible. Opinion of another opera singer. Trust me, looks and character can get you as far as she did. But she will never be remembered in history as a real voice because she is AWFUL!!!! The standing ovation was for her perfect body...
I dont think she is terrible... Opera isnt JUST about perfect bodies.... She does have a voice, and it isbetter than a lot of stuff we have today. She isnt showing off, because she is told by the choreographer to do all this... I dont like it either.... but... it doesnt mean she is bad, I also am an opera singer... People like you is what gives Opera a bad name. Sorry, but truth be told
@callasfleming you are horrible!I too am an opera singer and lover and I say her voice is beautiful.Besides even if she were as bad as you say,who made you the judge of operatic beauty?The one thing I hate about opera is many of its enthusiasts seem to think it is their job to go around and put down videos they deem unworthy of their mythical standards. She probably didn't choreograph this or design her own costume so why blame her for what she couldn't help?
Whoops! You're absolutely right. I totally forgot about "non disperar". I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I guess there's not really an excuse for this performance. She's not terrible, its just so effortful and almost lounge-singer-esque.
I love her voice! And to all those who say, it's just her acting/looks/etc. for an opera singer the whole package matters! I unashamedly admire the singers who have it all. For example, I'd listen to a Samuel Ramey CD any day, but I hate watching him because he is SO BORING. But I love watching Sir Thomas Allen--even in a Don Giovanni where he is a bit past his prime--because he so wonderfully portrays the character.
I came back, I listened without looking at the dancing act, and... still good, just good. Spectacular? not at all. Wonderful? not really. she is good. Hope she gets better...
This is the first time i have ever heard her sing and I have to say that this is quite bad! I love this song and I am an opera singer myself, actually learning this song. No disrespect but her voice is horrible for this song. In my opinion she should not be singing opera......ever! With respect to her fans, but if i were at this performance I would demand my money back!
She received a standing ovation from audiences all over, including this production at Glyndebourne Festival and Chicago. She brings something that many of opera's finest today can not. It's a fresh approach to character development and involvement that is incredibly consuming and overall beautifully effective. If you legitimately asked for your money back at the end of her performance, I'm guessing its a defense mechanism, masking your envy that she will be more praised and appreciated than you.
a standing ovation nowadays really does not mean as much as it used to. and im not sure what you mean by a fresh approach..what is fresh about this? and let me make a correction, i said that she should never sing opera ever i apologize for that because i heard her sing vide cor meum and it blew me away so i think she should just no sing handel. and as far as me being jealous please.. since you dont know me i amnot going to waste my time defending myself so you can believe what you want on that!!
Povero Handel! I wonder what's more boring, singing or acting. But she may have a great career as a harem dancer! Please, listen to Leontyne Price's and Tatiana Troyanos' interpretation of this aria! That's greatness!
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I have seen this performance and De Niese's voice actually reminds me of Beverly Sill's. Not only she possesses extraordinary beauty as well as wonderful acting ability, she is a fabulous singer. Just listen to her Handel CD. I suspect that the most vocal critics here are just a bunch of jealous queens, that wish they were her.
she has a beautiful voice! i dont understand why people insist on being nasty on youtube. does anonymity online make you show your true colors? just because it isnt exactly what you want to hear doesnt mean you can insult her looks, expression, technique, etc. sure, she can improve. but i can tell that she has a lot of talent.
I don't know why so many people in here seem to hate her so much. Yeah, she is too caught up in "being Baroque," but isn't she supposed to be when performing Handel? I don't know...I'm not much into Baroque Opera anyway, but I like her fine. *shrugs*
Broadway Handel. Don't care what she looks like but how she sings the aria. Check out Beverly Sills penultimate recording on RCA. Not only does she have a beautiful voice, amazing ornamentations, she breathes the spirit of the baroque.
I agree. This performance did however lead her to a record deal with Decca. She has such an impressive resume, and all I can say is luck and connections, because the voice and technique wont last. Good for her though!!!!
It's sad what opera has become. Opera is dead. This voice has NO business headlining at Glyndebourne, how sad. Perhaps the sound will develop. This is a disgrace. Leontyne Price can outsing this woman and she's 81! No technique.
some of these comments truly disgust me. ALl opera singers aren't ungly and fat. She has an amazing voice for such a young singer. Since when is being beautiful a crime?
This young woman has a terrific voice, is absoultely beautiful, and her ornamentation and acting ability are first rate. Is there anything wrong with being sexy and talented? That's the problem with the classical music world. It makes me sick. Brava, Danielle. I wish you a long and successful career. You should be very proud of yourself.
I don't think she's a BAD singer...girlfriend is bellydancin' as she's singin this and I think the director/choreographer went a little overboard, but as a coloratura and bellydancer myself I have to respect! My only "critique" is her Italian...it's a little...eh. Some cool ornaments though.
Haha...yeah...my teacher is convinced that there MUST be a director out there somewhere who needs a bellydancing Zerbinetta... :) I think it would work!
I think so too (by the way I'm very impressed)! I've seen some pretty out there productions of Adriadne auf Naxos, so I wouldn't be surprised if the next great Zerbinetta bellydanced...
Has anyone else noticed a disturbing tendency on youtube for people to viciously (and often arbitrarily) completely discount a soprano's talent if she's not plain looking?
I insist: she sounds fine. Spectacular? no, not at all... I have listened to other arias that she sings and she does fine, but still misses something... I would love to listen to others "V'adoro", from other singers, to expand my criteria... any ideas?
Yes. You will hear an amazing rendition of the aria by Beverly Sills on RCA JULIUS CEASAR recording. The role that made her an international sensation. Beautiful voice, ornamentation and sensitivity. Best version.
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no legato, no beat, no spin, no grace in the phrasing, the B section sucked, the ornaments scary, i mean you could feel the tension between her and the conductor. and the DICTION! OH THE DICTION! i mean, that bitch needs to go back and relearn the international phoenetic alphabet. who is she, like the new opera babe? she sounds like she listens to beyonce a bit too much on her ipod.
Boring voice, no personality or presence to it. A singing waistline, IMO.
Birgit, Kirsten and Eileen wouldn't have careers today because they don't have 'the look'.
Once, singers had genuine personalities that made them fascinating to art lovers - music came alive because they projected a presence and interpretation across the stage into the hearts of the audience.
Hopefully this is a trend that will be replaced by more in depth artistic values. Don't intend to be cruel, just MHO.
I think what happened to Deborah Voight is tragic. Who cares what dress size she wears? I heard her Sieglinde live and was thrilled with the beauty of her voice.
Jane Eaglan was in the same performance and her voice was far more beautiful live than on record. She doesn't exactly have a svelte figure, but she was a very good Wagnerian in that performance.
The movement of her arms is very disturbing, not adequate to the music.
Her voice is fine, but interpretation and phrasing not.
Viscamo 3 weeks ago
There are at least ten stunningly beautiful versions of this aria here on YouTube, Dam-Jensen, Sutherland, Kozena, Kirkby, but, sorry, this is terrible. Badly placed voice, vulgar tone, imprecise intonation, no inner coherence in the sound or feeling for the style of this music. I think this is a great pity. Not the picture of femininity I would want to see admired, either. Of course, this is a matter of taste.
CaraPhilos 1 month ago
Perfect!!!!!
NikitaCro69 3 months ago
This is a DaCapo Aria, right?
romino707 3 months ago
The high pitched vibrato. The weird clothes. The exxagerated facial expressions...
I can't see myself enjoy opera... ever. Just, no.
TheLivirus 4 months ago
@TheLivirus I always thought that, but it does lose something when it isn't live. Have you been in the audience at an opera?
SimpsonPlaysJackson 3 months ago
@TheLivirus Oh please, opera is not like that. This is operatic garbage. Watch any performance of Kathleen Battle and you'll see what opera really is.
pedrofribeiro 1 month ago
@TheLivirus . I couldn't agree more. You are 100%right.
I think, Mozart (eg.) was forced to write operas (fashion, money).
Of Course the Mozart's music is great, but style and all this fuss around the stage??
Viscamo 3 weeks ago
about the costuming read up on the history of england and the east indies and you will see a mondern but not quit modern production really brilliant
it's all about war like the treu relationschip between cleopatra and ceasar
vederlichtje 7 months ago
I find this beautiful, but I just cant stand it when she drops into her lower register so heavily.
ildolcesuono23 8 months ago
I love her sing.. she is beautiful
Rossinifan99 8 months ago
I saw the DVD of this production and it was great and de Niese is good looking, but if I just heard her and not watched her, I would have turned off. Boring voice.
Sadiesexy 1 year ago
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mouseratrabbit 1 year ago
The choreographer is to blamed here - she looks like she is doing Tai Chi!
commenting2008 1 year ago
@sestoandtito
This argument always falls flat. Singing and speaking a language are completely different. I know plenty of my peers that speak fluent English and cannot sing it at all. Lei non sa cantare in italiano per niente. Mi dispiace però è la verità.
jfbecks17 1 year ago
I didnt enjoy this much...the weird costume and dancing take away from it. If I hadnt seen so many other versions of the opera, I wouldve possibly thought differently. Her actions though have nothing to do with the meaning of the aria. She also doesn't sing well and has poor Italian pronunciation. Inger Dam-Jensen and Tatiana Troyanos are far better.
xxWayoftheSunxx 1 year ago
Connolly looks sexy sitting there...until you realize shes a chick haha ;)
wubawubas 1 year ago
I think I`m in love again. Beautiful singing, beautiful acting, beautiful girl. Wonderful production. Wish I could get it complete.
alanth252 1 year ago
I liked it, not brilliant but it's good
lapizzaria24 1 year ago
Why do people put her down? She has a gorgeous voice, but her vowels are really spread... But I love her voice, it's so tender and lyrical.
Spiceofmadrid 1 year ago
that is true but the kind of people who go on youtube to find videos nd then post hateful remarks about them are the kind of people who make me cringe.If she as a performer were to look at these comments do you think she'd gain anything by them?The tendency is not to suggest ways for improvement on which she can act but instead to just condemn it as bad nd unfixable.I put vids on youtube nd I occasionally get feedback but I usually just get abuse which isn't helpful nd just plain sucks.
Indubidubly4 1 year ago
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Spiceofmadrid 1 year ago
les respirations sont insupportables,les fins de phrases n ont pas de tenues, les aigus sont lachés sans soutients.sa variation n est d aucun interet. heureusement qu elle est jolie,car vocalement il n y a rien.
poup145 1 year ago
l'accento italiano di Danielle De Niese è decisamente ottimo, ed assai superiore alla media fra i cantanti stranieri; le qualità di recitazione e la bellezza, per il resto, non possono certo costituire un ostacolo ad apprezzarne la straordinaria bravura
bergmanstraub 1 year ago
She really doesn't sound like an proper opera singer, her voice gets on my nerves after a while. And the scooping brings tears to my eyes for the wrong reason.
peardrop222 1 year ago
Tout simplement magnifique ...
marceldugland 1 year ago
WTF?
RRydnew 1 year ago
this is not Italian.....her accent is awful
andreea94a 1 year ago 2
@andreea94 She has enough problems with English -
De Niese, Jaroussky, Christie, Pizzi . Interviews at Teatro Real ( report on 23.05.2010 )
gentlecurve 1 year ago
She's beautiful, but I'm sorry to say her singing is vulgar and inconsistent. She is not an opera singer, but a "popra" singer. No subtlety. Also,the arm-flailing was just horrible. She was like those inflatable-arm flailing advertising things.
But yes, she's beautiful, I won't begrudge her that. It might be good enough for some people, but not enough for me.
ethersomnae 1 year ago 9
She's no Beverly Sills. But damn...she is gorgeous.
CharlesShawRules 1 year ago 2
slightly cheesy
500jules 1 year ago
Awful Italian and what the hell is she doing with her arms? What happened to the idea of teaching singers dance
Sibelex 1 year ago
It is fun to watch but musically there is not much there in the interpretation.
Drelnis 1 year ago
magnific
vdefaro 1 year ago
WOOOOOOW YOU GUYS ARE SO JEALOUS!!!! she's hot AND she can sing. stop hating on beautiful people!!! I don't know you personally Danielle, but don't listen to these jealous people. you're AMAZING
jbdny 1 year ago
I do think Danielle De Niese is beautiful, but agree that she is not the best singer, especially for this song. I just watched a video of Laura Claycomb singing this, and she is absolutely amazing. Very unattractive, but her voice is enchanting.
lumpylumps579 1 year ago
beyonce!
TheEmmaDarling 1 year ago
If only we could hear Handel operas the way he truly intended.. Castrati and all :( hurry up and make a time machine! k go!
Motetftw 1 year ago 2
@Motetftw I don't think even Handel expected Cleopatra to be a castrato.
gentlecurve 1 year ago
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SarahSopran 1 year ago
NO!
dreck0001 1 year ago
"The costume is the biggest issue here. There is no way that anyone could fall in love with a woman wearing this"
Pah!
I saw this brilliant production, one of the most memorable nights I have ever spent in the theatre, and both of the subsequent revivals. I don't think you would find a single audience member of either sex who was not beguiled by Miss de Niese. She also impressed Mr Christie, and is now Mrs Christie. And the crazy Bollywood dancing was part of the magic of this show too.
brightonbreezy 2 years ago 10
You should have gone to Spec Savers!
Don't know much about the signing but visually... wow!
mayhem001boats 1 year ago
@brightonbreezy
Just for the record - people not into the opera scene might get confused - she is Mrs Gus Christie, NOT William Christie :)
She did meet Gus at Glyndebourne.
fluffytom82 1 year ago
@fluffytom82 Thank you Fluffy Tom for giving me that rather disturbing image. I hope it won't trouble my dreams.
brightonbreezy 1 year ago
@brightonbreezy
I'm with brightonbreezy. Alas, haven't seen it live, but have the DVD and this production makes most others seem primitive. It's fashionable to decry de Niese's voice, but she's a very compelling stage presence and her voice is not hard to listen to. And by the way, how could anyone NOT fall in love with a woman in that costume?
la200o 1 year ago
@brightonbreezy I tend to agree with you. Her singing is first rateand with real trills. Caesar must see her as a foreigner with foreign ways of seduction--hence the arm waving. The costume suits the situation and history tells us that the whole package worked. The General was putty in those waving arms. Brava!
ebony1911 3 weeks ago
The costume is the biggest issue here. There is no way that anyone could fall in love with a woman wearing this. Regardless of history, it's very far removed from Handel and the Baroque. There is almost nothing feminine about her appearance at all (and who staged that ridiculous dance?). As for her voice: it's technically fabulous but there is no shimmer to her tone at all. The color is quite flat and unappealling. She has the voice of an instructor-not performer. B rated singer and performance.
medievalmusicology 2 years ago
I cannot judge the singing, not having a very fine ear, but you are absolutely right about the staging and costumes. Apparently the concept that a Baroque opera should look like a baroque opera is too hard for some people to grasp.
surdatonnamurata 2 years ago
@surdatonnamurata
ok then, let's have it exactly how they did in the Baroque.. the singers should wear extravagant outfits and simply walk around a small portion of stage (and in many cases just stand still and sing). We live in the 21st century, obviously it will be far removed from the Baroque.. styles change, vocal techniques change, the public tastes change. If opera remained stagnant since the Baroque, opera would've died long ago.
Motetftw 1 year ago 2
that last comment is in reply to cheuca by the by
Indubidubly4 2 years ago
lol petrina1022 i too think the choreography unfortunate but I think her voice is lovely and I wouldn't pressume to critcize her singing unless i was capable of singing this better than she does... if you can sing it better by all means post a video and I will with-draw my sentiment. I do however think that though opera is the loveliest of musical genre's it is rendered sour by all the people disparaging the best attempt of the singer to render it enjoyable.
Indubidubly4 2 years ago
Please note that I have not, in any of my comments, disparaged this singer's voice. What I take issue with is her distortion of Italian vowels and her musical style. The vocal line is paramount in Handel, and she cannot seem to deliver it effectively. Singing Handel is not like singing Giordano. You cannot emote your way through Handel and expect to get away with it. Enjoy it if like, but for the sake of compariston, listen to the lovely recording of Lucia Popp singing this aria in German.
petrina1022 2 years ago
@petrina1022 lol sorry i overreacted, I just get so fed up with people attacking videos on youtube when usually they don't have the faintest idea what they're on about... You do and I may post a vid of me singing O Mio Babbino Caro because last year the adjudicator at a competition I was in said I needed help with italian pronounciation and seeing as I'm self- taught that isn't exactly suprising... when I do your feed back would be helpful ^_^
Indubidubly4 2 years ago
A glowing example of how NOT to sing Italian, both stylitically and in terms of diction. Sorry, but this is quite disappointing and amateurish.
petrina1022 2 years ago 2
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"Disappointing"...."amateurish"....when and where can we catch your next international engagement?
yesblanche 2 years ago
Nice attempt to dodge the issue, but I'm a teacher, not a performer. There are many talented students who deserve a bright future who are forced to struggle because they aren't fortunate enough to receive instant recognition before they've earned it. Look at Ronen Tynen or Charlotte Church, two examples of the phenomenon of over-hype. It does a disservice to listeners who know better.
petrina1022 2 years ago
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petrina....I don't think it appropriate to compare De Niese to Charlotte Church, a pop singer. Also, as someone who's been attending opera around the globe since the age of 5 I think I can label myself a "lisener who knows better".
This young woman is a wonderful singer and the reason so many opera folks hate her is because she's beautiful not because she's bad. Jealousy and resentment isn't attractive.
yesblanche 2 years ago
I heard Ms. De Niese at the Met in "Marriage of Figaro" several years ago playing Barbarina and she was wonderful. That role suited her better, in my opinion. Oh, and I assure you, I do not resent her because she is "beautiful." What utter nonsense!
petrina1022 2 years ago
@petrina1022 u r totally right! bravo, what do you think of Maria Callas... she's all a bit dead now but in her day quite breath-taking, I'm a teacher too... I only teach little kids right now bcuz im only 17 but I'm forever trying to listen to proper music... not the mass produced garbage that most modern music is
Indubidubly4 2 years ago
Does anyone else think this singers does little "pop scoops" at times? Beautiful voice and appearance, but her technique doesn't seem to suit Handel?
sweetsoprano1211 2 years ago 2
I agree is needs to be cleaner
flouraki 2 years ago
She is very handsome. Very nice tenor.
crankygiraffe 2 years ago 2
But people can make versions of the originals...
xDarkLilyx 2 years ago
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Beautiful!! I love it!
xDarkLilyx 2 years ago
Is that male part supposed to be countertenor? Whoa O_O
ribbon43xo 2 years ago
her voice is wonderful, but the costuming and choreography are a little..distracting. but of course that's not the performer's decision and she pulled it off with poise.
phantasma616 2 years ago
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suffiice 2 years ago
I love her soooooo much!
bubblykings 2 years ago
Yikes... did anyone else feel awkward watching this? I kind of feel bad for her because she was so miscast and poorly directed. This is Handel, not Puccini... or Broadway, for that matter. Who decided that this was a good idea?
Laluna579 2 years ago 2
yikes... whats with the hand motions?! i found myself paying more attention to them than her singing. the actings good but a little annoying, extremely annoying actually, but her voice is okay.
Nobody297SRS 2 years ago
Singing is very pop-ish and the Italian is distorted in certain places. The movement is just distracting as well. I don't find it seductive in the least and retain that to be an error in the artistic direction. Did anyone see this production live?
giovanna523 2 years ago 3
Oh what a pitty,she can not sing like Händel would like her to sing.
She must have excellent relation, than her singing is just about.
No comparency to any other sopranos.
I am not talking from Sutherland, Sills or any other major singers.
amonasro100 2 years ago
Yeah, as if you'd know how Handel would like for this to be sung right? Maybe you knew him personally?
doctish 2 years ago
No i did not - but there is a way of doing things and the culture in Europe has
ways of teaching the school of Handel.
Best regards
amonasro100 2 years ago
I saw her singing one of her Cleopatras - she has a wonderful stage presence and is a good actress which compensated for not-so-great singing. I thought with time she'd improve singing-wise. Judged by this, doesn't seem to be the case. Pity.
aritau 2 years ago 3
She sounds like pop singer near the end. Look at those toned arms tho! wow.
notes731 2 years ago
i really like her! she sounds so sweet! give her a break people, opera is an unforgiving world, and look how far she is already!
preppybeast6293 2 years ago
Unfortunately not a great singer; but a beautiful woman and actress.
vctvi 2 years ago 21
@vctvi can you sing better?
Indubidubly4 1 year ago 2
@Indubidubly4 come on, simon cowell couldn't sing any better than the finalists in american idol but he could still critic =)
akidogirl 1 year ago
@akidogirl very true but he's spent his life critiquing music and knowing what he's talking about plus the people seek his judgement as opposed to him going and finding their videos and posting on them.
Indubidubly4 1 year ago
@Indubidubly4 That's not the point. I cringe whenever anyone uses this argument. There is a time and a place for everything. This is art music, meaning that a good portion of its beauty comes from perfection. It is perfectly fine to be dissatisfied with her performance if that's what you think. Do sports fans need to be good at football to say a player is bad or not? No.
pianomancuber91 1 year ago
@vctvi She probably sings better than you...I just have an issue with you implying that she is a bad singer...
MarcoAJuarez 11 months ago
I actually really like her...sure there are some stylistic issues...a lot of you have expressed a distaste for her use of straight tone.
Nonetheless you can't deny that she's a consumate performer and the voice is unique and gorgeous.
I still do stick by my opinion that she might be more useful as a musical theatre performer...which despite what some opera queens may argue....is not an inferior art....just ask any of us who've graced a Broadway stage what it took to get there!
yesblanche 2 years ago
I totally disagree with you yesblanche. Her voice is neither unique nor "gorgeous," at least by operatic standards. She has a strong presence though, so she would probably be best suited for musical theater or even American Idol.
petrina1022 2 years ago
How depressing that this mediocre soprano is being promoted by the music industry as a star. Uneven tone,no beautiful line. Its about time the actual singing reassumed its rightful predominant place in opera. At least we have youtube and thousands of examples of great singing to listen to.
chueca 2 years ago 4
Evidently you understand more about voices than William Christie...
suffiice 2 years ago
Actually I probably do, he is not such a great musician; he is clever and surrounds himself by brilliant players, and then he takes the glory. Many i the profession will testify to that
chueca 2 years ago
I'm sure Handel would've been all eagerness to steal your work after all you're the great... Who are you?Do you think centuries after your death people will remember anything you did?If he wasn't a good musician how did he write this music?I've heard great orchestra's play shit music...I've been in great orchestras playing shit music.I'm in the proffession as you call it and I have played handel and for YOU to slander him is the height of priggishness and folly.
Indubidubly4 2 years ago
way too much volume modification for my taste. I think could learn from Inger Dam-Jensen. That performance , to me, is much more poised and the voice is flawless. Danielle's singing is messy to me! But that is my opinion. From 4:18 on it just sounds like R &B/popera to me!!! :P
dynamicstuff73 2 years ago 3
It takes real skill to sing slightly sharp 70% of the time.
beejayem76 2 years ago 4
She learned from Maria Callas - if you can't sing in tune sing sharp.
gentlecurve 2 years ago 2
Stress on the voice (i.e. "pushing" on the breath support) causes it to go sharp, technically speaking. This staging is unforgiving and makes no sense. The writhing arms remind me of an 8-armed Indian goddess, NOT Cleopatra. I genuinely feel sorry for the vocalist.
petrina1022 2 years ago
they should not have made her dance while singing this aria.. towards the end of the aria, her voice does sound a bit tired, almost straining. She is a talented singer, but the choreographer was cruel.
Motetftw 2 years ago
She was complicit throughout with the choreographer. She chose to do it this way. The choreographer tried to suggest less fro her to do and she wouldn't have it.
LaMagnifica13 2 years ago
There's so much nuance in this scene that I think there are definate options of what you can play up or down.
However I think someone was a bit careless with the point where de Niesse is kneeling- her posture is out, she's leaning too far forward and it's hindering her voice slightly. Obviously the problem isn't that devastating, but she'd have sung better if some attention had been paid to it- possibly she didn't quite work out how to balance back on her heals.
yompingrolly 2 years ago 2
Non mi piace qui, ma non fa niente. In genere mi piace molto lei, ma in questo caso questa aria non e venuta bene.
09scorpione 2 years ago
i agree with the cmment from chiliar the voice isnt bad its just not special. In my humble opinion not beautiful enough in this aria.
primadivo 2 years ago
Is this a production of Julius Caesar in Atlantis?
jkrdsr 2 years ago
does anyone have a copy on pdf of the V'adoro pupille aria? I need it for class urgently! i've looked for it on public domain but found nothing, perhaps i haven't been looking correctly. Thanx
meztiza26 2 years ago
This is wonderful. I saw her life last year at Chicago's Lyric Opera, and she steals the show!
fcescgb 2 years ago
too much vibrato, very little royal portamento... this should be nothing less than Cleopatra?
wironalga 2 years ago
hot bod...underwhelming voice.
Chilair1 2 years ago
Why do you hate her so much just because she is beautiful. So she was given a weird outfit and told to do a weird dance. That is not her fault as you should know if you are a singer...
wieck81 2 years ago
I dont remember posting that I "hate" her. I'm just not very impressed. I've heard a lot of people who are undergrads that could do a job equal to this. That's all.
Chilair1 2 years ago
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too bad shes wasted on opera...well now shes 30 anyway. but when she was young..this is the only aria i like and only because of her
curiousmh2 2 years ago
Fabulous!.....the voice...the looks....the dance.....Danielle de Niesse has it all!
I look forward to many years of musical delight!
tamasha58 2 years ago
Beautiful aria and beautiful voice. But that choreography distracts me.
GeorgeMaxwellDuPre 2 years ago
Amazing voice!
Tigermuc 2 years ago
händel is pop!
iphigenio 3 years ago
The "pop" aspect of her singing is simply that she starts many notes without vibrato and the adds it in, alla Streisand. This is simply a vocal mannerism that a good coach could work out of her technique. There is MOST definitely a voice here, (did they have to mike her?) and as for the arm movements, do we not remember that in this scene Cleo is in the BATH?
Refreshing and lovely, and not worth all this bitchiness. Chill out, opera queens, and if you don't like her, listen to your old LPS.
hchristopher1 3 years ago 6
she sounds like a pop singer. its like if michael bolton's opera album made it to a real house
sobchakdrums 3 years ago
I think the people here saying she has no technique are being quite mean. I don't think the style is right for her at all: she sounds very popish here and it doesn't work but her voice is beautiful and there's so much expression to her performance. This is kind of well-rounded performer opera needs to stay relevant to today's audience.
blarney880 3 years ago
very interesting arm movements.
darksunnygirl 3 years ago
Wow....sex sells even in the opera business! The 'important' opera houses are no longer interested in truly fine singing, just about having media manufactured stars who will sell out the house (eg the Met...and now, sadly, the hallowed halls of Glyndebourne). ....and to think that there are actually singers out there who sound as good as they look!
polplancon99 3 years ago 4
er... hello, this is Celopatra? Or would you rather go back to the times when Montserrat Caballé sang Salomé and did that little dance of the veils thingy that was simply grotesque? Danielle de Niese Does have a voice. I think there is too much bitchiness here due to her physique.
wieck81 2 years ago
Her voice is bawdy and weak considering how hard she seems to be pushing. It clearly lacks the control and finesse necessary for baroque music. Very dissapointing, and especially obvious, singing next to Connolly.
UnpaidAcademic 3 years ago 6
no, it isn't a fresh approach; she scoops and is self indulgent. Showing off has nothing to do with portraying a character. She is terrible. Opinion of another opera singer. Trust me, looks and character can get you as far as she did. But she will never be remembered in history as a real voice because she is AWFUL!!!! The standing ovation was for her perfect body...
callasfleming 3 years ago 10
I dont think she is terrible... Opera isnt JUST about perfect bodies.... She does have a voice, and it isbetter than a lot of stuff we have today. She isnt showing off, because she is told by the choreographer to do all this... I dont like it either.... but... it doesnt mean she is bad, I also am an opera singer... People like you is what gives Opera a bad name. Sorry, but truth be told
caladhielr 2 years ago
She has same control other her body and voice. She is fresh breath of spring
sirAndy2 2 years ago
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vi2d2 1 year ago
@callasfleming you are horrible!I too am an opera singer and lover and I say her voice is beautiful.Besides even if she were as bad as you say,who made you the judge of operatic beauty?The one thing I hate about opera is many of its enthusiasts seem to think it is their job to go around and put down videos they deem unworthy of their mythical standards. She probably didn't choreograph this or design her own costume so why blame her for what she couldn't help?
Indubidubly4 1 year ago 2
It just sounds like she's working very hard to make not that much noise.... This is Cleopatra's first appearance in the opera, so nerves, maybe?
liedvogel 3 years ago
No, that's just her. And you're wrong; Cleopatra has had at least one aria before this. "Non disperar" is her entrance aria.
nclysander 3 years ago
Whoops! You're absolutely right. I totally forgot about "non disperar". I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I guess there's not really an excuse for this performance. She's not terrible, its just so effortful and almost lounge-singer-esque.
liedvogel 3 years ago
V'adoro, pupille, saette d'amore,
le vostre faville son grate nel sen.
Pietose vi brama il mesto mio core,
ch'ogn'ora vi chiama l'amato suo ben.
Lyrics in Italian and English meaning.
I adore your eyes (pupils),Arrow of love,
Your sparks,I embrace to my breast.
My sad heart longs imploringly for you,
every hour, it calls out for you,
its precious treasure.
lostpebble 3 years ago
I love her voice! And to all those who say, it's just her acting/looks/etc. for an opera singer the whole package matters! I unashamedly admire the singers who have it all. For example, I'd listen to a Samuel Ramey CD any day, but I hate watching him because he is SO BORING. But I love watching Sir Thomas Allen--even in a Don Giovanni where he is a bit past his prime--because he so wonderfully portrays the character.
gamgee87 3 years ago
Ok. But it would be better, if she juggled in circus.
spbsalon 3 years ago 2
I came back, I listened without looking at the dancing act, and... still good, just good. Spectacular? not at all. Wonderful? not really. she is good. Hope she gets better...
alejandra379 3 years ago
This is the first time i have ever heard her sing and I have to say that this is quite bad! I love this song and I am an opera singer myself, actually learning this song. No disrespect but her voice is horrible for this song. In my opinion she should not be singing opera......ever! With respect to her fans, but if i were at this performance I would demand my money back!
bcugirl09 3 years ago 3
She received a standing ovation from audiences all over, including this production at Glyndebourne Festival and Chicago. She brings something that many of opera's finest today can not. It's a fresh approach to character development and involvement that is incredibly consuming and overall beautifully effective. If you legitimately asked for your money back at the end of her performance, I'm guessing its a defense mechanism, masking your envy that she will be more praised and appreciated than you.
alemerent 3 years ago
a standing ovation nowadays really does not mean as much as it used to. and im not sure what you mean by a fresh approach..what is fresh about this? and let me make a correction, i said that she should never sing opera ever i apologize for that because i heard her sing vide cor meum and it blew me away so i think she should just no sing handel. and as far as me being jealous please.. since you dont know me i amnot going to waste my time defending myself so you can believe what you want on that!!
bcugirl09 3 years ago
Povero Handel! I wonder what's more boring, singing or acting. But she may have a great career as a harem dancer! Please, listen to Leontyne Price's and Tatiana Troyanos' interpretation of this aria! That's greatness!
Macbett0 3 years ago 2
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I have seen this performance and De Niese's voice actually reminds me of Beverly Sill's. Not only she possesses extraordinary beauty as well as wonderful acting ability, she is a fabulous singer. Just listen to her Handel CD. I suspect that the most vocal critics here are just a bunch of jealous queens, that wish they were her.
odessky 3 years ago
She is a Joy in this, Beauty's ecstatic lovesong to Sight
ffytche 3 years ago
Just love her!!!!!!
BeniaminoGigli 3 years ago
she has a beautiful voice! i dont understand why people insist on being nasty on youtube. does anonymity online make you show your true colors? just because it isnt exactly what you want to hear doesnt mean you can insult her looks, expression, technique, etc. sure, she can improve. but i can tell that she has a lot of talent.
bubblesxo14 3 years ago
I love it!
Bachue 3 years ago
I don't know why so many people in here seem to hate her so much. Yeah, she is too caught up in "being Baroque," but isn't she supposed to be when performing Handel? I don't know...I'm not much into Baroque Opera anyway, but I like her fine. *shrugs*
Herzeleide7 3 years ago
Broadway Handel. Don't care what she looks like but how she sings the aria. Check out Beverly Sills penultimate recording on RCA. Not only does she have a beautiful voice, amazing ornamentations, she breathes the spirit of the baroque.
outofthebag 3 years ago
broadway handel..how aptly put.
gellibeangurl 3 years ago 4
I agree. This performance did however lead her to a record deal with Decca. She has such an impressive resume, and all I can say is luck and connections, because the voice and technique wont last. Good for her though!!!!
moafisepi 3 years ago
It's sad what opera has become. Opera is dead. This voice has NO business headlining at Glyndebourne, how sad. Perhaps the sound will develop. This is a disgrace. Leontyne Price can outsing this woman and she's 81! No technique.
FoggyRoad81 3 years ago
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uhahahahahahhaaaaaaa
xenio72 3 years ago
She is AMAZING. SHE TOOK A BEAUTIFUL ARIA AND SHE PUT S NICE NOTES AND TURN IN IT INTO A COLORATURA. SHE MADE THIS ARIA HER OWN.
CuteInd0LuV4LyF3 3 years ago
Cleopatra would never act this way. And the singing is just...armature. Shame on you Glydenbourne 2005
SinginFool82 3 years ago
Do you mean amateur?
gamgee87 3 years ago
Yes....silly typo.
SinginFool82 3 years ago
some of these comments truly disgust me. ALl opera singers aren't ungly and fat. She has an amazing voice for such a young singer. Since when is being beautiful a crime?
acee790 3 years ago 3
All this low, jealous, small people disgusts me in unspeakable ways...
Handelove 3 years ago 7
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Wow, she must treat the director very well in the back-stage. hint-hint...
DieSonneSinkt 3 years ago
Look she is obviously good at something but singing aint it...
operawhore64 3 years ago
I heard this same production with her in Chicago last season. I assure you, she was great.
jetsetjordan 3 years ago 4
This young woman has a terrific voice, is absoultely beautiful, and her ornamentation and acting ability are first rate. Is there anything wrong with being sexy and talented? That's the problem with the classical music world. It makes me sick. Brava, Danielle. I wish you a long and successful career. You should be very proud of yourself.
grdzelli 3 years ago 6
I don't think she's a BAD singer...girlfriend is bellydancin' as she's singin this and I think the director/choreographer went a little overboard, but as a coloratura and bellydancer myself I have to respect! My only "critique" is her Italian...it's a little...eh. Some cool ornaments though.
morgaine531 3 years ago
Coloratura AND bellydancer? Interesting combo there...
SsteinwayS 3 years ago
Haha...yeah...my teacher is convinced that there MUST be a director out there somewhere who needs a bellydancing Zerbinetta... :) I think it would work!
morgaine531 3 years ago
I think so too (by the way I'm very impressed)! I've seen some pretty out there productions of Adriadne auf Naxos, so I wouldn't be surprised if the next great Zerbinetta bellydanced...
SsteinwayS 3 years ago
A belly-dancing Zerbinetta wouldn't be at all shocking after some of the smut Dessay and a few others have been doing.
jetsetjordan 3 years ago
That's awesome I'm a full lyric mezzo bellydancer!
doonie319 3 years ago
hmm, i love this aria, but it' s a little bit too interesting. pop music:-) but why not? It is an attempt.
ritzoka 3 years ago
but kiri te kanawa better
ritzoka 3 years ago
Esta aria es tan preciosa!
Pero he escuchado mejores interpretacion,
me gustaria poder escucharle en arias que
fueran mas para su tono y color de voz.
gheikkila1 3 years ago 2
Has anyone else noticed a disturbing tendency on youtube for people to viciously (and often arbitrarily) completely discount a soprano's talent if she's not plain looking?
DrRobbieG 3 years ago 6
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the bitch can't sing opera for shit and you know it. all that's left is for you to admit it
IfYourMomWereATaco 3 years ago
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nope. she just plain sucks. do you not have ears?
crivz 3 years ago
well, this is out of tune almost always
gabohuaroc 3 years ago
I insist: she sounds fine. Spectacular? no, not at all... I have listened to other arias that she sings and she does fine, but still misses something... I would love to listen to others "V'adoro", from other singers, to expand my criteria... any ideas?
alejandra379 3 years ago
Yes. You will hear an amazing rendition of the aria by Beverly Sills on RCA JULIUS CEASAR recording. The role that made her an international sensation. Beautiful voice, ornamentation and sensitivity. Best version.
outofthebag 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
no legato, no beat, no spin, no grace in the phrasing, the B section sucked, the ornaments scary, i mean you could feel the tension between her and the conductor. and the DICTION! OH THE DICTION! i mean, that bitch needs to go back and relearn the international phoenetic alphabet. who is she, like the new opera babe? she sounds like she listens to beyonce a bit too much on her ipod.
crivz 3 years ago
Boring voice, no personality or presence to it. A singing waistline, IMO.
Birgit, Kirsten and Eileen wouldn't have careers today because they don't have 'the look'.
Once, singers had genuine personalities that made them fascinating to art lovers - music came alive because they projected a presence and interpretation across the stage into the hearts of the audience.
Hopefully this is a trend that will be replaced by more in depth artistic values. Don't intend to be cruel, just MHO.
jkircher314 3 years ago
what about what happened to Deborah Voight? that is an example of what you are saying...
alejandra379 3 years ago
I think what happened to Deborah Voight is tragic. Who cares what dress size she wears? I heard her Sieglinde live and was thrilled with the beauty of her voice.
Jane Eaglan was in the same performance and her voice was far more beautiful live than on record. She doesn't exactly have a svelte figure, but she was a very good Wagnerian in that performance.
jkircher314 3 years ago