Josephine Barstow Divinites du Styx Alceste ENO

[Tenortalker]

A great singing actress who adapts to the classical Gluck style very well here. Did she ever sing the role onstage? I was in a production of Fidelio in Nice where she came to replace another artist. The male chorus were waiting to emerge from 'prison' under the stage while Josephine was singing her aria. They were impressed above all by the marvelous soaring top notes of her voice in that role. She gaves so much energy onstage, it was 'infectious' for the rest of the cast.

[robin678]

Has she permanently retired? Supposed she has done, gracefully and peacefully. Saw her as Aida, Forza Leonora, Salome, Fidelio, Santuzza, Mimi, Musetta, Tosca, Violetta, Senta, Sieglinde (I think), Mere Marie, Ellen Orford, both Lady Macbeths, Octavian, Arabella, Odabella (Attila), and others, so sad that she did not sing Norma....it was on the cards at ENO....but never materialised.

A bio/.autobio of this great artiste is essential!

[tenore23]

@robin678 she just did Mamma Lucia somewhere in Spain in the past 5-6 months

[robin678]

Not Dame Jo at her best......but believe me, I saw her many times in London, if not the most beautiful voice, surely one of the most exciting voices, and a thrilling actress. A truly great artist.

[artdanks]

Never heard of her. I LIKE!!!!! Makes me think of Jessye Norman

[robin678]

Yes, both her Macbeth ladies were wonderful. Last time I saw her was as Mere Marie in the Carmelites...wonderful! Think she has retired now to look after her horses.

[robin678]

Dame Josephine Barstow did not always sound great on record. However she was a stage animal, as was Callas, having seen her countless times, I consider has the most amazing singing-actress of all.

[MoscowMaestro]

Completely agreed. Her LADY MACBETH OF MTSENSK was the most stunning stage performance I've ever seen of the role :)

[Macbett0]

She is fabulous!

And really a great singing actress! Great also as LADY MACBETH in Verdi's MACBETH.

[Plowrightclips]

If find these comments about her voice just amazing really, she has amazing technique, penetrating notes, a lush timber! she has an amazing voice.

[coryisawake]

This is fabulous!