What a great rendition of an aria I never would have assosciated with Verrett at all. This woman could sing some Verdi be it Soprano or Mezzo. She interprets him brilliantly. What an artiste.
Was this aria meant for a mezzo or soprano? The first person I heard on youtube sing this was Leontyne and she was a soprano right? ms Verrett is considered a mezzo? So can a mezzo really have the range of a soprano?
@chicagomarchingbands Its for a soprano, but Shirley switched to soprano rep later in her career. However, range has nothing to do with being a mezzo. I'm a mezzo with a solid high C# or D, and Shirley's was higher I THINK.
@musikenergy Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
@toddydelahov Half of Shirley Verrett's career consisted of Mezzo Soprano roles. She LATER began singing Soprano towards her later years. Both DRAMATIC AND LYRIC. Pace Pace is for a Spinto. I STUDIED her career. I've also studied vocal pedagogy, and range does not always constitute one's vocal fach. Placido Domingo is a tenor with great low notes. Marian Anderson had an incredible high C, but was a contralto. Renee Fleming has rich low notes as a soprano. That doesn't make their fach.
@chicagomarchingbands Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
@mayebelle81 Pace, pace, mio dio, cruda sventura m'astringe, ahimè, a languir; come il dì primo da tant'anni dura profondo il mio soffrir. L'amai, gli è ver!... Ma di beltà e valore cotanto iddio l'ornò, che l'amo ancor, né togliermi dal core l'immagine saprò. Fatalità!... fatalità!... un delitto disgiunti n'ha quaggiù!... Alvaro, io t'amo, e su nel cielo è scritto: non ti vedrò mai più! ...
Thanks!! The last part is what's confusing to me because it seems like she is not saying exactly what I am seeing but I may be able to figure it out. I am trying to learn it for myself
wow!!! this recital shoowed her range and versatility!!! i didnt kno she cud go so hard as 'soprano' i was always under the impression she was a die-hard mezzo!!!!! rite on ms verrett
When it comes to classifying her, how about another approach? instead of asking, was she a soprano or a mezzo?" how about asking "What soprano/mezzo roles could she sing particularly well?" I think the preponderance of 'best' performances would fall into Mezzo category, because the voice blossomed slightly lower than that of 'full' sopranos like Nillson or Price. This wasn't a technical flaw, but the meat of the voice sat a bit high for some mezzo parts, a bit low for some sop parts. Hmmm?
Overall, I don't care for this performance by her (and I'm a *HUGE* fan of Shirley). The high note at the end sounds thin, and is missing the full-throttle that Grace Bumbry and Leontyne Price gave it. However, to those who insist that Shirley was a mezzo, let's put that rumor to rest. She, like Grace, could sing both effortlessly. However, Shirley was always a natural soprano and Grace was always a natural mezzo. Listen to Shirley's high-D as Lady MacBeth to prove she's a soprano!!!!!!!!!
Wow, Verrett was not a young singer during this period of time and she sounds great. So does Price. These women are still singing. I can not say that about many of their contemporaries.
Thios was fabulous in soooooooo many many ways..truly electric and the phrasing stunning...the sound issilken clear and very womanly....sounds wonderful in this verdi role. Excellent. Wasted in the so called mezzo rep in a way...her tosca is fab as well.
Brava Verrett! My beloved singer! Thank you a lot for posting. Quite a unique rendition of this grand aria - it is so emotionally charged here, a plea of a tormented soul, blending refinement and abandonment. I personally find nothing odd about the plungings into the very dark chest register: an idiosyncracy that adds to the expressiveness. It's so delightful to hear someone singing in one's completely OWN style yet with perfect attention to the score.
@Juodasvienaragis Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
People....every singer has an off day.....verrett is an unbelievable voice in both mezzo and soprano rep. Listen her Lady Macbeth recordings...stunning singing and possiblly the best in that role.
I have to apologize that I intend to post my own comments but since I am a freshperson here, I know not how to do it and need to post my comments by way of replying to others' comments.
I believe that this is a great recording becuase this aria is her own prayer!
Re ur comments, I wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. She may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents.
I have to apologize that I intend to post my own comments but since I am a freshperson here, I know not how to do it and need to post my comments by way of replying to others' comments.
I believe that this is a great recording becuase this aria is her own prayer!
Re ur comments, I wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. She may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents.
Re ur comments, I just wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. A person may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents for your reference.
and really... who cares what you think?. It´s already done. She did it and will be like that for ever... and still a lot of people will like her. And... you´re wrong. She did it RIGHT!
A soprano voice that never really found its way. There are so many odd spots in the range at this stage of the game for her. She was a dynamite artist, and singer WHEN she sang the material that TRULY fit her voice. It's ok to try new things, but this one I think should have been left alone. IMO!!!!!
Hmmm. Verrett sang this aria in HER voice. It is certainly one of the most dramatic readings of this aria I have heard. You can't compare this performance to that of Caballe or Tebaldi. She breathed a lot of life into this aria...our ears have to adjust to her voice singing it.
"A soprano voice that never really found its way"...That could also be told of Miss Bumbry who always needed to cut her phrases. And at the same time, as far as I am concerned, they were both exciting artists, with maybe, to my taste, a deeper, more refined inner expression for Verrett and a stronger natural medium for Bumbry and more agressive way, and an open position of singing technique, when Verrett was covering.
There is no need at all to compare Verrett to Callas. Verrett has strengths that Callas lacked and vice-versa; same story for all singers. Verrett breathes an incredible amount of life into this aria. By far, one of the great interpretations; a lot of expression (without overdoing it) and with careful attention to the score.
I have to agree with you. I have seen Verrett on stage at the Met and I must say it still remains one of my most memorable experiences. Back then it was a time of true divas.
Yes. I've never seen any live opera performance before, but if I ever saw Verrett singing live, I think it would definitely be an unforgettable experience for me, too.
Yes. I've never seen any live opera performance before, but if I ever saw Verrett singing live, I think it would definitely be an unforgettable experience for me, too.
I love Verrett, always have, but I can't stand this "la Nera Callas' title she has been given. Why do we feel the need to give people titles like this? There is only one Callas, and there is only one Verrett. This is what makes them so special. She sounds wonderful in this clip.
As you might know, she was known as "La Nera Callas" --- well deserved, she's my favorite after Callas. We need more visceral, animalesque singers like that. I am fed up with these ' pasteurized ' types of voices today, all boring, souding the same and TOO perfect-Therefore stealing from the organic side of singing!
Yes Miss Verrett is up there with the great Divas she is wonderful in this aria just perfect.... Divas like Callas, verrett,Caballe, kabaivanska are super sopranos....
que voz!!!, la primera nota es remarcable, esa messa di voce, impresionante, por eso es que Verdi es tan difícil de cantar, con esas largas líneas, y todo con voz.
The fact that Shirley Verrett did switch between fachs during her career and can STILL sing this healthily and beautifully at this age here is a sign of a true GREAT singer who really knows what she's doing. Phenomenal!
This is very true Benderpm.. I did an interview for her before a masterclass.. and many people do not understand that she was truely a soprano and came out as a mezzo becuase of what of what was going on at the time.. She was asked to sing Mon Couers'ouvre ta voix from samson et delilah becuase it was a popular song by a popular artist at the time and was dubbed a "mezzo"! But technically speaking its very obvious that Verrett is NO true Mezzo...
I don't think Verdi was too concerned about labels since the original Aida was the creator of Eboli and the original Elisabetta was the creator of Amneris. Additionally, the original Gilda also created Leonora in Trovatore. Verrett made the switch in her middle to late 40s and excelled in this repertoire in a way that would be the envy of many soprani..
mrrrrrrerk....monomaniac. And what would call people like Pasta, Malibran Viardot who were singing both territories. Verrett here is 58 years, and seems at ease, I think! What kind of Mezzo would do so at this age?
All the sopranos you mention never had roles like Leonora in "Forza" to sing. They all sang more lighter bel canto. As for what other kind of Mezzo still sang well at 58 or above well how about Marllyn Horne, Cossotto, Balsta. Sorry but Verrett was a Mezzo. A good one, but soprano? No.
If you asked Verrett herself (or Bumbry for that matter), I bet she'd say she was a "singer". Who cares WHAT fach she was in. She let the roles themsleves dictate whether she could or should or WOULD sing them, and she had a HUGE, LONG career with her voice basically intact. I think she knew EXACTLY what she was capable of.
You're right! Verrett says in her book, "I didn't set out to place a tag on my voice" She always let the music dictate what she would sing! "what feels right"!
I have not heard her live, but her voice always sounds quite powerful. There have been comments about her electrifying high B in O don fatale! Her greatest quality is wonderfully musical phrasing!
58 years old. Strong lady,strong voice, brave heart, heartfelted.
foropera 4 months ago
What a great rendition of an aria I never would have assosciated with Verrett at all. This woman could sing some Verdi be it Soprano or Mezzo. She interprets him brilliantly. What an artiste.
intelegentable 6 months ago
Great singer......Beautiful interpretation....
delmoral73 9 months ago
R.I.P. And many thanks for your art
numetutelare 1 year ago 2
I believe that this is a great recording becuase this aria is her own prayer!
In Christ's love and peace,
Barnabas+_+
BarnabasYu 1 year ago
RIP Diva....
andreideathboy 1 year ago
Was this aria meant for a mezzo or soprano? The first person I heard on youtube sing this was Leontyne and she was a soprano right? ms Verrett is considered a mezzo? So can a mezzo really have the range of a soprano?
chicagomarchingbands 1 year ago
@chicagomarchingbands Its for a soprano, but Shirley switched to soprano rep later in her career. However, range has nothing to do with being a mezzo. I'm a mezzo with a solid high C# or D, and Shirley's was higher I THINK.
musikenergy 1 year ago
@musikenergy Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
toddydelahov 9 months ago
@toddydelahov Half of Shirley Verrett's career consisted of Mezzo Soprano roles. She LATER began singing Soprano towards her later years. Both DRAMATIC AND LYRIC. Pace Pace is for a Spinto. I STUDIED her career. I've also studied vocal pedagogy, and range does not always constitute one's vocal fach. Placido Domingo is a tenor with great low notes. Marian Anderson had an incredible high C, but was a contralto. Renee Fleming has rich low notes as a soprano. That doesn't make their fach.
musikenergy 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@chicagomarchingbands Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
toddydelahov 9 months ago
Diva!
onotuoedaul 1 year ago
Bravissima! E che versatile: passa dai ruoli di mezzo a quelli di soprano
helendonath 1 year ago
@helendonath
Hello. Can you tell me where I can find the words to this song? I have looked everywhere and can't find anything. Please help. Thanks.
mayebelle81 1 year ago
helendonath 1 year ago
@mayebelle81
...
Oh dio, dio fa ch'io muoia; ché la calma
può darmi morte sol.
Invan la pace qui sperò quest'alma
in preda a lungo duol.
helendonath 1 year ago
@helendonath
Thanks!!
mayebelle81 1 year ago
@helendonath
Thanks!! The last part is what's confusing to me because it seems like she is not saying exactly what I am seeing but I may be able to figure it out. I am trying to learn it for myself
mayebelle81 1 year ago
wow!!! this recital shoowed her range and versatility!!! i didnt kno she cud go so hard as 'soprano' i was always under the impression she was a die-hard mezzo!!!!! rite on ms verrett
kenndogg 1 year ago
yes for the chest at 3:33!! this is superb. i love her. love her. love her! love her!!! she is much more committed than others i have heard!
couturesixfour 1 year ago
When it comes to classifying her, how about another approach? instead of asking, was she a soprano or a mezzo?" how about asking "What soprano/mezzo roles could she sing particularly well?" I think the preponderance of 'best' performances would fall into Mezzo category, because the voice blossomed slightly lower than that of 'full' sopranos like Nillson or Price. This wasn't a technical flaw, but the meat of the voice sat a bit high for some mezzo parts, a bit low for some sop parts. Hmmm?
johndlabella 1 year ago
BELLA INTERPRETATION. THANKS.
Tenorbravo 2 years ago
Overall, I don't care for this performance by her (and I'm a *HUGE* fan of Shirley). The high note at the end sounds thin, and is missing the full-throttle that Grace Bumbry and Leontyne Price gave it. However, to those who insist that Shirley was a mezzo, let's put that rumor to rest. She, like Grace, could sing both effortlessly. However, Shirley was always a natural soprano and Grace was always a natural mezzo. Listen to Shirley's high-D as Lady MacBeth to prove she's a soprano!!!!!!!!!
JumpStreet1983 2 years ago
BRAVO!
TreblesBasses 2 years ago
her voice has so much clarity and strength in it. Its definetly making me well up. She is so expressive and she makes everything so naunced (her own)
musoph21 2 years ago
just love her
MRDUMAI 2 years ago 2
4:51 has some amazing chest voice!
castodivo 2 years ago
¡Que grande eres Shirley!
Tita398 2 years ago
LOVE her: she was so versatile;
great great singer
rodlarocque 2 years ago 2
She put the "V" in DIVA! "V" for Verrett! But the great Leontyne Price put the "D" in it though! LOL
tresjolie69 2 years ago
Grandissima, io l'ho conosciuta dal vivo a Trapani:))))
artemaxm 2 years ago
Wow, Verrett was not a young singer during this period of time and she sounds great. So does Price. These women are still singing. I can not say that about many of their contemporaries.
cincytuckyblk 2 years ago 5
Thios was fabulous in soooooooo many many ways..truly electric and the phrasing stunning...the sound issilken clear and very womanly....sounds wonderful in this verdi role. Excellent. Wasted in the so called mezzo rep in a way...her tosca is fab as well.
Tristiano 3 years ago 2
Simply great! Viva Verrett!!!
elkatemendelaopera 3 years ago 4
bravo she is everything
immature0916 3 years ago 2
Fraseggio inimitabile
neronnenn 3 years ago 4
sublime ! merci madame !
phirze 3 years ago 2
Brava Verrett! My beloved singer! Thank you a lot for posting. Quite a unique rendition of this grand aria - it is so emotionally charged here, a plea of a tormented soul, blending refinement and abandonment. I personally find nothing odd about the plungings into the very dark chest register: an idiosyncracy that adds to the expressiveness. It's so delightful to hear someone singing in one's completely OWN style yet with perfect attention to the score.
Juodasvienaragis 3 years ago 8
@Juodasvienaragis Actually Varret Shirley was a dramatic soprano category Falcon, ie, she was a soprano who could sing, besides the natural line of soprano, in line, too, mezzo-soprano. The category Falcon, exactly, is this capacity for soprano and mezzo soprano to sing the lines in more than natural. However, it must have natural aptitude for it, because if not, the person trying to voice it destroys.
toddydelahov 9 months ago
Well that's my cousin and she will always be a great opra singer no matter what anybody has to say...
ceezy93 3 years ago 2
That's so cool. I just read her autobiography.
operamusicfan 3 years ago
People....every singer has an off day.....verrett is an unbelievable voice in both mezzo and soprano rep. Listen her Lady Macbeth recordings...stunning singing and possiblly the best in that role.
raycanto76 4 years ago 3
Many of my colleagues in the Western art music world and I agree that Mme. Verrett owns the role of Lady Macbeth.
vinemp 3 years ago 10
If she owns the role, why didn't she dare to read Macbeth's letter?
josemendiara 1 year ago
@josemendiara Because the director Giorgio Strehler wanted it. Verrett always recited the letter in all the other productions. Tinpot clever!!
MorMar001 1 year ago 2
I have to apologize that I intend to post my own comments but since I am a freshperson here, I know not how to do it and need to post my comments by way of replying to others' comments.
I believe that this is a great recording becuase this aria is her own prayer!
Re ur comments, I wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. She may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents.
In Christ's love and peace,
Barnabas+_+
BarnabasYu 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I have to apologize that I intend to post my own comments but since I am a freshperson here, I know not how to do it and need to post my comments by way of replying to others' comments.
I believe that this is a great recording becuase this aria is her own prayer!
Re ur comments, I wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. She may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents.
In Christ's love and peace,
Barnabas+_+
BarnabasYu 1 year ago
Dear Madame/Sir,
Re ur comments, I just wonder why u mentioned Lady Macbeth here. A person may be a great singer for Role A but be a lamentable singer for Role B. Just my two cents for your reference.
In Christ's love and peace,
Barnabas+_+
BarnabasYu 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i THINK SHE SHOULDV STUCK WITH THE MEZZO ROLES!
TreblesBasses 4 years ago
She was still very succesful as a soprano, and singing soprano roles and very well.
Bumbry incredible as she is, didn't seem as fortunate.
bruceagogox 4 years ago
and really... who cares what you think?. It´s already done. She did it and will be like that for ever... and still a lot of people will like her. And... you´re wrong. She did it RIGHT!
ezayi 3 years ago
A soprano voice that never really found its way. There are so many odd spots in the range at this stage of the game for her. She was a dynamite artist, and singer WHEN she sang the material that TRULY fit her voice. It's ok to try new things, but this one I think should have been left alone. IMO!!!!!
courtneybaritone01 4 years ago
Hmmm. Verrett sang this aria in HER voice. It is certainly one of the most dramatic readings of this aria I have heard. You can't compare this performance to that of Caballe or Tebaldi. She breathed a lot of life into this aria...our ears have to adjust to her voice singing it.
albertthrelkeld 4 years ago
"A soprano voice that never really found its way"...That could also be told of Miss Bumbry who always needed to cut her phrases. And at the same time, as far as I am concerned, they were both exciting artists, with maybe, to my taste, a deeper, more refined inner expression for Verrett and a stronger natural medium for Bumbry and more agressive way, and an open position of singing technique, when Verrett was covering.
foropera 4 years ago
Agreed, I think this is a excellent recording. Verrett singing that last High B flat just gives me goosebumps. She's incredible.
bruceagogox 4 years ago
Well, ok the blend coming down to chest is a little odd, but I believe with more practice she
could have worked it into her voice and sung this well; it is quite beautiful already for the most part so just enjoy it man! what a voice!
operapazzo1 4 years ago
There is no need at all to compare Verrett to Callas. Verrett has strengths that Callas lacked and vice-versa; same story for all singers. Verrett breathes an incredible amount of life into this aria. By far, one of the great interpretations; a lot of expression (without overdoing it) and with careful attention to the score.
swdanielson 4 years ago 3
I have to agree with you. I have seen Verrett on stage at the Met and I must say it still remains one of my most memorable experiences. Back then it was a time of true divas.
mrteryx 4 years ago
Yes. I've never seen any live opera performance before, but if I ever saw Verrett singing live, I think it would definitely be an unforgettable experience for me, too.
swdanielson 4 years ago
Yes. I've never seen any live opera performance before, but if I ever saw Verrett singing live, I think it would definitely be an unforgettable experience for me, too.
swdanielson 4 years ago
Absolutely.
& it's just plain good singing.
bruceagogox 4 years ago 3
This is totally awesome!!! Shirley Verrett was/is one of the best!! I would love to hear some of these new school divas sing like this.
talmagedotson2 4 years ago
This is honestly one of the best pace's I've heard.
bruceagogox 4 years ago
I love Verrett, always have, but I can't stand this "la Nera Callas' title she has been given. Why do we feel the need to give people titles like this? There is only one Callas, and there is only one Verrett. This is what makes them so special. She sounds wonderful in this clip.
leadingbyxample 4 years ago
Incredible! Brava!
Yettamae 4 years ago
I love the emotion Shirley sings with, totally brings the music to full life. Her Pace, pace is my favorite version. Beautiful, vibrant tone as well.
Hako2004 4 years ago
One of the most expressive voices within the artistic world. We have been blessed to be graced with her elegance and beauty. Brava, Diva!!!!
gj2855 4 years ago
FABULOUS!!!!!!
buffythebasssinger 4 years ago
Most expressive. Verrett is a beautiful African Queen.
benderpm 4 years ago
As you might know, she was known as "La Nera Callas" --- well deserved, she's my favorite after Callas. We need more visceral, animalesque singers like that. I am fed up with these ' pasteurized ' types of voices today, all boring, souding the same and TOO perfect-Therefore stealing from the organic side of singing!
pirocagrande 4 years ago
I have a copy of her on the mike douglas show 1969
musicful 4 years ago
Yes Miss Verrett is up there with the great Divas she is wonderful in this aria just perfect.... Divas like Callas, verrett,Caballe, kabaivanska are super sopranos....
MAPIAKALLAS 4 years ago
Verrett was a soprano who could sing mezzo and soprano roles equally well.
benderpm 5 years ago
que voz!!!, la primera nota es remarcable, esa messa di voce, impresionante, por eso es que Verdi es tan difícil de cantar, con esas largas líneas, y todo con voz.
cantanteporsiempre 5 years ago
She is just GREAT!
Bravissima :)
stuarda 5 years ago
outstanding!
paminaase 5 years ago
Pellmeli
I think she's a wonderful artist. I'm just sorry that I never heard her much when she was singing!
pellmeli 5 years ago
The fact that Shirley Verrett did switch between fachs during her career and can STILL sing this healthily and beautifully at this age here is a sign of a true GREAT singer who really knows what she's doing. Phenomenal!
smyer825 5 years ago
This is very true Benderpm.. I did an interview for her before a masterclass.. and many people do not understand that she was truely a soprano and came out as a mezzo becuase of what of what was going on at the time.. She was asked to sing Mon Couers'ouvre ta voix from samson et delilah becuase it was a popular song by a popular artist at the time and was dubbed a "mezzo"! But technically speaking its very obvious that Verrett is NO true Mezzo...
Tonacity 5 years ago
She was really a soprano, not a "true" mezzo. She was gifted in that she could sing many different roles effortlessly so, soprano and mezzo alike.
benderpm 5 years ago
In her interviews for the early 1970's she more than insists that she's a mezzo, she switched for money
operaficionado 4 years ago
is that interview posted here in you tube?
she does not sounds mezzo at all but hey? if she said so...
tena2 4 years ago
I don't think Verdi was too concerned about labels since the original Aida was the creator of Eboli and the original Elisabetta was the creator of Amneris. Additionally, the original Gilda also created Leonora in Trovatore. Verrett made the switch in her middle to late 40s and excelled in this repertoire in a way that would be the envy of many soprani..
Dymension 5 years ago
mrrrrrrerk....monomaniac. And what would call people like Pasta, Malibran Viardot who were singing both territories. Verrett here is 58 years, and seems at ease, I think! What kind of Mezzo would do so at this age?
foropera 5 years ago
All the sopranos you mention never had roles like Leonora in "Forza" to sing. They all sang more lighter bel canto. As for what other kind of Mezzo still sang well at 58 or above well how about Marllyn Horne, Cossotto, Balsta. Sorry but Verrett was a Mezzo. A good one, but soprano? No.
mrrk 5 years ago
If you asked Verrett herself (or Bumbry for that matter), I bet she'd say she was a "singer". Who cares WHAT fach she was in. She let the roles themsleves dictate whether she could or should or WOULD sing them, and she had a HUGE, LONG career with her voice basically intact. I think she knew EXACTLY what she was capable of.
BeauTenor 5 years ago
I completely agree.
bruceagogox 5 years ago
You're right! Verrett says in her book, "I didn't set out to place a tag on my voice" She always let the music dictate what she would sing! "what feels right"!
lahlahdivina 4 years ago
she is most definately a soprano LOL.
bruceagogox 5 years ago
I have not heard her live, but her voice always sounds quite powerful. There have been comments about her electrifying high B in O don fatale! Her greatest quality is wonderfully musical phrasing!
Kendrick2021 5 years ago
Sorry but Verrett was just not a soprano.
mrrk 5 years ago
I disagree
RogerAlien 5 years ago
Lovely!
benderpm 5 years ago