Arleen Auger - "Piangerò la sorte mia"

[pedrofribeiro]

The only performance that can stand in the same level as Kathleen Battle's. Kudos to Auger, sheer perfection.

[OlDoinyo]

Absolute ace-level work, just luminous. This is the kind of performance that wrecks all the others for you, it is that good.

[Hailstone47]

The organist at the Methodist Church here went to high school with Ms. Auger. He says even then she was very humble and didn't seem to realize how exceptional her gift....

[Josquinquin]

Such elegance! The da capo was sublime!

[TheJuugend]

Thanks!!! Very beautiful voice!!

[Barreto8001]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!



[cousinjk]

I was not familiar with this singer, but this is incomparably the best "Piangero" of the many I have listened to tonight.

[tjkrein]

She was an amazing artist and a wonderful person. She will never be forgotten!

[tjkrein]

She was an amazing artist and a wonderful person. She will never be forgotten!

[MisterSenseless]

a beautiful pre-HIPP performance - don't get to hear that luscious romantic influenced legato in Handel anymore

[haranoe]

@MisterSenseless For Haendel's sake we don't.

[Teddyb1939]

Just pure M A G I C. Fast,slow,high or low, Beautiful. Wish I had seen her on the stage.

[pianomags]

and she wasn't even a singer eh? Started off as a violinist, then a school teacher and the old chestnut of someone hearing her sing GAWD I love it, I love her musicakity. I wish they swould start singers later and make them study musicianship, music making and team work before they make their careers from singing. I think it makes a big difference imho

[pianomags]

@pianomags Jeez, mags...I of course meant "musicaLITY".

She was most likely a good speller also :(

[TJWTNR]

Several people below have referred to this recording as "achingly" beautiful. I cannot think of a more perfect word to describe her interpretation of this aria. It's like a dagger in the gut. If this doesn't move you, I'm not sure there's any hope for you!

[celestevt]

Achingly beautiful and poignant. There is none better.

[JSC1401]

Superb.

[fairlytaleofnewyork]

Truly wonderful...

[suzanneetmoi]

Having heard this aria many times, this is the gold standard. Our loss was the angels' gain ,for surely this glorious voice could never be silenced.

[dynamicstuff73]

I cried the first time I heard this recording! Is achingly gorgeous! I love that her voice is fuller and darker than what you usually hear! But is is sooooo clear!

[oboereed1109]

I am an oboist and own a number of Arleen's recordings. If I could play the oboe the way she sang... She's singing with the angels now.

[stenesk]

@oboereed1109 In a way, my unknown friend, she always did...

[florgano]

Arleen Auger will forever be one of my most favorite sopranos. Her voice is like an old friend to me, and I find myself listening to her recordings whenever I need comforting. I had the privilege of hearing her sing live, twice. She was always so real, so humble, so consummate.

[jcriedijk]

You are right Florgano(7 months ago), I too heard her (various times) sing live in Holland. She was not only perfect, almost part of the orchestra. Her voice was like an instrument. Such a lovely person, so approachable, so gentle, such class...Backstage I spoke to her when asking for an autograph, it was the last time, she died soon afterwards, far too early at the age of 53. A heavenly voice.

She will not be forgotten as the number of records is enormous fortunately.

[dustylettuce7]

this is deffo the best version i have heard. its so beautiful....i think when i sing it tho ill have to move the tempo on a bit, as my breath control is no way near as good as hers! lol

[Tigermuc]

Great clear voice!

[ilovebartok]

I'd put money on this being the best interpretation of this incredible aria I've ever heard. You can hear the passion and the expression Auger puts into every note.

Genuinely makes me cry every time I listen to it.

[missmarilissa]

I agree! I am learning this song for the met auditions and my teacher suggested I listen to Kathleen Battle's version, but I keep coming back to this one.

[ilovebartok]

It's such a nice aria, my friend sung it in a masterclass and I was moved even then!

Her version of Lascia is incredible too.

[red19bridge]

Unbelievable. I've never felt a greater loss than when Arleen died... not even my parents. Her live recitals were a level above those of even the very greatest musicians. Thank you for the post... I'm floored, once again, by her beauty.

[Tigermuc]

Were you very close friends/colleagues?

[red19bridge]

Hi Tigermuc: we weren't close but it has always amazed me how open and supportive she was with me, a conductor (not even a singer).

[mprocino]

In 1993 I was practicing oncology at Sloan-Kettering in NY, and had the painful pleasure of getting to know Arleen under painful circumstances. In that year, we lost Auger, Troyanos and Popp to cancer. Hearing their voices reminds me of the beauty we lose to this complex killer.

[Federicopera]

How beautiful!!!