Nothing wrong with this performance. Oviously she was more agile when she was younger, and her pitch was more spot on. This said I am not a huge fan of Joan Sutherland, but noone can deny that she had great technique and some of the best placed high notes in the profession. Traviata was a perfect role for her vocally.
Of course, she sings "high notes" more easily than Cotrubas. But Cotrubas brings so much more emotion, she is so much more distressing! And THAT is the main thing, in art.
@LaMostraESopra That's your opinion. My FEELING is quite different. Sutherland is a singer, making a virtuoso vocal performance, Cotrubas IS a distressing Traviata. That makes a big difference. (And Carlos Kleiber felt it like me!)
um, actually emotion is NOT the main thing in bel canto. that's not to say it isn't important, but in bel canto, singing with solid technique and pleasing tone is first priority. also, the emotions expressed in bel canto are more refined and often times (but not always) less intense.
PS: even in other art forms, most (but not all) of the best art (imho) is that which expressed more subtle, complicated emotion that is not communicated forthright. feel free to disagree tho =)
Really, girls, all this sniping! Joan was NOT the greatest actress in this opera, but she was the greatest SINGER of it. I saw her more times than I can count and she never disappointed, she never fell below her high standard, she continued to sing into her sixties with integrity, above all technique, and beautiful voice. Kiri? Forget it. Anderson? You're kidding! They're fine, if you like black and white TV, but Joan was the Queen of Song, assured her place in the history books.
A competition! My score is 6 out of 10. Ms Sutherland has a superb voice and incredible stage presence. However her obvious energy (she looks as if she will live 100 years!) and limited acting and vulnerability mean that she is not a credible Violetta.
Kiri is the finest I've ever heard in this particular aria. I've yet to hear Dame Joan perform it in her youth. Yet, I feel compelled to say at least as much regarding Dame Kiri's performance in this opera. One really cannot overstate the sheer beauty of either of their voices. But this aria is very difficult and not many, even of the best, are able to fully master it. Kiri's is excellent!!
this is definitely one of the best versions to listen to, but i agree that her acting leaves a little to be desired. However if you consider that from your seat in the audience you would probably not even be able to see her facial expressions, she would definitely be my 1st choice live. Dvd i might go for another singer...
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she's a fat ol lez that copied most every role that Maria brought out of MOTHBALLS...which wouldn't be so 'bad' if she bothered ever to give credit where credit IS due...i mean even her HUSBAND (Richard) credits Callas throughout every PART of old Joanies role selections AND interpretive style she a-herrm...'borrowed' from Maria!!!!Look it up...i'm not doin your work FOR you!!
Fue una presentacion muy buena,pero para mi gusto,nadie interpreta mejor sempre libera,que MARIA CALLAS en especial la interpretacion que hizo en MEXICO en 1952 en el palacio de bellas artes,para mi gusto nadie se comprara con esa presentacion.
@kuintesa Mira que a mi me parece lo contrario, mejor que la Stupenda no hubo, ademas a los 50 años La Callas estaba acabada!!! no cantabe ni la cucaracha, mira la historia, en cambio esta señora canto 40 AÑOS DE MANERA BELLA Y SIN CANCELAR UNA PRESENTACION!!!!!
She is absolutely "yhe" very best Violetta of all (except Callas) , Joan Sutherland has excatly the "voice" for all the acts (not only the first one and the last one ) ! She had all the agilitu of the end of the first aria , but also the power in the medium for the second act (for exemple) ! I really don't care about that or that note ! I don't care ! She ist "la prima donna assoluta" , the real Coloratura lirica
While I am impressed with Sutherland, of course, my favorite above ALL others on this piece is still Anna Moffo...Anna Moffo and did I say Anna Moffo!
Where's Beverly Sills and Maria Callas on this list???? They were both better than Sutherland in this role, Joan gives it a valiant effort and had a great voice no doubt but this role belongs to Sills and Callas. Joan cracked at 3;05 ...a small crack but never-the-less noticeable and she went flat at 4;40 on the Eb I love Joan but Sills and Callas were better IMHO.
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and...HER...dying of CONSUMPTION??Not while there's a Kentucky or a Micky Dee's still standing,LoL!!What a tired old boot she truly is!!Callas wiped the FLOOR with her AND without even TRYING to!!!!An EXTREMELY pallid attempt at copying Maria!!She should've stuck with giving recitals as actual performance seems to always bring out her most UNappealing flaws!!Heifer...
OK, so the Eb wasn't her best - we all have off days! Apart from that, her singing is technically miraculous. As a young singer currently learning this aria, I know intimately just how incredibly difficult this is. Dame Joan has exactly the right voice - big, with easy coloratura - and I honestly haven't heard anyone with this size of voice who sings this with such ease. As for her diction - I can hear all the words, except where I, or any other professional wouldn't expect to!
I'm just joining in on this competition. Very cool! So you've already had Puritani and now Traviata. Is there some central place where I can find all the candidates/video's? And where do we place our final votes?
I think the staccato high D's near the end are in very poor taste. But...then again it IS an astonishing voice. Thing is...she's always Sutherland...never Violetta. It's not stupid to think that opera can or should try to be "real". Of course this isn't verismo, but Verdi certainly strove for more "reality", especially in this opera. The music should enhance the drama, not ignore it!
Look at what's showing of her chest on the passage preceding the Eb, you can see her breath drain and then suddenly fill up when she breathes for the Eb, and then drain again.
Her breath control was probably the best a soprano has had for decades.
You obviously haven't seen her in action at ROH, it's opera, it's not meant to be real , only stupid people would think so, take it as it's musically meant to be and you will hear the voice of the century!!
I didn't deny that she has a brilliant voice. She does. That is why I would rather listen to a recording. Just because opera isn't reality doesn't mean it shouldn't be genuine.
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Joan Sutherland is an okay Violetta and sucks at Lucia, the tempo is quick, her voice cracks in this performance, also the tenor is so bad, i can't explain it!!!!! His diction is much worse than her's!!!!! I love and prefer Callas for any role, after i heard Sutherland's Lucia, i said "Anything but Sutherland!!!!!!!!" Callas is my favorite!!!! Sutherland sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Operagodess78, you may not agree with what these users are saying, but that does not give you the right to be so hatefull. This conduct is not something that I will sit back and tollerate. I will never understand why people think this is acceptable. In any event, I am really unhappy with what you have resorted to here. It shows a lot about your lack of character....
if i'm correct, this is the time period where joan sutherland got a lot of "flack" for her less than perfect diction, which was later explained as a concentration on perfect breath/vibrato technique. she later worked extensively on balancing both and succeeded really well.
i have a much, much better live performance of this on some random cd. i can't remember the date. maybe early 60's?
anyway, she's amazing, and i have a bit of a hard time hearing anyone else in this role.
I heard Angela Gheorghiu first, and then I heard Teresa Stratas. So Joan Sutherland is the third... I lean a bit towards Angela Gheorghiu, even though her control isn't as good. But I have to say, despite diction, Joan Sutherland is good. I heard her sing Dvorak's "Song My Mother Taught Me" and I was very impressed with her singing.
It's fine...yes, the diction could use work, but who cares when you have this voice? However, I never cared for her consistent choice to break the dotted quarter-note high Cs into staccato eighth notes (4:17ish). Musically it shows great control, but it just...I don't know...makes Violetta sound less resolute and more concerned with showing off her pretty voice.
I'll have to disagree, true many other sopranos with a heavier voice really shows off their Cs, but Joan is my favorite simply because she separated them :)
I'd have to say I really loved Gheorghiu's Cs though, the Covent Garden one,
Cuando seas música podrás responder con toda la licencia posible. Yo soy un gran admirador de la Sutherland, encontrando que su Luicia y la de Callas son únicas e insuperables, pero eso no me hace desconocer cuando algún detalle existe.
She's good skilled but this isn't her best! I actually prefer this aria sung by a smaller and more agile voice! but is just my opinion whatever Joan Sutherland was always good. One of the gretest!
Really? I usually don't prefer her singing this aria either, but this specific clip is my absolute favourite. All of her recordings of this, hell, I'd rather listen to Dessay, but then I hear this one, and it's like, Please marry me, Joanie.
I don't understand what I find so different about this specific performance, but I think it far trumps all her other Sempre Liberas.
I fully agree with Yiudiumui! And Leugim1961 must be done deaf! This is a true belcanto lesson. SUPERLATIVE, period. We'll gonna have to wait for a very long time until we hear such great singing again.
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To those idiots out there who sheepishly comment on La Stupenda's rendition of Sempre Libera...try this: SUBLIME! Indeed, she was and so is this rendition. Susejf's comments are spot on!
please callas fans can go eat dung. don't care about your damn callas. but don't insult joan sutherland just to make callas look beta. she's great. i know. but to be honest she doesn't have the best voice so accept that and stop being so freakin ignorant and
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Solo una analfabeta española que no sabe un coño ni de musica ni de canto puede describir como ¨horrible¨esta interpretacion.Por otro lado un pais que tuve 40 años de dictadura franquista y que ahora,con un gobierno de pseudo'izquierda,le dispara a los clandestinos que tipo de cultura se puede esperar?
Por tu mala educacion no debía ni contestar. Primero aunque soy homosexual sería analfabeto terminado en o. Segundo no soy español y a mis abuelo lo fusilo la dictadura de Franco, pero a mi padre lo fusilo y torturo una dictadura sudamericana. Tercero no se cuantas veces has escuchado a Joan en un teatro, yo por suerte y aunque era bastante joven varias. Cuarto lee la partitura de esta aria y comprueba que no canta lo que hay escrito en ella, fundamentalmente el tiempo.
Analfabeta se usa para los dos casos seas o no seas gay,asi que esa es solo una excusa para proclamar lo que en tu pais parece ser la moda.
Se dice fucilado y no fusilado de modo que analfabeta siempre eres,al menos en castellano.
He escuchado a Sutherland-ya que no siendo su amigo como tu no la llamo Joan-desde el 1973 en Lucia con Pavarotti en el Covent Garden,creo que conozco su voz muy bien.
De leer la pertitura y el tiempo...por favor!Eso demuestra que eres un ignorante total.!!
Es verdad que Joan hacia eso, se salia de la partitura, PERO A LA REALEZA DEL BEL CANTO, A LA STUPENDA SE LE PERMITE, ESO Y MUCHO MAS. RECUERDA QUE ELLA ES LA MEJOR DEL SIGLO.
@doremicde Te equivocaste la critica mundial de los conocedores se lo dan a la Stupenda. La Callas tenia 3 registros, eso la descarto de ser la mejor, sera actiz buena pero no se compara a la Joan.
Ultima respuesta, el dinero me lo gano trabajando 14 horas diarias, pero si tu no eres de españa y viniste al liceu y al covent, no creo que seas pobre. No soy español pero vivo muy bien aki, de momento no se de donde eres. Y por último, coge el diccionario y busca FUSIL de donde viene fusilado. Y por cierto, la palabra cultura me parece una bobada, porque tambien es culto un campesino que sabe cuando plantar.
Esta analfabeta española se va dentro de quince días a ver Rigoletto a la Bastilla, y la semana pasada fue a ver a Cristina Gallardo Dômas, y el domingo el Oneguin con Arteta.
Y eso que significa que oir en el mundo entero cantantes te da mas cultura?eres asi de estupido que usas eso como argumento?Lo mas que quisieras demostrar es que tienes dinero para viajar:un burro cargado de dinero.
This is a lesson in Bel canto unlikekky to be heard on today's singers.The legato,breath comtrol,pitch and the way she sustain the tone is absolutely extraordinary.Renata Tebaldi defined her as "the greatest singer of the century"and she was right.
To those idiots that are judging her last note or her looks I advice to wash their mouths before even pronouncing her name.
She is definately one of the greatest. Do you know how tell a truly amazing artist... they make an incredibly piece of music look easy. She doesn't appear to be "working hard" in any of this piece of music. Most of the others listed in the contest... even those much younger... can't say that same.
The greatest singer of 20th century is Callas, and not only because of her voice, she is just the greatest, and everyone knows that, thats a given. And I personally prefer when singers go with what the composer has written and dont add. As far as I know the Eflat wasnt written by Verdi as well, correct me if Im wrong, even though I like when Callas does Eflat at the end
I was refering to what Renata Tebaldi(hope you know who she was..)to which I totally agree.Her technique was th best,Callas was a great artist but not a great singer.She had a voice full of defects and that is not opinion is a fact.Anyway you think it was Callas and I think it was Sutherland,respect other people's opinions.
When Callas add the Eflat it is ok with you when Sutherland does it it is not good..Are you being objective?
"looking as a drag queen":That remark shows who you are.
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Wow!!I immagine you went right away to check it out on google just to have something to write on you tube,Warhol was right :now you have your 2 minutes of fame...
I think you should hold your horses a bit. I was trying to clarify something. I am a big fan of Sutherland, Galli-Curci, and Tetrazzini. I don't know why my comment infuriated you. Let's not be so sensitive, ok?
fantastic support of high, thick, large register and fantastically fast and accurate coloratura, lower register notes badly supported, ennunciation from moderate in most points to dreadful at few...
She truly posses all the qualities required from the composer: the colour, the range, the coloratura and the understanding of how to sing the romantic bell canto. Indeed she does not have the control over the Italian language that one would wish, and her articulation is always not there in Italian. But what a voice, what a phenomenal capacity and technique! The character, Violetta as probably Verdi and Dumas wanted her to be, is not there with Sutherland, but vocally she is remarkable.
Wouaaaaaaah i love her hairstyle!!And the dress my God!!!!Rawdevil1992 you have...how to say that... elegants comments.Ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Wow...How OLD are you? You sound very mature. I also like the fact that your comment makes relevant points. *hopes the sarcastic tone wasn't too inconspicuous*
This is quite a spectacular rendition. For those who said something about the high note, it is not her best, but is not bad. She has some tension is the problem. Most singers would be happy if that was their D#.
80 for voice / characterisation? who cares?????!!!!!
1717PRO 2 months ago
Most elegant display of vocal acrobatics.
That final note is as solid as a diamond. She is Violetta.
calaftheeast 4 months ago
absolutamente indestructible
bellini7verdi 6 months ago
Has to be our Joan...god rest her soul...What a voice..going whatch it again even if it is youtube!!
cybertopc 6 months ago
one of the BEST Violetta i have ever heard...and imagine! this is only through youtube..imagine it LIVE!!!!
musicalopera93 6 months ago
Joan wins again!The staccatii Cs and coloratura to the cadencing Ab all in one glorious breath seals the deal......RIP darling,untouchable Joan!
lastupendaboy 8 months ago
the tenor is pretty dreadful
mermanonbroadway 9 months ago
This woman was fantastic!
ezayi 11 months ago
+ 10 !!! SUBLIME !!!
Joan ci manchi !
31122051 11 months ago
We have lost one of the greatest!!!!!! Rest in Peace and my God Bless her family.
founder222 1 year ago
Rest in Peace Dame Joan!
trumansf 1 year ago
One of the greatest sopranos has left us! We'll miss her
fabrizietto1980 1 year ago
STUPENDA.
munequitodeebano1 1 year ago
She seems to take liberties with the original score doesn't she? I am used to a sempre libera quite different from this one.
matthieusarah 1 year ago
Nothing wrong with this performance. Oviously she was more agile when she was younger, and her pitch was more spot on. This said I am not a huge fan of Joan Sutherland, but noone can deny that she had great technique and some of the best placed high notes in the profession. Traviata was a perfect role for her vocally.
TheRealAngelHeart 1 year ago 4
What about Anna Moffo or Maria Callas?? They own this!!
KrystalB25 1 year ago
Of course, she sings "high notes" more easily than Cotrubas. But Cotrubas brings so much more emotion, she is so much more distressing! And THAT is the main thing, in art.
BrunoLien 1 year ago
@BrunoLien Uhhhhhhhh nooooo... there is no comparison between Joanie and Ileana Cotrubas
LaMostraESopra 1 year ago
@LaMostraESopra That's your opinion. My FEELING is quite different. Sutherland is a singer, making a virtuoso vocal performance, Cotrubas IS a distressing Traviata. That makes a big difference. (And Carlos Kleiber felt it like me!)
BrunoLien 1 year ago
@LaMostraESopra Between Joan and anyone, for that matter.
LaStupenda 10 months ago
@BrunoLien
um, actually emotion is NOT the main thing in bel canto. that's not to say it isn't important, but in bel canto, singing with solid technique and pleasing tone is first priority. also, the emotions expressed in bel canto are more refined and often times (but not always) less intense.
PS: even in other art forms, most (but not all) of the best art (imho) is that which expressed more subtle, complicated emotion that is not communicated forthright. feel free to disagree tho =)
raigekimaru 1 year ago
I think her act was perfect and if you pay attention to her notes... they were perfect too
You see women singing this area with serious face... Violeta was about joy and happiness
RonaldBarone 1 year ago
Really, girls, all this sniping! Joan was NOT the greatest actress in this opera, but she was the greatest SINGER of it. I saw her more times than I can count and she never disappointed, she never fell below her high standard, she continued to sing into her sixties with integrity, above all technique, and beautiful voice. Kiri? Forget it. Anderson? You're kidding! They're fine, if you like black and white TV, but Joan was the Queen of Song, assured her place in the history books.
Sutherland2 1 year ago
A competition! My score is 6 out of 10. Ms Sutherland has a superb voice and incredible stage presence. However her obvious energy (she looks as if she will live 100 years!) and limited acting and vulnerability mean that she is not a credible Violetta.
Oldtinear 1 year ago
Kiri is the finest I've ever heard in this particular aria. I've yet to hear Dame Joan perform it in her youth. Yet, I feel compelled to say at least as much regarding Dame Kiri's performance in this opera. One really cannot overstate the sheer beauty of either of their voices. But this aria is very difficult and not many, even of the best, are able to fully master it. Kiri's is excellent!!
TheJbach 1 year ago
this is definitely one of the best versions to listen to, but i agree that her acting leaves a little to be desired. However if you consider that from your seat in the audience you would probably not even be able to see her facial expressions, she would definitely be my 1st choice live. Dvd i might go for another singer...
ebrizz1 1 year ago
Dear Coloraturafan!
Could you Please tell me how to get this?
It's GORGEOS!!!
Can I buy the DVD or video somewhere?
If not, would it be possible to get it from you?
Please!
Thank you!:)
ILoveJoanSutherland 1 year ago
ahhh... she does the Tetrazzini 12 high Cs. Bravaaaaaa!!
belcunto 1 year ago 3
Sutherland sembra la mamma di Violetta ...povero Alfredo ...
bodiloto 1 year ago
She is better than I would have expected in this role, more playful.
Of course the voice is great.
But my favourites would be Callas and Sills.
Smile6784 1 year ago
I can never believe these classless,biased remarks...do something great yourself;grow up or disappear,please.
lastupendaboy 1 year ago 2
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she's a fat ol lez that copied most every role that Maria brought out of MOTHBALLS...which wouldn't be so 'bad' if she bothered ever to give credit where credit IS due...i mean even her HUSBAND (Richard) credits Callas throughout every PART of old Joanies role selections AND interpretive style she a-herrm...'borrowed' from Maria!!!!Look it up...i'm not doin your work FOR you!!
TheMrMaz 1 year ago
Wow. Your reasoning and comments is just one big ridiculous EPIC FAIL!
CatalinaDM56 1 year ago
Fue una presentacion muy buena,pero para mi gusto,nadie interpreta mejor sempre libera,que MARIA CALLAS en especial la interpretacion que hizo en MEXICO en 1952 en el palacio de bellas artes,para mi gusto nadie se comprara con esa presentacion.
kuintesa 1 year ago
@kuintesa Mira que a mi me parece lo contrario, mejor que la Stupenda no hubo, ademas a los 50 años La Callas estaba acabada!!! no cantabe ni la cucaracha, mira la historia, en cambio esta señora canto 40 AÑOS DE MANERA BELLA Y SIN CANCELAR UNA PRESENTACION!!!!!
acitipo 10 months ago
la dizione della Sutherland si sa che non è buona però questo brano le è stato congeniale per 30 anni con agilità perfette ecc.....magnifica
BELCANTOish 2 years ago
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BELCANTOish 2 years ago
don't joke. the only real Violetta is RENATA TEBALDI!!!
GothicDaemonia 2 years ago
@GothicDaemonia La Tebaldi nunca canto el re sobre agudo al final, tenia una voz de angel, pero era limitada para los sobre agudos.
acitipo 2 years ago
John Alexander
Hituk056 2 years ago
who is playing Alfredo here?
ArwenOfLorien 2 years ago
The best ever
MsWhippet1 2 years ago
She is absolutely "yhe" very best Violetta of all (except Callas) , Joan Sutherland has excatly the "voice" for all the acts (not only the first one and the last one ) ! She had all the agilitu of the end of the first aria , but also the power in the medium for the second act (for exemple) ! I really don't care about that or that note ! I don't care ! She ist "la prima donna assoluta" , the real Coloratura lirica
motardbear15 2 years ago 5
I agree with you 100 % I think you have the TRUE understanding
MrStupendousluvforJo 2 years ago
I love Joan Sutherland. Truly, madly deeply, but her later work was a shadow. still the best "engine" in history.
Brava Maria Callas.
saintbarbara 2 years ago
While I am impressed with Sutherland, of course, my favorite above ALL others on this piece is still Anna Moffo...Anna Moffo and did I say Anna Moffo!
MoorOfDundee 2 years ago
Where's Beverly Sills and Maria Callas on this list???? They were both better than Sutherland in this role, Joan gives it a valiant effort and had a great voice no doubt but this role belongs to Sills and Callas. Joan cracked at 3;05 ...a small crack but never-the-less noticeable and she went flat at 4;40 on the Eb I love Joan but Sills and Callas were better IMHO.
Etnalleb 2 years ago
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and...HER...dying of CONSUMPTION??Not while there's a Kentucky or a Micky Dee's still standing,LoL!!What a tired old boot she truly is!!Callas wiped the FLOOR with her AND without even TRYING to!!!!An EXTREMELY pallid attempt at copying Maria!!She should've stuck with giving recitals as actual performance seems to always bring out her most UNappealing flaws!!Heifer...
TheMrMaz 2 years ago
Would you mind pointing out the "UNappealing flaws"? So that the entire community could recognise it too?
Drelnis 2 years ago
TRAGIC!!!!
TheMrMaz 2 years ago
Canta tutto con un' eleganza e una facilità sbalorditive! E' stata davvero la più grande cantante di tutti i tempi!
leprincebeaumont 2 years ago
l'apprezzo tantissimo con pregi e difetti..è nell'olimpo delle grandi
IpPolitT 2 years ago
Oh, that high note at the end was insipid!!
ziploxx 2 years ago
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ziploxx 2 years ago
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Anna netrebko the best *.* !
WendyBateria 2 years ago
Not her best effort. Not so great in general, and yes this clip IS from 1975.
Her singing is still very good, and she was in her prime at this time.
parker930 2 years ago
I think it's unfair to judge her on this version... amazing neverthless, but certainly not her best.
eugenelohks 2 years ago 2
Oh...The staccato notes are Cs.
lastupendaboy 2 years ago
DITTO Spizzell1!!!!!Just the best!
lastupendaboy 2 years ago
No one else sings like she does. No one. I love that she sings the sticatto D's. It was different than the others. JUST THE BEST.
spizzell1 2 years ago
Are the staccati c''' not D''' ?
VictrolaCredenza 2 years ago
this is not a 1975 performance of sutherland it is during 1980's in Australia so i think in her late 50's is unfair to have used this clip
anthonyhenrysmith 2 years ago
yes, this is 1975, the Met in Tokyo....
coloraturafan 2 years ago
@anthonyhenrysmith I wouldn't mind at all if this were the 1980 version, becuse she is just amazing!!
BMX90 6 months ago
@anthonyhenrysmith Do they speak Japanese in Australia?
Get your facts clear before writting such stupidity!!
Liu666able 6 months ago
Eek, the Eb was even worse than I had remembered, I wish she had left it out, fabulous performance otherwise.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
OK, so the Eb wasn't her best - we all have off days! Apart from that, her singing is technically miraculous. As a young singer currently learning this aria, I know intimately just how incredibly difficult this is. Dame Joan has exactly the right voice - big, with easy coloratura - and I honestly haven't heard anyone with this size of voice who sings this with such ease. As for her diction - I can hear all the words, except where I, or any other professional wouldn't expect to!
orpheuschick 2 years ago
I'm just joining in on this competition. Very cool! So you've already had Puritani and now Traviata. Is there some central place where I can find all the candidates/video's? And where do we place our final votes?
dokterdennis 2 years ago
I think the staccato high D's near the end are in very poor taste. But...then again it IS an astonishing voice. Thing is...she's always Sutherland...never Violetta. It's not stupid to think that opera can or should try to be "real". Of course this isn't verismo, but Verdi certainly strove for more "reality", especially in this opera. The music should enhance the drama, not ignore it!
Vsevolod14 2 years ago
Look at what's showing of her chest on the passage preceding the Eb, you can see her breath drain and then suddenly fill up when she breathes for the Eb, and then drain again.
Her breath control was probably the best a soprano has had for decades.
Mooorhe 2 years ago 2
I'm sorry... but she is such a bad actress. I'd rather just listen to a recording.
evilsushix 2 years ago 3
You obviously haven't seen her in action at ROH, it's opera, it's not meant to be real , only stupid people would think so, take it as it's musically meant to be and you will hear the voice of the century!!
Rattywotin 2 years ago
I didn't deny that she has a brilliant voice. She does. That is why I would rather listen to a recording. Just because opera isn't reality doesn't mean it shouldn't be genuine.
evilsushix 2 years ago
The fact that for some their favorite Maria Callas, that will not be deprived of the best soprano Sutherland
manonscate69 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Joan Sutherland is an okay Violetta and sucks at Lucia, the tempo is quick, her voice cracks in this performance, also the tenor is so bad, i can't explain it!!!!! His diction is much worse than her's!!!!! I love and prefer Callas for any role, after i heard Sutherland's Lucia, i said "Anything but Sutherland!!!!!!!!" Callas is my favorite!!!! Sutherland sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
spencevideosite 2 years ago
You know what? I think the same way. "anything but sutherland" But of course they will call you "ignorant"
nicevidbro 2 years ago
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operagodess78 2 years ago
Operagodess78, you may not agree with what these users are saying, but that does not give you the right to be so hatefull. This conduct is not something that I will sit back and tollerate. I will never understand why people think this is acceptable. In any event, I am really unhappy with what you have resorted to here. It shows a lot about your lack of character....
coloraturafan 2 years ago
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operagodess78 2 years ago
I do not have a lack in character. You on the other hand of lack of self-esteem.
operagodess78 2 years ago
@coloraturafan Dear c.,
When you say you will never understand why people think this is acceptable, etc.
Note that it is possible to understand why folk think and say such hateful things.
In fact it is important to study such people in one's lifetime as the understanding can protect one's own sanity.
.
Melanie Klein wrote a lot about the thinking behind folk's hatefulness, check it out if you're able; studying the unconscious is very interesting.
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Thanks for posting such great music.
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Call1800POO 1 year ago 2
That's a nice reasoned and objective opinion.
scotsw12 2 years ago
I know that it is an opinion. And, most opinion are not reasoned or objective. It is usually what we like. And I just like her.
spizzell1 2 years ago
ah. we always tend to lead to the first one we hear, eh?
she was wonderfully talented. and was about 50 years old at this performance. la stupenda, indeed.
coloraturajoy 2 years ago
Pretty good voice, but I think the tempo's a bit too quick and the diction isn't too great.
Er... As to the looks... I'm not commenting on that.
But Joan Sutherland sounds great. Just that her diction needed work.
Felicity1247 2 years ago
if i'm correct, this is the time period where joan sutherland got a lot of "flack" for her less than perfect diction, which was later explained as a concentration on perfect breath/vibrato technique. she later worked extensively on balancing both and succeeded really well.
i have a much, much better live performance of this on some random cd. i can't remember the date. maybe early 60's?
anyway, she's amazing, and i have a bit of a hard time hearing anyone else in this role.
coloraturajoy 2 years ago
I heard Angela Gheorghiu first, and then I heard Teresa Stratas. So Joan Sutherland is the third... I lean a bit towards Angela Gheorghiu, even though her control isn't as good. But I have to say, despite diction, Joan Sutherland is good. I heard her sing Dvorak's "Song My Mother Taught Me" and I was very impressed with her singing.
Felicity1247 2 years ago
Grat voice, bad actress, not her best role!
ferrykalos 2 years ago
It's fine...yes, the diction could use work, but who cares when you have this voice? However, I never cared for her consistent choice to break the dotted quarter-note high Cs into staccato eighth notes (4:17ish). Musically it shows great control, but it just...I don't know...makes Violetta sound less resolute and more concerned with showing off her pretty voice.
KatherineXIX 3 years ago
I'll have to disagree, true many other sopranos with a heavier voice really shows off their Cs, but Joan is my favorite simply because she separated them :)
I'd have to say I really loved Gheorghiu's Cs though, the Covent Garden one,
Drelnis 3 years ago
not such a great high Eb from Joan...and would you look at the beehive on that woman's head??
skitzo429 3 years ago
i was thinking that the Eb sounded kinda out of tune and shaky too..didnt know if it was me or not
musoph21 2 years ago
What is she saying!?!? It's terrible!!!!!
11Believer 3 years ago
yes, she was criticied for her diction for most of her career.
skitzo429 3 years ago
And I always admire her for that when she laughs at herself for "mushy diction"
Drelnis 3 years ago
QUé lástima que la nota final estuvo calada. Pero somos seres humanos.
filiodecallas 3 years ago
Cual nota calada?Revisa tus oidos y no digas tantas pendejadas!
Esto es la perfeccion en absoluto
zorrodelalirica 3 years ago
Cuando seas música podrás responder con toda la licencia posible. Yo soy un gran admirador de la Sutherland, encontrando que su Luicia y la de Callas son únicas e insuperables, pero eso no me hace desconocer cuando algún detalle existe.
filiodecallas 2 years ago
PUES TIENES RAZON, puede ser un moco atravesado, eso a veces pasa, PERO ESO NO DEJA DE QUE SEA LA MEJOR DEL SIGLO, QUE VIVA LA STUPENDA!!!!!!
acitipo 2 years ago
@acitipo
si es cierto, ella era el canto personificado
manonscate69 1 year ago
I'm sorry voices don't get much more agile than this and this isn't even near her best.
spintotenor83 3 years ago 9
Sempru lhhhibera!
quis178 3 years ago 3
Any more constructive criticism?
Jabe88 3 years ago
She's good skilled but this isn't her best! I actually prefer this aria sung by a smaller and more agile voice! but is just my opinion whatever Joan Sutherland was always good. One of the gretest!
yodavidnavarro 3 years ago
Really? I usually don't prefer her singing this aria either, but this specific clip is my absolute favourite. All of her recordings of this, hell, I'd rather listen to Dessay, but then I hear this one, and it's like, Please marry me, Joanie.
I don't understand what I find so different about this specific performance, but I think it far trumps all her other Sempre Liberas.
LaMostraESopra 3 years ago
She is the best!
64marc64 3 years ago
I like Sutherland. And I like Callas. Both very different artists. And both sublime artists. Brava Joan! Brava Maria!
jimthewriter 3 years ago 10
4/2
asisecanta 3 years ago
Stupendous Stupenda - no-one better
tubeguy999 3 years ago
I fully agree with Yiudiumui! And Leugim1961 must be done deaf! This is a true belcanto lesson. SUPERLATIVE, period. We'll gonna have to wait for a very long time until we hear such great singing again.
GoldenAgeSunshine 3 years ago
what´s there to complain? Great dramatic coloratura soprano, brilliantly sung cabaletta (except for one or two moments). 5/3
operabuff1 3 years ago 2
Leugin 1961
Que sabe el burro de alfajores cuando en su casa no hacen dulces!!!!
Joan es la mas grande soprano del siglo XX!!!
acitipo 3 years ago
Much as I love Devia - Joanie wins it. Hands down.
A newbie to watch - Eglise Gutierrez.
52jc 3 years ago
Did someone attend a certain Cincinnati performance? She was, indeed, quite impressive.
splair 3 years ago
Simply la Stupenda!
dessayfan 3 years ago
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To those idiots out there who sheepishly comment on La Stupenda's rendition of Sempre Libera...try this: SUBLIME! Indeed, she was and so is this rendition. Susejf's comments are spot on!
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
please callas fans can go eat dung. don't care about your damn callas. but don't insult joan sutherland just to make callas look beta. she's great. i know. but to be honest she doesn't have the best voice so accept that and stop being so freakin ignorant and
yiudiumui 3 years ago
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horrible!!!!!
leugim1961 3 years ago
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Leugim1961-Were you dropped on your head when you were a kid?
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
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Solo una analfabeta española que no sabe un coño ni de musica ni de canto puede describir como ¨horrible¨esta interpretacion.Por otro lado un pais que tuve 40 años de dictadura franquista y que ahora,con un gobierno de pseudo'izquierda,le dispara a los clandestinos que tipo de cultura se puede esperar?
susejf 3 years ago
Por tu mala educacion no debía ni contestar. Primero aunque soy homosexual sería analfabeto terminado en o. Segundo no soy español y a mis abuelo lo fusilo la dictadura de Franco, pero a mi padre lo fusilo y torturo una dictadura sudamericana. Tercero no se cuantas veces has escuchado a Joan en un teatro, yo por suerte y aunque era bastante joven varias. Cuarto lee la partitura de esta aria y comprueba que no canta lo que hay escrito en ella, fundamentalmente el tiempo.
leugim1961 3 years ago
Analfabeta se usa para los dos casos seas o no seas gay,asi que esa es solo una excusa para proclamar lo que en tu pais parece ser la moda.
Se dice fucilado y no fusilado de modo que analfabeta siempre eres,al menos en castellano.
He escuchado a Sutherland-ya que no siendo su amigo como tu no la llamo Joan-desde el 1973 en Lucia con Pavarotti en el Covent Garden,creo que conozco su voz muy bien.
De leer la pertitura y el tiempo...por favor!Eso demuestra que eres un ignorante total.!!
susejf 3 years ago
Es verdad que Joan hacia eso, se salia de la partitura, PERO A LA REALEZA DEL BEL CANTO, A LA STUPENDA SE LE PERMITE, ESO Y MUCHO MAS. RECUERDA QUE ELLA ES LA MEJOR DEL SIGLO.
acitipo 2 years ago
NO; LA MEJOR DEL SIGLO ES MARIA CALLAS
doremicde 2 years ago
@doremicde Te equivocaste la critica mundial de los conocedores se lo dan a la Stupenda. La Callas tenia 3 registros, eso la descarto de ser la mejor, sera actiz buena pero no se compara a la Joan.
acitipo 2 years ago
Y por cierto, si te interesa te envio el programa de la Lucia con la que se despidio del Liceu de Barcelona cantando con Kraus, firmado por los dos.
leugim1961 3 years ago
No,no me interesa para nada:Yo asisti a esa funcion.Quedate con ella y consolate.
susejf 3 years ago
Ultima respuesta, el dinero me lo gano trabajando 14 horas diarias, pero si tu no eres de españa y viniste al liceu y al covent, no creo que seas pobre. No soy español pero vivo muy bien aki, de momento no se de donde eres. Y por último, coge el diccionario y busca FUSIL de donde viene fusilado. Y por cierto, la palabra cultura me parece una bobada, porque tambien es culto un campesino que sabe cuando plantar.
leugim1961 3 years ago
Si fue tu ultima respuesta fue la peor!!
Me quedo con el campesino en lugar del maricon!!
susejf 3 years ago
Esta analfabeta española se va dentro de quince días a ver Rigoletto a la Bastilla, y la semana pasada fue a ver a Cristina Gallardo Dômas, y el domingo el Oneguin con Arteta.
leugim1961 3 years ago
Y eso que significa que oir en el mundo entero cantantes te da mas cultura?eres asi de estupido que usas eso como argumento?Lo mas que quisieras demostrar es que tienes dinero para viajar:un burro cargado de dinero.
susejf 3 years ago
DEVIA is the best..best notes, best diaphragm!
vassiliskostopoulos 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Vassi-Are you referring to Devia's diaphragm or her anus?
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
You are really stupid and ignorant!what the fuck means "best diaphram"?have you seen it?What a moron!!
susejf 3 years ago
3:08. Bizarre?
zamolxis7 3 years ago
This is a lesson in Bel canto unlikekky to be heard on today's singers.The legato,breath comtrol,pitch and the way she sustain the tone is absolutely extraordinary.Renata Tebaldi defined her as "the greatest singer of the century"and she was right.
To those idiots that are judging her last note or her looks I advice to wash their mouths before even pronouncing her name.
Thanks Joan for all those wonderful yaers!!
susejf 3 years ago
She is definately one of the greatest. Do you know how tell a truly amazing artist... they make an incredibly piece of music look easy. She doesn't appear to be "working hard" in any of this piece of music. Most of the others listed in the contest... even those much younger... can't say that same.
Hawnzz 3 years ago
yeah, she fucked up the end, and that thing she did at 4.17, that was strange, sounded good though, but very strange
trumansf 3 years ago
To define "fucked up"her attempt to hit the high
Eflat at the end of the aria is disrespectful being dame Joan the greatest singer of the century.
That "strange"thing she did at 4:17 is a variation introduced by Galli-Gurci where ,instead of the syncopated 5 high c's written by Verdi,she did 13.
One should be more informed on his or hers opinons before pontificating them on you tube.
susejf 3 years ago
The greatest singer of 20th century is Callas, and not only because of her voice, she is just the greatest, and everyone knows that, thats a given. And I personally prefer when singers go with what the composer has written and dont add. As far as I know the Eflat wasnt written by Verdi as well, correct me if Im wrong, even though I like when Callas does Eflat at the end
trumansf 3 years ago
I was refering to what Renata Tebaldi(hope you know who she was..)to which I totally agree.Her technique was th best,Callas was a great artist but not a great singer.She had a voice full of defects and that is not opinion is a fact.Anyway you think it was Callas and I think it was Sutherland,respect other people's opinions.
When Callas add the Eflat it is ok with you when Sutherland does it it is not good..Are you being objective?
"looking as a drag queen":That remark shows who you are.
susejf 3 years ago
And about her looks, U cant judge opera singers by there looks, as for her, I love that she looks like a huge drag queen, it appeals to me!!!
trumansf 3 years ago
genuine ROFL at Trumansf.....huge drag queen comment lol--
Babs22h 3 years ago
ha!!!!!! XD
LimeGirl08 3 years ago
Hahahahaha! Couldn't agree more. viva Dame Joan!
magicmonkichi 3 years ago
Small correction : that was done by Tetrazzini first!
Jabe88 3 years ago
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Wow!!I immagine you went right away to check it out on google just to have something to write on you tube,Warhol was right :now you have your 2 minutes of fame...
susejf 3 years ago
I think you should hold your horses a bit. I was trying to clarify something. I am a big fan of Sutherland, Galli-Curci, and Tetrazzini. I don't know why my comment infuriated you. Let's not be so sensitive, ok?
Jabe88 3 years ago 2
he's just being an ass
yiudiumui 3 years ago
Wonderful!!!
Effortless!
jodobaggins 3 years ago
Love Sutherland...most others I've listened to start to screech on the high notes. Sutherland maintains a pure and pleasant tone.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago
One of the greatest .... Her final note was awful though
BuZakariyya2008 3 years ago
can someone tell me if there is a video recording of her doing this opera but with Pavarotti as the tenor?
STA6 3 years ago
4:17!!! that moment is perfect!!
I love Joan Sutherland, I think she is the best! :D
Klaudhius 3 years ago
una delle migliori soprano, ma oggettivamente molto brutta, improbabile nei panni di violetta, ma per fortuna è teatro..
hardcape 3 years ago
Who is the Tenor?
franktenor 3 years ago
John Alexander
Jabe88 3 years ago
It's always a treat to see this video back...
Welcome Back CF!
xxx
Jabe88 3 years ago
Brava, Brava!
jamesotek 3 years ago
fantastic support of high, thick, large register and fantastically fast and accurate coloratura, lower register notes badly supported, ennunciation from moderate in most points to dreadful at few...
Lohengrin 3 years ago
She truly posses all the qualities required from the composer: the colour, the range, the coloratura and the understanding of how to sing the romantic bell canto. Indeed she does not have the control over the Italian language that one would wish, and her articulation is always not there in Italian. But what a voice, what a phenomenal capacity and technique! The character, Violetta as probably Verdi and Dumas wanted her to be, is not there with Sutherland, but vocally she is remarkable.
colonia3059 3 years ago
Ooh, but I must say that her E-flat is indeed a little strained here, since her vibrato never comes through on the note.
But oh well, even the best are allowed to have an off day.
LaMostraESopra 3 years ago
Aw I love Joanie!
I wish I could adopt her! [of course, a 15-year-old mother with an 81-year-old daughter might not be the best]
Usually, although Sutherland is my favourite singer, I don't really think she excels in this aria, but this version... Wow. She's just unbelievable.
Proving that she really is La Stupenda once again!
LaMostraESopra 3 years ago
She could be your grandma. :)
ChrisStockslager 3 years ago
she may not be as beautiful as others, as rawdevil clearly stated...but her voice is beautiful. I loved the way she tackled that aria!
secretsquirrel16 3 years ago
Rawdevil, as we say here in Austrlia.... you are a complete goose!
dollartwenty 4 years ago
What must a RAWDEVIL look like???How could you possibly comment on someone else's looks?Grow the f...up,to use your language.
lastupendaboy 4 years ago 3
Wouaaaaaaah i love her hairstyle!!And the dress my God!!!!Rawdevil1992 you have...how to say that... elegants comments.Ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
AZOA909 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
spectacular song-- but Joan's butt ugly!!
Im glad she retired-- but please, Joan, if you can read this-- GET FUCKED!!!
rawdevil1992 4 years ago
hahahahahahahaha!!
raymzi 4 years ago
You should get professional help immediately...
the same goes to you!
Jabe88 4 years ago
Wow...How OLD are you? You sound very mature. I also like the fact that your comment makes relevant points. *hopes the sarcastic tone wasn't too inconspicuous*
ChantantReve 4 years ago
mind your language, please!
shame on you
kateholli 4 years ago
This is quite a spectacular rendition. For those who said something about the high note, it is not her best, but is not bad. She has some tension is the problem. Most singers would be happy if that was their D#.
musiqmarquis 4 years ago
Es verdad fue un lapsus, es Violeta y no Lucia, gracias.
acitipo 4 years ago
Excellent!
teufel0708 4 years ago
He visto muchas lucias, pero como ella nunca!!! es la reina.
acitipo 4 years ago
Pero aqui ella canta La Traviata! Es Violetta!
Jabe88 4 years ago