Elizabeth Parcells Doll Song, Tales of Hoffmann

[LauraRose83]

I'm almost there!

[telephilia]

On the second stanza the melisma at about the 3:09 mark is now the standard even though it is not indicated on this score or the one I have which simply repeat that of the first stanza. The convention in Hoffman's time and today remains in coloratura not to necessarily sing note for note a repeated phrase as written but to sometimes vary (often in the direction of greater virtuosity.)

[princesstootsweet2]

where can i find thiiiiis???? i want it so badly but it's not on itunes :/

[MisterSenseless]

it's "chanson gentile" the first time, you sang the second verse's "chanson mignon"

[jfluter]

HOLY CRAP! That was amazing! High Fs and Gs! WOW!

[Lisaveta1991]

Does she forget the words to everything she sings?

[s2broadwaybabys2]

that is an amazing high Eb!!! how does she hold it out without cracking at all???? amazingg!!! brava :]

[gestas60323]

A truly magnificent Olympia - and in a live performance. Incredible !!!

[Corflamum]

Every operatic song can be taken with a little license unless its something like Wozzeck. And she has a very nice voice.

Still though, I agree with Msr. Grandier--a bit much on the ornamentation. Toning it down could have helped. Particularly in the cadenza where she's quite out of tune.

[PGRANDIER]

briliiant , but why add notes that are not written originally?, well i guess it has to do with a little narcisism from the performer , but anyway bravisimo impressive, bravo!!!!

[EmilyGreene1984]

Ever heard of artistic license, this is a concert performance. So it doesn't have to be exact.

[killerbunny123123]

actually almost no one sings the original piece.....they most often modify and add the notes.....it would be boring otherwise right? And yes, Parcells is a little narcisist.....really, she doesnt get to me, she is not hot but not cold....just indifferent

[PGRANDIER]

the purity of her intonation is stunning.

[Jaydoggy531]

It is actually in the style to add notes, especially for repeated sections. In the old days if you did not add embellishments for a repeated phrase the audience would boo you off the stage.

It's part of this style for the performer to add their own creativity into the work. The composer actually expects it.

[Ringosfinger]

i was in this opera as a teenager and this song i thought was the most stunning, and 'm sure in this opera it probably always will be

[skitzo429]

i prefer the high Eb a bit stronger in this, i dont think the soft pretty approach really fits this role. This is obviously the big bravura climax of the aria, but she is supposed to be a mechanical doll, which is why i dont think the soft, finess-laden sound works as well. She has great technique though

[fromheretoglory]

So great,... BRAVA,....!!! :-)

[andrewoconnorblue]

amzing!

[RAATCC36]

wow amazing control !

[nightbeauty02]

wow! i hope i can sing this for my recital next semester!

[operaboy81]

Beautiful rendition of the doll song. Seeing the music makes you realize how challenging this aria is. It is high tessitura throughout the whole aria.

[jackinboy83]

Bravissima!

[Agathacarolina]

Wonderful voice!

[Mamasan41]

BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!

[Iareto]

Lovin' the pianissimi at :48. Her trills are a little harsh for me, but I was raised on Dessay's softer trills so that's just a personal thing. Her high notes were lovely, and her control is solid. What a great soprano. Those pianissimos keep getting to me. Last high note didn't sound like a shreik either! Brilliant performance.