Well, this concert must have been before she was FIRED from The Met about 12 years. In person she was a bitch. Ask anyone who worked with her.......including me!
@iDefenestrated Do you also ask the movie critic who gave a popular movie a poor review if he can make a better film? Do you ask a literary critic who wrote a scathing review of the newest play if he can write a better one?
Classical musicians have criticized each other for CENTURIES. Doing so is not saying that we personally could do a better job than the person being criticized. We are comparing a performer to their PEERS, not to ourselves. Get it?
@goldenthroat86 - Many speak on a number of things and offer criticism. However it doesn't mean they have the education and objectivity to do so. And any honest singer will tell you difficult this is to pull off as cleanly and beautifully as KB does.
Besides, asking someone if they could do a better job, so that they do would be deserving of an Emmy award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Classical Program on Television, as Kathleen Battle was, is an unfair question. Few can.
This clip makes my heart jump for joy; Kathy is my cousin. When I was a little girl visiting her dad, my great-grand mother's (her aunt Florence's brother, named John) I would pull on her long pony-tail while she tried to comb her hair in front of me. I knew then there was something special about her.
its almost like her voice is too pure and she makes it sound too easy...... beautiful.... but not my favorite. i almost want her voice to have more substance and a more dramatic affect.
@RoOodOoOloOmeg who cares why she does it, her high notes were divine so for whatever reason she chose to do that it was working lol... you are right though I haven't seen many do that but that's why there will only be one Kathleen BATTLE!
Why oh why must so many of you get into a so and so versus so and so contest? Each singer stands alone on her own merits. There is no need to compare one to the other.
Comparing Battle to Callas? Come on! Battle's sound is sweet and pretty but really! It's all surface glitter with nothing underneath. This is like comparing Secretariat to a palfrey (you opera queens can look that one up). Callas made an indelible mark on the world of opera; Battle sounds like dozens (maybe hundreds) of other light sopranos and there is absolutely nothing unique about her voice. I wish she had been as good as she thought she was.
@meinfb Has anyone ever compared the two? Outside of Rosina they didn't sing any of the same rep. However you are 100% wrong when you say that Battle was just like "any other" light soprano. In the light soprano rep Battle is undeniably one of the greatest of all time. Now if you just think that the music for light sopranos is boring, that is you. But that shows a closed mind. There music, like all music can be performed at a high level. And Battle acheived that. Despite being a crazy nutjob.
i love this vesion of the song ...her sound is just right for it ...another version i like is that of edita gruberova ...in concert ..u can check it out if u type in the title of the song and add interview ...she sings it with lots of stoccato ...brill
Not bad, but not as good as a few I could name. I hear her high notes as strained and somewhat "shrieky" here. And why oh why does she breath so loudly through her nose on the last two breaths. How distracting is that. That said, I do believe she has one of the sweetest sounding voices in the more moderate vocal ranges.
@ltginpdx shrieky. Fuck you bitch!! Let hear you open your damn mouth. Thats the problem now a days. Everyones a critic but they have no talent. If your gonna put her down at least you should sound better than her. I dont think you do FUCKER!!!
@stefnasty I encourage you to listen to Beverly Sills performance of this aria in 1968 (green velvet dress, giant chess pieces on set.) Her ease with the high notes contrasts with K. Battles relative strain. I did admit that K. Battle has one of the sweetest lyric voices EVER in opera, but I believe her vocal range is more limited than many of her contemporaries.
This is a very fine performance that shows off many of Battle's many assets - flexibility, a shimmering high register, etc. Although she did not do much in the bel canto rep (L'Elisir and an unsuccessful Daughter of the Regiment) this show her perhaps readying herself to expand her repertoire in that direction. It was a well chosen piece. Battle's singing can be "overmannered" at times and tend towards "divaism", but I find this performance to be refreshing and full or natural charm.
@naert1@naert1 Callas? Dont you mean the bull in the china shop. She had no finesse. She was a beast. Certainly not as classy and refined as the talented Ms. Battle.
While I do not dispute the artistry of Ms. Battle, I also much prefer the version performed by Beverly Sills as seen here on YouTube. I am NOT an opera purist, I simply know what sounds better to me, and in my opinion, Beverly did an excellent job given the time, and the fact that she performed it on television, introducing opera to everyday Americans such as me...
I'll never question Mrs Battle's vocal outstanding skills, but I can clearly hear here both bad vocabular and musical diction. This is one of the arias that show who the real coloratura virtuosi are.
I have watched various artist perform this...simply becuz I am a fan of Kathleen Battle...and I didnt want to be biased...and to be honest you have to admit....her sound is just pure clear and the songs are always amazingly interpreted...guess that is the beauty of being a performer and a teacher.
At the risk of wading into trouble, and in no way wanting to excuse anyones bad behavior, I have to wonder about something. Many artists and directors could be acused of being "uncharitable" or even "abusive" surely Kathleeen is not the worst? Then why is she the most castigated? Why not call out all to change their ways? Just asking?!
I think this is a beautiful job done by Kathleen Battle. Even though she had a hot temper, you must admit her voice is stunning. Also, I think anyone who hasn't seen Beverly Sills perform this piece on the Ed Sullivan Show MUST watch it. It is bel canto at its very best.
@belcanto9250 what exactly is bel canto? i am a singer, but i am not trained deeply in opera. i have a few arias in my book, but nowhere near the polished pavarotti...lol! i know bel canto is a style and a technique, but i think i'm going to look it up more!!
@goldenthroat86 I didn't say we should admire Kathleen Battle's personality, how she treated her colleagues or model her behaviour in our professional dealings. (Though oddly she always helped her duet partners sound good). In all of those respects she is only a model in what NOT to do. But why does that mean we can not admire her singing?
At the time of Battle's termination from the Met in '94, she was cast as the lead in The Daughter of the Regiment. During a rehearsal of that opera, when it was announced that Battle had been fired from the Met, " ...the entire cast, orchestra, and crew broke out in thunderous applause."
@goldenthroat86 Again? Why do you go to every Battle video and post the same things. Yes we know she was fired in disgrace. Does this mean we are not allowed to enjoy these performances?
That type of language is not in order with regards to a woman. And you say it with such Bravura - bring us the facts - not just they printed T-shirts which is now a 20 year old cliche. She is a devil amongst angels at the Met right?
A classic clip, have ALWAYS loved it. I'm so thankful for all the videos and recordings out there of Battle in her prime. An undeniably beautiful instrument.
Why does beautiful music like this always attract so many jealous, so-called music "experts", venting their frustrations that the featured performer's receiving the acclaim they desire by trying (& failing) to denigrate said artist, which, btw, only serves to make their jealousy that much more obvious.
Far more people would enjoy classical music, were they not constantly bombarded with the "educated" opinions of those pedantic morons.
One thing that bugs me about Battle is that she is unable to pronounce an italian T. It always sounds english and I find that disturbing in italian repertoire.
I certainly agree that diligent attention to detail is the mark of any professional. As a listener, however, my experience would be marred if I focused my attention on identifying all the details such that I might comment on them. I take a simpler approach: am I thrilled, is it beautiful, does it inspire? But I'm fairly basic and that is what works for me. It was wrong of me to project my approach on those with more erudition.
to say her Zerbinetta is terrible in my opinion is the most outrageous statement I have ever heard! Her Zerbinetta is the reason that I sing and study opera today and I am sure I am not the only person who has been inspired by her beautiful voice...this performance is so much more than "ok". I would LOVE to hear your rendition of this ridiculously hard aria and see just how "ok" it really is....and by the way, trust me dear Im sure Ms. Battle isnt losing any sleep knowing that you are NOT a fan
who asked you-- AGM1951--is that you your birth year--perhaps stone age Zerbinetta would better suit you. get a more modern life please--you are a terrible critic.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Perhaps "terrible" is a bit much but check out Reri Grist and you'll see what I mean. I saw both in performances and Grist was far superior. Battle was much better in the soubrette roles like Sohpie, Zerlina.
Sills' performance of this aria is still the standard I go by.
Ever dawn on you that she may get offers but decline? It is now public knowledge that she was aked to return by Peter Gelb and turned him down. I'm sure Gelb wasn't the only suitor, she's a money maker.
The MET FIRED Battle in 1994 because she was a bitch. It is not a fact that can be disputed. It has been written about MANY times. Everyone knows this. Music critics know this...OPERA news knows this...Hard core opera lovers know this. Since 1994 NOT ONE opera company in the world has hired her. NOT ONE in 15 years.
Golden, I heard that the previous singer was a few minutes late to vacate the dressing room and Battle had her personals neatly placed into the hallway.
I love Kathleen Battles voice! Although small, it has a distinctive timbre, wonderful control and a brightness that is essential in order to cut through an orchestra - all these elements trump 'size' any day! Beautiful!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
And yes...I HAVE heard her live on several occasions. Actually I should say I could BARELY hear her. It is one of the smallest voices I've ever encountered. When an operatic singer is singing in a 1500 seat hall with perfect acoustics for singing, you should be able to hear them over a piano. She had to be body miked at the MET. HMM...I wonder if that was before or after she broke into Kiri's dressing room and tossed out all of Te Kananwa's costumes, makeup, personal items, etc.
actually she never through anything of Te Kananwas costumes anywhere, you got your stories mixed up, and I doubt you've ever heard her live, no opera singer, especially one like kathleen battle uses or needs a mic, she was/is a great singer, her sophie is considered the greatest in MET history, the NYT said that not me, her Zerlina is sublime,and the Zdenka is fantastic as well, please dont go on youtube and try to revise history so to make battle seem overrated, she
You are ridiculous. The Metropolitan Opera never, ever, ever EVER! miked a singer. To say so is not just an insult to Battle but to the greatest opera company on earth. Bahia is correct, why was she such a reliable cash cow for the MET if no one could hear her? I heard her with orchestra in a decent sized concert hall in fortworth in the late 90s and she sounded SPECTACULAR. So do suck it will you?
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Having a big name doesn't make a singer great. Some of the most impressive singing I've heard came from singers I'd never heard of. There are THOUSANDS of sopranos with pretty voices out there. Through hard work, spunk, and a little luck, (Not to mention James Levine!) Battle managed to have a huge career despite her rather limited voice. She then started to believe her own press, became superbitch, and after a 15 yr career, not ONE opera house in the world has hired her since 1994.
Kathleen Batlle wa the best lyric sopran singer between 1985 and 1998. There are no other voices with such a brilliance in. And of course you can haer the school she made still today: The Lilly-Lehmann-Singer-school.
Too much modification in the vowel sounds. Strange face pulling. Noisy breathing. Very little emotional attachment. Sorry - but I prefer Gruberova....
mmmm...no. Watch her mouth. Look at the text of the aria and you will hear the modificaDon't get me wrong, I think Battle is a great artist and has a simply gorgeous instrument but I just don't get it in this aria.
to me, she sounds just fine in this particular aria. every soprano has their unique technique to execute and project. whatever battle uses works like wonder. i think it's just personal preference.
preference is one thing, but when you list things you personally don't deem good enough in your book to prove your fav. (ms. gruberova) is better, it's disrespect. you pretty much overthrew everything that ms battle had ever learned, worked hard for, and mastered into a pile of trash.
ms gruberova is a powerful soprano singing artist with her own imposing style. her rendition of the laughing song is the best example of her body of work.
I dispute that I show disrespect to Ms Battle. I am merely commenting in a dispassionate fashion on what I regard as flaws in her technique. I could equally comment on flaws in Ms Gruberova's technique also. It is not a question of over-throwing all she has learned, but a simple observation. Again, I repeat that no disrespect was intended and that I was trying to encourage a discussion and intercourse on why people regard her as their favourite as opposed to another singer.
I did not intend to offend you, Ms Battle or anyone else. I am a professional opera singer and have been at the sharp end of peoples' comments on You Tube, The Press, and on the net. Unfortunately, everyone has an opinion on what good technique is. But this is also what makes the art of singing so endlessly fascinating! xxx
Thanks for your insights. I have always been so fond of opera. Too bad I can't sing it myself since I am a guy. But, I love to sing in falsetto's to my fav. arias by bringing the keys a couple of notches down LOL. It doesn't sound all that bad! I do have a few fans who appreciate that art. How I wish I can sing like those wonderful opera singers. I am now trying to master O Mio Babino Caro LOL.
Perhaps David Daniels should start worrying! Sounds like he has a rival! David used to sing Leontyne Price arias at parties for friends before becoming a counter-tenor! LOL!
ms battle's fluid voice and clean technique are much preferred in this aria because she really makes you fly as an audience. she exults you with her bird like sound. her best work to me is voices of spring.
bottom line: they are both great. but, i am not going to attack and criticize another artist for the sake of another one just because i don't prefer her.
I can't believe that a "professional opera singer" would make such silly observations. Having worked in the field for many years, I've had the privliege of working with some of the best. At the end of the day, the purity, flexibility, schertzo, legato and accuracy of her vocal production are amazing. While she could often be difficult, she was worth it -- if she did her worst off-stage, she always delivered magnificently when on it. As for technique, the voice is still in amazing shape.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Her voice just does not move me. Her technique is strong but her voice lacks a special character. Also, I met her and she was a total B****. I lost all respect for her after that day.
I so agree with you on this in terms of her voice and merit. Oft, there is a lot of backstabbing in the music world and one does not always know what the true 'goings on' are all about. There are many who undermined her for reasons which could not stand in a pail of water - a lot of childish attitudes which lack class and maturity - and at times are rooted in racism here as well which I find utterly despicable. Kathleen Battle should have merited more time on stage than she got.
Very good, but too metalic for my taste. Before anyone thinks or says something: I like Bettle, just this interpretation is not the best - my opinion. Try Gruberova in same peace - she's the one and only Linda!
This is from the opening night of the Met's 1991-1992 season, also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Met at Lincoln Center. The program featured the final act of Rigoletto (with Pavarotti), the third act of Otello (with Domingo), and the second act of Die Fledermaus (with Barbara Daniels and Hermann Prey). The gala then took place.
It's worth noticing that all of the singers in the gala sequence entered from stage left - except for Kathleen Battle, who came in stage right. Go figure.
Not from a gala.. that is anne sofie von otter as Duke Orlovsky from a production of Die Fledermaus.. they often use the "party scene" to let others sing whatever they want. Lovely rendition of the Donizetti by Kahtleen Battle.
Brava! I don't understand anything about music theory... but I love the opera. In MHO, Kathleen Battle has a very distinctive voice that sets her apart from other singers. I particularly like her high notes, they thrill me like few other singers manage to.
battle's voice cant be touched by anyone...no one sounds like her and her voice is velvet with a cherry on top...i wish she would have waited to become a diva later than earlier so i might have been able to see her in an opera.. :/
Kathleen Battle, the best soprano I have ever heard! her reputation might get in the way of people calling her great, but they are in denial because you will never hear such tone and clarity in a soprano again. Just ask James Levine
Tone? I love Kathleen Battle, but frankly she doesn't have the tone to do a lot of opera roles - she has a fairly lightweight voice without a wide tonal variety. Listen to Leontyne Price if you want to hear "tone". I would like to hear Battle sing R.Strauss' 4 Last Songs though.
Why would you compare Price and Battle. They are NOTHING alike. The two instuments are on complete diffrent playing fields. With that said Ms. Price is a legand.
battle is a leggiero soprano. lighter colour (timbre) compared to price who is more lyric or something like that but nothing wrong with her 'timbre'. less dramatic but no less beautiful.
Carissimo amico, mi dispiace ma a me non piace la Battle, né come voce, né come interpretazione! E poi la sua mimica con cui "produce" la questa voce mi dá proprio fastidio. Se parliamo di Linda, allora preferisco la Gruberova, la Sills e la Mosuc.
Well it's a matter of taste (E oui, chaqueun a sont gout) La mimica no e importante per me, la mimica di Katsarova e ridicolosa, ma la voce e grande. Aguri.
Mrs. Battle's career has spanned decades, with most of her recordings well received by the public and the operatic community. I believe it is time to put a stop to the negativism, and move forward. We want to hear Mrs. Battle, if not at the Met acting or singing in opera, then we want to hear here in concert,singing arias,gospel music,and perchance some jazz or contemporary music with various artists.
In Oh tardi trappo, She sang with great dramatics and style and took us on a journey which a great deal of the listening aaudience loved. But I can say most of her performances I have attended and her many recordings are full of professionalism and operatic technique.
Yes,the full clip is great, and Mrs. Battle was at the top of her artistic talent when she song this live at the Met Gala! All of her operatics compatriots where there!
WHAT HAPPENED to the COMPLETE version of this....it was here, I added it to my favorites..and now its gone....Someone PLEASE!!!!!! I Love Kathy (LOL oh she would have my head for callin her that I'm sure) Im sorry..Ms Battle....Anyone have the complete version???
The thing about Kathleen Battle is her voice is so small it could fit on the tip of my pinky but she sings with such "point" to her voice that she can be heard over the orchestra. She is a "smart" singer. I believe she studied at CCM in Cincinnati which is rated at least in the top three operatic vocal performance schools in the country.
Also, people with notoriously big voices in person you think will be heard over the orchestra because they sound so loud in person often you cannot hear over the orchestra because they oversing or sing incorrectly. I think its amazing Kathleen Battle can be heard at the very top of Carnegie Hall even though her voice is small or "mediocre", once again it is because she has "point" and focus. That kind of discipline takes years to develop.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Ah..Kathy Battle...one the great operatic CHARALTANS of all time!!! We young professional operatic singers NEVER understood why she became famous or had a career AT ALL..for that matter. James Levine( at first ) decided he loved her..the rest is history. She was consisdered a JOKE among the small community of prof. opera singers..A VERY mediocre instrument..was REJECTED as a voice major in college. Her 15 year career ended in the late 90s because she became DIVABITCH. She barely sings anymore.
You can believe that if you want; however, she would not have been repeatedly engaged by Karajan and Muti if she were a charlatan. Whether she was rejected as a voice major in college is immaterial.
Wow, so much hate, where does that come from? You must be a very unhappy person. Go wash your mouth with soap and clorox for saying such a ridiculous and laughable comment. If you are indeed a "young professional operatic singer" like you claim to be (which I seriously doubt because you speak like a neophyte) you probably speak out of jealousy as your career will NEVER be have at least 10% of the success Kathy's has had.
I apologize to the community for posting such a harsh comment against a member. I always try to keep my comments on the positive side; however this person's comment was over the top!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Actually, I trained with one of the great voice teachers..Tenor Richard Miller..had master classes with Carlo Bergonzi, Sherill Milnes, Richard Bonynge, Regine Crespin, Marilyn Horne and was the youngest singer to reach the finals of Merola in NYC. Ive sung professionally througout the US and Europe. I made my debut in St. Louis in 1984 at the age of 24 in a leading role. I am NOT a neophyte. I am privileged to call Denyce Graves, David Daniels, Christopher Robertson, and others friends. U?
Her little voice is too thin, but exquisite
FloriaTosca90 1 week ago
Comment removed
theycallmezach 1 month ago
Well, this concert must have been before she was FIRED from The Met about 12 years. In person she was a bitch. Ask anyone who worked with her.......including me!
Wanderer329 8 months ago
The word that first comes to my mind whenever I listen to a Kathleen Battle performance is: exquisite. Thanks for sharing :)!
YaelBerman 9 months ago
beautifull
Sarayax8 11 months ago
Is this from the recently released Levine gala (the 40 years box set)? Anyways, that red dress looks stunning! And that tril!!
merefoix 11 months ago
wonderful!!!
vipate 1 year ago
It is graceful but , in my opinion, it is good for chamber music, not big opera. Of course, she is nice sounding though.
Nushika9 1 year ago
Her voice is too light for the real opera singer in my opinion.
Nushika9 1 year ago
For all the negative critics, WE know who Kathleen Battle is; but WHO ARE YOU?
iDefenestrated 1 year ago
@iDefenestrated Do you also ask the movie critic who gave a popular movie a poor review if he can make a better film? Do you ask a literary critic who wrote a scathing review of the newest play if he can write a better one?
Classical musicians have criticized each other for CENTURIES. Doing so is not saying that we personally could do a better job than the person being criticized. We are comparing a performer to their PEERS, not to ourselves. Get it?
goldenthroat86 1 year ago
@goldenthroat86 - Many speak on a number of things and offer criticism. However it doesn't mean they have the education and objectivity to do so. And any honest singer will tell you difficult this is to pull off as cleanly and beautifully as KB does.
Besides, asking someone if they could do a better job, so that they do would be deserving of an Emmy award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Classical Program on Television, as Kathleen Battle was, is an unfair question. Few can.
kinddude 1 year ago
This clip makes my heart jump for joy; Kathy is my cousin. When I was a little girl visiting her dad, my great-grand mother's (her aunt Florence's brother, named John) I would pull on her long pony-tail while she tried to comb her hair in front of me. I knew then there was something special about her.
iDefenestrated 1 year ago
wow
Sarayax8 1 year ago
its almost like her voice is too pure and she makes it sound too easy...... beautiful.... but not my favorite. i almost want her voice to have more substance and a more dramatic affect.
mkmih01 1 year ago
Very Graceful. Her voice and dictation are very clear. I love it~
kbossanova 1 year ago 2
Great, great, great!!!!
Uruguruh 1 year ago
why does she do that with her mouth in every single high note? She's the only one that I've seen doing that.
RoOodOoOloOmeg 1 year ago
@RoOodOoOloOmeg who cares why she does it, her high notes were divine so for whatever reason she chose to do that it was working lol... you are right though I haven't seen many do that but that's why there will only be one Kathleen BATTLE!
brungatune 1 year ago
Why oh why must so many of you get into a so and so versus so and so contest? Each singer stands alone on her own merits. There is no need to compare one to the other.
TheSoulflower 1 year ago
Comparing Battle to Callas? Come on! Battle's sound is sweet and pretty but really! It's all surface glitter with nothing underneath. This is like comparing Secretariat to a palfrey (you opera queens can look that one up). Callas made an indelible mark on the world of opera; Battle sounds like dozens (maybe hundreds) of other light sopranos and there is absolutely nothing unique about her voice. I wish she had been as good as she thought she was.
meinfb 1 year ago
@meinfb Has anyone ever compared the two? Outside of Rosina they didn't sing any of the same rep. However you are 100% wrong when you say that Battle was just like "any other" light soprano. In the light soprano rep Battle is undeniably one of the greatest of all time. Now if you just think that the music for light sopranos is boring, that is you. But that shows a closed mind. There music, like all music can be performed at a high level. And Battle acheived that. Despite being a crazy nutjob.
FoggyRoad81 1 year ago
i love this vesion of the song ...her sound is just right for it ...another version i like is that of edita gruberova ...in concert ..u can check it out if u type in the title of the song and add interview ...she sings it with lots of stoccato ...brill
Chengetai2005 1 year ago
Beverly Sills had a much better version.
tyvoiles 1 year ago
Comment removed
Chengetai2005 1 year ago
Lovely and poised!
Brahmsfourth 1 year ago
Not bad, but not as good as a few I could name. I hear her high notes as strained and somewhat "shrieky" here. And why oh why does she breath so loudly through her nose on the last two breaths. How distracting is that. That said, I do believe she has one of the sweetest sounding voices in the more moderate vocal ranges.
ltginpdx 1 year ago 2
@ltginpdx shrieky. Fuck you bitch!! Let hear you open your damn mouth. Thats the problem now a days. Everyones a critic but they have no talent. If your gonna put her down at least you should sound better than her. I dont think you do FUCKER!!!
stefnasty 1 year ago
@stefnasty Spoken like a true gentleman. Eat me!
ltginpdx 1 year ago
@stefnasty i absolutely agree!!
couturesixfour 1 year ago
@stefnasty I encourage you to listen to Beverly Sills performance of this aria in 1968 (green velvet dress, giant chess pieces on set.) Her ease with the high notes contrasts with K. Battles relative strain. I did admit that K. Battle has one of the sweetest lyric voices EVER in opera, but I believe her vocal range is more limited than many of her contemporaries.
lginpdx 6 months ago
@lginpdx I have the video and she's really fantastic
EUTERPE76 3 months ago
This is a very fine performance that shows off many of Battle's many assets - flexibility, a shimmering high register, etc. Although she did not do much in the bel canto rep (L'Elisir and an unsuccessful Daughter of the Regiment) this show her perhaps readying herself to expand her repertoire in that direction. It was a well chosen piece. Battle's singing can be "overmannered" at times and tend towards "divaism", but I find this performance to be refreshing and full or natural charm.
mjmacmtenor 1 year ago
@mjmacmtenor what does "diva-ism" have to do with this performance or her voice in general? Unnecessary, unwarranted comment. Typical..
bcom11 1 year ago
she is not Moffo - she is not Callas - the two greatest. But I think her voice is the prettiest. And I can listen to and enjoy her more.
naert1 1 year ago
@naert1 @naert1 Callas? Dont you mean the bull in the china shop. She had no finesse. She was a beast. Certainly not as classy and refined as the talented Ms. Battle.
stefnasty 1 year ago
While I do not dispute the artistry of Ms. Battle, I also much prefer the version performed by Beverly Sills as seen here on YouTube. I am NOT an opera purist, I simply know what sounds better to me, and in my opinion, Beverly did an excellent job given the time, and the fact that she performed it on television, introducing opera to everyday Americans such as me...
LRAinWNY 1 year ago
wow, her italian is really bad! and what the heck happened at 2:11?
lmsubramaniam 1 year ago
I'll never question Mrs Battle's vocal outstanding skills, but I can clearly hear here both bad vocabular and musical diction. This is one of the arias that show who the real coloratura virtuosi are.
LordMgls 1 year ago
I have watched various artist perform this...simply becuz I am a fan of Kathleen Battle...and I didnt want to be biased...and to be honest you have to admit....her sound is just pure clear and the songs are always amazingly interpreted...guess that is the beauty of being a performer and a teacher.
Platynumlove 1 year ago
At the risk of wading into trouble, and in no way wanting to excuse anyones bad behavior, I have to wonder about something. Many artists and directors could be acused of being "uncharitable" or even "abusive" surely Kathleeen is not the worst? Then why is she the most castigated? Why not call out all to change their ways? Just asking?!
anoldnightengale 1 year ago
@anoldnightengale
No she has not been the worst - it will all come out. Just wait and see!!!!!!!!!
AbeokutaCity1 1 year ago
I think this is a beautiful job done by Kathleen Battle. Even though she had a hot temper, you must admit her voice is stunning. Also, I think anyone who hasn't seen Beverly Sills perform this piece on the Ed Sullivan Show MUST watch it. It is bel canto at its very best.
belcanto9250 1 year ago
@belcanto9250 what exactly is bel canto? i am a singer, but i am not trained deeply in opera. i have a few arias in my book, but nowhere near the polished pavarotti...lol! i know bel canto is a style and a technique, but i think i'm going to look it up more!!
couturesixfour 1 year ago
i am trained with bel canto by my teacher.. it is the technique pavarotti talked about.. look up on youtube bel canto
servosouth 1 year ago
@belcanto9250
And you know her personally to know what her temperament is like. As I said it will all come out - and we will see.
AbeokutaCity1 1 year ago
Wow, is "Goldenthroat86" not the most annoying commenter on all of her videos? It's so sad and pathetic.
mgsxmgs 2 years ago
i agree. its ridiculous
bcom11 2 years ago
i can't speak for how kathleen was to her colleagues, but I have met her numerous times and she was always so lovely.
Regardless, I appreciate her great artistry and hard work.
bcom11 2 years ago
La gorda de verde la mira con envidia y colera!!!!
en cambio June Anderson la mira con admiracion como grabando, Katlee, se luce realmente aqui frente a las luminarias presentes!!!!!
acitipo 2 years ago
FoggyRoad81 Again? Is somone who was physically and verbally abusive to her colleagues REALLY a person to admire?!?
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
@goldenthroat86 I didn't say we should admire Kathleen Battle's personality, how she treated her colleagues or model her behaviour in our professional dealings. (Though oddly she always helped her duet partners sound good). In all of those respects she is only a model in what NOT to do. But why does that mean we can not admire her singing?
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago
goldenthroat, i agree you are the most annoying commenter i've seen. just SHUT UP and enjoy the artistry.
bcom11 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
what a lovely voice
Elried 2 years ago
At the time of Battle's termination from the Met in '94, she was cast as the lead in The Daughter of the Regiment. During a rehearsal of that opera, when it was announced that Battle had been fired from the Met, " ...the entire cast, orchestra, and crew broke out in thunderous applause."
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
@goldenthroat86 Again? Why do you go to every Battle video and post the same things. Yes we know she was fired in disgrace. Does this mean we are not allowed to enjoy these performances?
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago
you are SOOO annoying. you say the same things on all of her videos. you must LOVE HER to death to talk about her constantly.
bcom11 2 years ago 2
@goldenthroat86 And rightly so. She was a cunt of the first order.
RVP57 1 year ago
@RVP57
That type of language is not in order with regards to a woman. And you say it with such Bravura - bring us the facts - not just they printed T-shirts which is now a 20 year old cliche. She is a devil amongst angels at the Met right?
AbeokutaCity1 1 year ago
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!
Meganazu 2 years ago
A classic clip, have ALWAYS loved it. I'm so thankful for all the videos and recordings out there of Battle in her prime. An undeniably beautiful instrument.
marcysoprano 2 years ago 3
Why does beautiful music like this always attract so many jealous, so-called music "experts", venting their frustrations that the featured performer's receiving the acclaim they desire by trying (& failing) to denigrate said artist, which, btw, only serves to make their jealousy that much more obvious.
Far more people would enjoy classical music, were they not constantly bombarded with the "educated" opinions of those pedantic morons.
TheReturnOfStephan1 2 years ago 5
I agree and say - away with esoteric nonsense and simply listen to the music so you can enjoy it!
swerveon 2 years ago
You make me laugh LOLOLOL
AGM1951 2 years ago
LOL!
AGM1951 2 years ago
i totally agree with njgeoffery--that timokoponen needs to correct a social life or perhaps get one!!!!
willthebest1 2 years ago
One thing that bugs me about Battle is that she is unable to pronounce an italian T. It always sounds english and I find that disturbing in italian repertoire.
timokoponen 2 years ago
Really? I'm fascinated by a life led with such marvelous specificity and refinement. You must be much in-demand at parties.
njgeoffery 2 years ago
@njgeoffery Really. I think that a singer should pay attention to details. This has very little to do with my social life, thank you very much.
timokoponen 2 years ago
I certainly agree that diligent attention to detail is the mark of any professional. As a listener, however, my experience would be marred if I focused my attention on identifying all the details such that I might comment on them. I take a simpler approach: am I thrilled, is it beautiful, does it inspire? But I'm fairly basic and that is what works for me. It was wrong of me to project my approach on those with more erudition.
njgeoffery 2 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I've never been a fan of Battle. She was a terrible Zerbinetta. Compare her to other great ones and you will see what I mean.
This is an ok performance but can't compare to Sills' performance on the 1968 Sullivan show.
In Battle's favor, I do like the red dress.
AGM1951 2 years ago
to say her Zerbinetta is terrible in my opinion is the most outrageous statement I have ever heard! Her Zerbinetta is the reason that I sing and study opera today and I am sure I am not the only person who has been inspired by her beautiful voice...this performance is so much more than "ok". I would LOVE to hear your rendition of this ridiculously hard aria and see just how "ok" it really is....and by the way, trust me dear Im sure Ms. Battle isnt losing any sleep knowing that you are NOT a fan
bcugirl09 2 years ago
i love la Battle! everyone has something to offer :-) shes fab...like kiri, zinka, leontyne, sumi, joan.....
SMMHELDENTENOR 2 years ago
who asked you-- AGM1951--is that you your birth year--perhaps stone age Zerbinetta would better suit you. get a more modern life please--you are a terrible critic.
willthebest1 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
LOLOL I love your sense of humor
AGM1951 2 years ago
i must say --this is a very beautiful song--other wise you would not have visit it(clip) this often. Lol
willthebest1 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Perhaps "terrible" is a bit much but check out Reri Grist and you'll see what I mean. I saw both in performances and Grist was far superior. Battle was much better in the soubrette roles like Sohpie, Zerlina.
Sills' performance of this aria is still the standard I go by.
AGM1951 2 years ago
ugh - so smug. how vulgar. taste is a matter of opinion.
a beautiful, talented voice is obvious.
Can you do better?
swerveon 2 years ago
Ever dawn on you that she may get offers but decline? It is now public knowledge that she was aked to return by Peter Gelb and turned him down. I'm sure Gelb wasn't the only suitor, she's a money maker.
bravissima1 2 years ago
The MET FIRED Battle in 1994 because she was a bitch. It is not a fact that can be disputed. It has been written about MANY times. Everyone knows this. Music critics know this...OPERA news knows this...Hard core opera lovers know this. Since 1994 NOT ONE opera company in the world has hired her. NOT ONE in 15 years.
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
Golden, I heard that the previous singer was a few minutes late to vacate the dressing room and Battle had her personals neatly placed into the hallway.
aristopus 2 years ago
sold out seats/show while at the MET, because people like what they heard
Bahia82 2 years ago 11
i met kathleen some years back and she was the sweetest person ever. i loved her! :)
this is a wonderful performance
bcom11 2 years ago
Her technique and purity of voice are outstanding.
D9l3tt 2 years ago 2
I love Kathleen Battles voice! Although small, it has a distinctive timbre, wonderful control and a brightness that is essential in order to cut through an orchestra - all these elements trump 'size' any day! Beautiful!
candlemoss 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
And yes...I HAVE heard her live on several occasions. Actually I should say I could BARELY hear her. It is one of the smallest voices I've ever encountered. When an operatic singer is singing in a 1500 seat hall with perfect acoustics for singing, you should be able to hear them over a piano. She had to be body miked at the MET. HMM...I wonder if that was before or after she broke into Kiri's dressing room and tossed out all of Te Kananwa's costumes, makeup, personal items, etc.
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
actually she never through anything of Te Kananwas costumes anywhere, you got your stories mixed up, and I doubt you've ever heard her live, no opera singer, especially one like kathleen battle uses or needs a mic, she was/is a great singer, her sophie is considered the greatest in MET history, the NYT said that not me, her Zerlina is sublime,and the Zdenka is fantastic as well, please dont go on youtube and try to revise history so to make battle seem overrated, she
Bahia82 2 years ago 2
You are ridiculous. The Metropolitan Opera never, ever, ever EVER! miked a singer. To say so is not just an insult to Battle but to the greatest opera company on earth. Bahia is correct, why was she such a reliable cash cow for the MET if no one could hear her? I heard her with orchestra in a decent sized concert hall in fortworth in the late 90s and she sounded SPECTACULAR. So do suck it will you?
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Having a big name doesn't make a singer great. Some of the most impressive singing I've heard came from singers I'd never heard of. There are THOUSANDS of sopranos with pretty voices out there. Through hard work, spunk, and a little luck, (Not to mention James Levine!) Battle managed to have a huge career despite her rather limited voice. She then started to believe her own press, became superbitch, and after a 15 yr career, not ONE opera house in the world has hired her since 1994.
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
Beaux sons, mais l'aigu est un peu plat.
mariasarda 2 years ago
Kathleen Batlle wa the best lyric sopran singer between 1985 and 1998. There are no other voices with such a brilliance in. And of course you can haer the school she made still today: The Lilly-Lehmann-Singer-school.
MaximilianGarbe 2 years ago 3
who is the greatest soprano today 8/2009?
captatnonmuscas 2 years ago
ugly too much arre
RadioSoNa 2 years ago
What are the words to this beautiful aria? Can someone help me find the lyrics?
MysticBlueIceBlast 2 years ago
O luce di quest'anima,
delizia, amore e vita,
la nostra sorte unita,
in terra, in ciel sarà.
Deh, vieni a me, riposati
su questo cor che t'ama,
che te sospira e brama,
che per te sol vivrà.
(si appoggia alla tavola guardando il mazzetto. I fanciulli arrivano con frutta, pagnotte, ricotta, siedono per terra e mangiano)
[type linda di chamonix in google. The complete libretto of the opera is there]
voltape 2 years ago
Thank you so much for helping me out. :) I really appreciate it. :)
MysticBlueIceBlast 2 years ago
watch beverly sills in the ed sullivan show! that´s amazing!
battle is working way to hard
fludu1 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I can't stand the bitch! lol
ugotitbabe000 2 years ago
I take it you know her and she has done something personally offensive to you.
courtneybaritone01 2 years ago 2
Too much modification in the vowel sounds. Strange face pulling. Noisy breathing. Very little emotional attachment. Sorry - but I prefer Gruberova....
fingalcrom 2 years ago
were you watching someone else?
desariofan 2 years ago
mmmm...no. Watch her mouth. Look at the text of the aria and you will hear the modificaDon't get me wrong, I think Battle is a great artist and has a simply gorgeous instrument but I just don't get it in this aria.
fingalcrom 2 years ago
Emmm - sorry - that should have been 'modification'! LOL! I really like Battle - honest! Just think I have heard her better in other things.
fingalcrom 2 years ago
to me, she sounds just fine in this particular aria. every soprano has their unique technique to execute and project. whatever battle uses works like wonder. i think it's just personal preference.
desariofan 2 years ago 2
I agree! Personal preference is all it is - and no disrespect meant to Miss Battle. She is a wonderful artist
fingalcrom 2 years ago
preference is one thing, but when you list things you personally don't deem good enough in your book to prove your fav. (ms. gruberova) is better, it's disrespect. you pretty much overthrew everything that ms battle had ever learned, worked hard for, and mastered into a pile of trash.
ms gruberova is a powerful soprano singing artist with her own imposing style. her rendition of the laughing song is the best example of her body of work.
desariofan 2 years ago 2
I dispute that I show disrespect to Ms Battle. I am merely commenting in a dispassionate fashion on what I regard as flaws in her technique. I could equally comment on flaws in Ms Gruberova's technique also. It is not a question of over-throwing all she has learned, but a simple observation. Again, I repeat that no disrespect was intended and that I was trying to encourage a discussion and intercourse on why people regard her as their favourite as opposed to another singer.
fingalcrom 2 years ago
I did not intend to offend you, Ms Battle or anyone else. I am a professional opera singer and have been at the sharp end of peoples' comments on You Tube, The Press, and on the net. Unfortunately, everyone has an opinion on what good technique is. But this is also what makes the art of singing so endlessly fascinating! xxx
fingalcrom 2 years ago
Thanks for your insights. I have always been so fond of opera. Too bad I can't sing it myself since I am a guy. But, I love to sing in falsetto's to my fav. arias by bringing the keys a couple of notches down LOL. It doesn't sound all that bad! I do have a few fans who appreciate that art. How I wish I can sing like those wonderful opera singers. I am now trying to master O Mio Babino Caro LOL.
desariofan 2 years ago
Perhaps David Daniels should start worrying! Sounds like he has a rival! David used to sing Leontyne Price arias at parties for friends before becoming a counter-tenor! LOL!
fingalcrom 2 years ago 2
You're a professional Opera singer? What is your name? =]
Darknight1989 2 years ago
ms battle's fluid voice and clean technique are much preferred in this aria because she really makes you fly as an audience. she exults you with her bird like sound. her best work to me is voices of spring.
bottom line: they are both great. but, i am not going to attack and criticize another artist for the sake of another one just because i don't prefer her.
desariofan 2 years ago 3
I can't believe that a "professional opera singer" would make such silly observations. Having worked in the field for many years, I've had the privliege of working with some of the best. At the end of the day, the purity, flexibility, schertzo, legato and accuracy of her vocal production are amazing. While she could often be difficult, she was worth it -- if she did her worst off-stage, she always delivered magnificently when on it. As for technique, the voice is still in amazing shape.
Richardclausen1 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Her voice just does not move me. Her technique is strong but her voice lacks a special character. Also, I met her and she was a total B****. I lost all respect for her after that day.
bigdigger87 2 years ago
I so agree with you on this in terms of her voice and merit. Oft, there is a lot of backstabbing in the music world and one does not always know what the true 'goings on' are all about. There are many who undermined her for reasons which could not stand in a pail of water - a lot of childish attitudes which lack class and maturity - and at times are rooted in racism here as well which I find utterly despicable. Kathleen Battle should have merited more time on stage than she got.
RoyalSnowbird 2 years ago 4
Very good, but too metalic for my taste. Before anyone thinks or says something: I like Bettle, just this interpretation is not the best - my opinion. Try Gruberova in same peace - she's the one and only Linda!
MisterSoprano 2 years ago
You say metal and I hear silver.
njgeoffery 2 years ago
I did not really had silver in mind, but I respect you taste. Btw. metal, even silver, stays cold.
MisterSoprano 2 years ago
Just Love Her!!
Dawson2244 2 years ago
This is from the opening night of the Met's 1991-1992 season, also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Met at Lincoln Center. The program featured the final act of Rigoletto (with Pavarotti), the third act of Otello (with Domingo), and the second act of Die Fledermaus (with Barbara Daniels and Hermann Prey). The gala then took place.
It's worth noticing that all of the singers in the gala sequence entered from stage left - except for Kathleen Battle, who came in stage right. Go figure.
ilmaestro18 2 years ago
very good
sheref1984 2 years ago
omg amazing.
yr1019 2 years ago 2
Oh mio Dio, The Michelangelo of voice, Stronger than a prize fighter, perfection.
Hemetite 2 years ago
Not from a gala.. that is anne sofie von otter as Duke Orlovsky from a production of Die Fledermaus.. they often use the "party scene" to let others sing whatever they want. Lovely rendition of the Donizetti by Kahtleen Battle.
Ctmagnus 2 years ago
I love this version almost as perfect as Sills version which I think is the best. But love this battle better than Sumi Jo
munequitodeebano 2 years ago 2
I am sorry but this is the best o tardi trappo . It is better than the Sills version
Brownmuscle2007 2 years ago
No this is from the 1987 MET gala
Brownmuscle2007 2 years ago
Can you say "technique"? !!!!
atlblkprync1981 2 years ago 4
yes!!!!!
silvr94 2 years ago
Is this the 1991 Met performance? I miss Battle.
marlyharris 2 years ago
timeless
flouraki 2 years ago
Brava! I don't understand anything about music theory... but I love the opera. In MHO, Kathleen Battle has a very distinctive voice that sets her apart from other singers. I particularly like her high notes, they thrill me like few other singers manage to.
guiradobrasil 2 years ago 4
battle's voice cant be touched by anyone...no one sounds like her and her voice is velvet with a cherry on top...i wish she would have waited to become a diva later than earlier so i might have been able to see her in an opera.. :/
garconfrancais01 2 years ago 2
My mother always said if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all.
I like the dress LOL
Sills on Ed Sullivan in the late 60s gives the best performance of this in my opinion.
Houndentenor1998 2 years ago
Kathleen Battle, the best soprano I have ever heard! her reputation might get in the way of people calling her great, but they are in denial because you will never hear such tone and clarity in a soprano again. Just ask James Levine
Bahia82 3 years ago 4
Tone? I love Kathleen Battle, but frankly she doesn't have the tone to do a lot of opera roles - she has a fairly lightweight voice without a wide tonal variety. Listen to Leontyne Price if you want to hear "tone". I would like to hear Battle sing R.Strauss' 4 Last Songs though.
tnmtemerity 3 years ago
Why would you compare Price and Battle. They are NOTHING alike. The two instuments are on complete diffrent playing fields. With that said Ms. Price is a legand.
OldHollywood1 3 years ago 5
hes right, KB does have a very pure clear voice, but it is and always was small and lightweight.
skitzo429 2 years ago
perhaps your confused about what TONE is? perhaps webster dictionary could help?
Bahia82 3 years ago
I think what he means is "timbre." Despite the lack of power, the voice had a "rich" sound to it that belied it's size.
jazzyrazz06 2 years ago
battle is a leggiero soprano. lighter colour (timbre) compared to price who is more lyric or something like that but nothing wrong with her 'timbre'. less dramatic but no less beautiful.
arcalterego2 2 years ago
executed this flawlessly! Bravo mother battle! Bravo
luv2floe 3 years ago
"All white dominated art"??!!?? Let's see: Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry, Shirley Verret, Martina Arroyo, Florence Quivar, Reri Grist, Barbara Hendricks, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, Denyce Graves...
goldenthroat86 3 years ago 2
Te Kanawa, De Niese, Sumi Jo, Miki Mori.
bobsopera 3 years ago
Don'tcha hate it when people talk they know what they are talking about?
LadyReginaSmiles 3 years ago
Voce brutta, mimica insopportabile!!
zitto60 3 years ago 2
Ma dai, carro amico!! Come dicci "brutta"?! Magnifica subretta, legerra con technica quasi perfetta. (Spero che mio italiano e sufficente).
bobsopera 3 years ago
Carissimo amico, mi dispiace ma a me non piace la Battle, né come voce, né come interpretazione! E poi la sua mimica con cui "produce" la questa voce mi dá proprio fastidio. Se parliamo di Linda, allora preferisco la Gruberova, la Sills e la Mosuc.
zitto60 3 years ago
Well it's a matter of taste (E oui, chaqueun a sont gout) La mimica no e importante per me, la mimica di Katsarova e ridicolosa, ma la voce e grande. Aguri.
bobsopera 3 years ago
A me non piace affatto nemmeno la Kasarova -- abbiamo gusti diversi! Ciao ed auguri anche a te!
zitto60 3 years ago
@zitto60 la insoportable eres tu que haces una ignorantisima apreciacion.
no te das cuenta que son divas y divos lo que estan alli?????
acitipo 2 years ago
What's the name of this song?
IFeelHappy 3 years ago
I like Beverly Sills singing this better.
NessieAndKitties 3 years ago
Not really! Two different types of singers from two different periods and two different styles of singing at each given time.
stingabe 3 years ago
Heaven.
znamoperu 3 years ago
Mrs. Battle's career has spanned decades, with most of her recordings well received by the public and the operatic community. I believe it is time to put a stop to the negativism, and move forward. We want to hear Mrs. Battle, if not at the Met acting or singing in opera, then we want to hear here in concert,singing arias,gospel music,and perchance some jazz or contemporary music with various artists.
Brownmuscle2007 3 years ago 2
In Oh tardi trappo, She sang with great dramatics and style and took us on a journey which a great deal of the listening aaudience loved. But I can say most of her performances I have attended and her many recordings are full of professionalism and operatic technique.
Brownmuscle2007 3 years ago
Yes,the full clip is great, and Mrs. Battle was at the top of her artistic talent when she song this live at the Met Gala! All of her operatics compatriots where there!
Brownmuscle2007 3 years ago
yah, she's amazing!!! my fave. operatic soprano EVER!!!
fortissimo25 3 years ago
I have seen her sing this live (in Seattle) and this cannot compare she is beyond belief in person.
fkschlott 3 years ago
BRAVISIMAAAAAAAAA after Sills this has been the other version of this aria that cought my attention. WOW
ElvinEliezer 3 years ago
Does anyone have the complete clip of this performance....it was posted once then it vanished..pretty please!!!!!??? Anyone???
Platynumlove 3 years ago
goldenthroat when can we catch you at the MET this season?
yesblanche 3 years ago
haha i love that response :)... everyone's a professional here on youtube
dwighty4u 3 years ago
Here even the italian pronunciation (which is usually not Kathleen's forte) is great. As for her voice, HOW can you not to love this!?
BRAVISSIMA
hwhap13 3 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Hey catch me in naked on my personal webpage (meetyourfling) c o m
455929784
dankatzir 3 years ago
WHAT HAPPENED to the COMPLETE version of this....it was here, I added it to my favorites..and now its gone....Someone PLEASE!!!!!! I Love Kathy (LOL oh she would have my head for callin her that I'm sure) Im sorry..Ms Battle....Anyone have the complete version???
Platynumlove 3 years ago
goldenthroat86
I do have much more musical and vocal training background than you and so what?
If you hate Miss Battle what are you doing here wachting her videos?
I'm afraid to say that you are completely wrong.
By the way, you still sound ignorant.
iTubeVlc 3 years ago
The thing about Kathleen Battle is her voice is so small it could fit on the tip of my pinky but she sings with such "point" to her voice that she can be heard over the orchestra. She is a "smart" singer. I believe she studied at CCM in Cincinnati which is rated at least in the top three operatic vocal performance schools in the country.
rosieposie1111 3 years ago
Also, people with notoriously big voices in person you think will be heard over the orchestra because they sound so loud in person often you cannot hear over the orchestra because they oversing or sing incorrectly. I think its amazing Kathleen Battle can be heard at the very top of Carnegie Hall even though her voice is small or "mediocre", once again it is because she has "point" and focus. That kind of discipline takes years to develop.
rosieposie1111 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ah..Kathy Battle...one the great operatic CHARALTANS of all time!!! We young professional operatic singers NEVER understood why she became famous or had a career AT ALL..for that matter. James Levine( at first ) decided he loved her..the rest is history. She was consisdered a JOKE among the small community of prof. opera singers..A VERY mediocre instrument..was REJECTED as a voice major in college. Her 15 year career ended in the late 90s because she became DIVABITCH. She barely sings anymore.
goldenthroat86 3 years ago
You can believe that if you want; however, she would not have been repeatedly engaged by Karajan and Muti if she were a charlatan. Whether she was rejected as a voice major in college is immaterial.
mylandtffy 3 years ago 5
Wow, so much hate, where does that come from? You must be a very unhappy person. Go wash your mouth with soap and clorox for saying such a ridiculous and laughable comment. If you are indeed a "young professional operatic singer" like you claim to be (which I seriously doubt because you speak like a neophyte) you probably speak out of jealousy as your career will NEVER be have at least 10% of the success Kathy's has had.
TheAleph74 3 years ago
I apologize to the community for posting such a harsh comment against a member. I always try to keep my comments on the positive side; however this person's comment was over the top!
TheAleph74 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Actually, I trained with one of the great voice teachers..Tenor Richard Miller..had master classes with Carlo Bergonzi, Sherill Milnes, Richard Bonynge, Regine Crespin, Marilyn Horne and was the youngest singer to reach the finals of Merola in NYC. Ive sung professionally througout the US and Europe. I made my debut in St. Louis in 1984 at the age of 24 in a leading role. I am NOT a neophyte. I am privileged to call Denyce Graves, David Daniels, Christopher Robertson, and others friends. U?
goldenthroat86 3 years ago