Kathleen Battle - Handel - Semele

[ifluvinguiswrong]

It's amazing - people here love bashing her. If I don't care for someone I don't bother watching their videos. It's as simple as that.

[coryisawake]

Don't think her finer vocal qualities are well served here personally. There's no denying the beautiful tone, but the roulades and embellishments aren't precise and are approached in a generic tack.

"Frederick Neumann cites several examples of written-out trills in Handel’s instrumental scores as evidence that Handel favored a lower-note start for trills."

[insuonfestante]

I am a fan of the late Rita Streich as coloratura and I have to say that Battle's recording of "No, no, I'll take no less" from the same oratorio is superb. And yes her grimacing is not as unsightly as Bartoli's, who although a mezzo has usurped the role of Semele.

[Sadiesexy]

Kathleen can sing, and I love it.

[gospelbird22]

OH. MY. GOD. I've never seen this video.......but I know who Kathleen Battle is, and I'm aware of both her talent---and her shitty reputation as a human being. I cannot believe this woman brought a MIRROR onstage during a RECITAL to sing "Myself I Shall Adore". If that isn't a spectacularly ironic gesture, I don't know what is.

[ZKJonathan]

@gospelbird22 what kind of gospel have your kind (so-called Christians) been reading-- your language shows you have not been reading any gospel at all. What kind of her reputation has led you make such random comment about her as a human being.

[BrandonTJones69]

shes fabulous

[timothyj1966]

Handel's music always seems so light - so airy and gracefully English - no doubt though - takes a lot of skill, and artistry to flawlessly pull it off... as She does here..well done!

[tcportier]

She reminds me a bit of Vannessa L. Williams. 

[jakeyjazz]

Two words: JAW TENSION. That has to go.

In addition, the lower part of the register is weak and too guttural

Also, the American accent needs removing from this aria. Like, now.

I don't hate the American accent per se, but it is entirely inappropriate for the music and the period. Kathleen is not a Baroque musician at all, and this performance proves it.

Yes she has talent, but talent gives no one the right to treat others like crap. Not ever!

[liljee16]

@jakeyjazz how does she treat others like crap?

[jakeyjazz]

@liljee16 ti (dot) me/8Lfyrm The linked article, entitled "Battle Fatigue", will bring forward some of the evidence behind my argument. Best wishes :-)

[liljee16]

@jakeyjazz There is no article.

[alecs1976]

@jakeyjazz

if jaw tension had been a problem, why would the voice have lasted as long as it did ? she is 47 in that video with a career of 23 years behind her.... she has won 5 grammys.....the woman has sung at the met. your schoolmasterly comments are somewhat ridiculous!

[anthonylau85]

Wonder music by Handel and heavenly voice by Katheen Battles. Tears come to my eyes while watching.

Anthony Lau (Vancouver, Canada)

[GwenAYF]

Tastes change over time,but beauty is endurable to those who are wiling to hear it. Sadly, like many great talents her emotions are fragile. We cannot expect "normality" with great talent. That is contradictory.

 I've heard her in person and think her voice is a great gift. Loudness is not the mark of beauty, talent, technique, anything. Some of the greatest singers projected, they did not scream. She is a protege of James Levine. He knows ability.

[wellasang]

Kathleen's voice being a lyric soprano adds the color of this song..... the voice that meets the song and text creates a beautiful combination....

[amandaeliasch]

I think she has the most beautiful voice on the planet.

[Kombe2010]

GREAT MUSIC! I LOVED IT

[Kombe2010]

GREAT MUSIC!

[timothyj1966]

would the people commenting below give it a rest.... this is a poor recording... period- there is nothing wrong with her delivery or talent ..... its just the recording...

[geekbaritone]

people that comment about her voice beeing weak don't know about fachs, what a Lyric, spinto and dramatic sopranos are. Usually the big voices stand out and make others sound weak comparing apples with Oranges and even with voices in the same fach each is unique and has it's own innate beauty and qualities. In the end is just a matter of taste. criticize technique and performance not voice type

[kyrio5a]

Here comes beautiful trouble! :P

[rv728]

brava!

[mjmacmtenor]

Battle did a complete recording of Semele that was one of best (and an excellent version of the entire work). It would have been interesting had she had more opportunities to do Handel operas (perhaps with one of the early music specialists).

[colingaj1]

excellent!!!! but is it just me that I hear too much loud breathing?

[TrevorDaniels]

I concur with Richard. I have heard Miss Battle live many times and her voice is as clear as a bell and you can hear it from everywhere in the house...amazing.

[baritonebynight]

@TrevorDaniels And I third that!

[lovesGenet]

One of the most perfect techniques and talents I know of and there are so many in this repertoire. FEw Wagnerian sopranoes like sills she was perfect in the french repertoire and flowery early stuff. I will always adore her sound as expression. she must be a very good teacher. Did she leave us an Arabella I wonder. Her STrauss and Lehar have great charm!

[jeanpaul20012]

But I must say Bartoli is better.

[tqmccants19]

I really love ms. battle she inspires me to become a talented singer. my voice is much like hers light and heavenly like, but of course i still have work to o to get to her level.!!!!! i just love her!!!

[jeanemail7]

she is awesome

[teresa1texas]

Well, I myself have compared other videos of others singing this, and others may articulate a little more, flip their vocal chords around , do whatever, but the way her voice sounds, it just bows everyone else out of the water.

[alleyjd]

went to ccm. rumor was she was told she would never make it. always nice when i saw her on campus. beautiful and tremendous talent.

[piasecznik]

LOL, I didn't realize Kathleen Battle could be so self-ironic.

[crstnbuenca]

fitting song for her. lol. she's a very excellent singer though. ruth ann's version is slightly better imho.

[teresa1texas]

@crstnbuenca where is ruth ann's video? (searching frantucally) I am trying to compare as many voices as I can to see who is the BEST~

[wattever333]

what is the name of the color of her dress? cream, ivory, champagne, beige?

[faneprofanel2007]

My fellow critics, Don't you ever understand?She is the absolute queen of this area.Haendel had a special and secret deal with her beyond the passing of centuries.

[marcysoprano]

I could not agree more. Noone before or after her will ever rule this aria like she does. It's just hers, end of story.

[Richardclausen1]

I can't believe all of the comments on her various videos about her "small voice" If you've seen her in person, you know her voice carries beautifully. It's not a heavy overly colored voice, but it ain't small. It is natural, flexible and heavenly. She may have needed some lithium, but she certainly never needed amplificaton, even in the largest house with a full orchestra. Recordings are very deceiving when it comes to the size of a voice. We are blessed to have such a talent.

[MrLuke314]

I heard her live, and she's one of the biggest i've heard before.

[bjmiceli]

Agreed. Saw her twice at the Met, as Susanna and Cleopatra, and she was marvelous. No trouble hearing the voice at all.

[lizsmithnz]

@Richardclausen1 - Yes! I stretched my budget about 10 years ago to hear her sing in the Auckland (New Zealand) Town Hall. I had to sit at the back of the hall, but audibility was not a problem! Even after she had sung at least 8 encores.... The most memorable recital I have had the pleasure of attending!

[devotedtoopera]

@Richardclausen1 Thak you. I agree with eveything you say. It's unfortunate that her offstage behavior was so bad, but one can never deny her talent, technique, and exquisite voice.

[MrAndredekock]

@Richardclausen1 Bravo! Well said!

[AmericanEvita]

Ok, dont begin to attack me Kathleen fans...this song is so right for her because she did adore herself when she was a big star (in the 80s)..everyone who worked with her has a real life anecdote about how unprofessionally arrogant, selfish, spoiled and full of it she was...she was fired from the Metropolitan Opera because she adored herself too much!!

[immature0916]

I agree but shes still my number one lol

[Babs22h]

oh and this outfit is glorious on her! the wrap and the the embrodiery are wonderful

[Nykytyne2]

This is a good song for her....

[Babs22h]

lol this comment made me burst into laughter!

[AmericanEvita]

O my God that's so hilarious because it's TRUE...LOL Kathleen Battle never sang a more true-to-her personality song than this ! This one went on myh Favorite Youtube vids lol...

[uglybug11]

She's so cute! lol.

She's seriously one of the best singer's I've ever heard!

[elvenlove]

Ooo, I love it! Brava! So sweet! She has such a feminine voice! And I've used up my daily allowence of exclamation marks!

[Babs22h]

ITS interesting how the coloratura on " gazing"is sometimes on the "a" and then other times on the "i" that seems like such a hard vowel to move quickly on "i"...well it is for me and i am bass and move nowhere as fast as her...lol

[romarius2005]

practice, and you will.

[materialmyra]

I guess the "a" in gazing is more like an "eh" sound so it is not too bad.

It is always hard for a bass to sing coloratura because the vocal folds are MUCH bigger!

That's why dramatic coloratura are rare because of the dynamic range and the agility!

[Babs22h]

BE THERE

[Beauprix]

Who cares about her jaw or snatching a quick breath here or there in this kind of music? She sings Handel's ode to vanity as perfectly as one might imagine. Now go and teach voice lessons where you should: the junior high school minor leagues. Some people!

[couturesixfour]

Thank you!! Theory and execution are two different worlds!!!

[MissLimLam]

wow what a pretty but small voice... and yes the jaw is very odd, and her breathing is not very good.

[boomchuckaboom]

I would accept the "Jaw problems" and all of her technical flaws to have such a glorious, beautiful sound in trade. I think there are some high school and undergraduate vocal students who think they are experts in vocal pedagogy commenting here, and are envious they will never have such a voice, despite all the training. This voice is a gift from GOD, a treasure. Millions agree and adore her, she's enjoyed a wonderful career, despite all the critics. WE LOVE KATHLEEN.

Thanks for posting.

[stingabe]

Amen!

[TheAleph74]

Bravo for this comment!!

[urik2u]

She sings superbly, in the spirit of Semele..

Mr Handel wood be pleased.....

[neochmia]

She breaths that much for short phrases with silences written in between... sounds strange and I do agree this jaw problem should be solved:maybe more diaphragm work..

[bigblatino]

Nitpick all you want. There is no denying that she is one talented woman.

And by the way, I LOVE the dress. She has her own inimitable style.

Brava, Ms. Battle!

[baritonebynight]

She is still singing as well today as she did back then. I saw her in recital in 2006 in her hometown of Portsmith and she phenomental. Her 1990 recording of Semele with Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, and Samuel Ramey is one of my all time favorites. I would travel great distance and pay big bucks to see her again!

[AulicExclusiva]

Beautiful performance, and she means every word, I'm sure!

[m4dw4r]

Ive never heard of her before,technically a good singer,we would like to compare her with Jenifer Vyvyan in Handall's Messiah Hallaujah Chourus ;

[WhiteBalanceLtd]

Gloriously fluid singing but I support the following comment below....what is with her jaw????

[omniscope99]

very sexy to watch her lips pout here n there.

[xgianpatrick]

Hmm...what's up with the jaw? Compare to the Strauss with Karajan 8 years prior. This is why she didn't want other singers watching her when she sang, yes? That could have been fixed.

[atlblkprync1981]

That dress come in a 18--like extra, extra long.

[vigwig]

I was there that night, she sounded wonderful but this was the peak of her career

[nicosupersex]

her dresses are always so dreadful... but her singing is more than exquisit.....

a paradox!!!!!!

[eebooking]

Annick Massis has the most beautiful performance of this aria I have seen...beutiful to listen to, as well as beautiful to behold. Her phrasing of words is also noteworthy.

Ms. Battle is a joy to listen to, but not so fun to watch at times. She is just not so graceful when singing.

Also, her pronunciation needs work. Her phrasing of words is not very good. I have noticed this not only with arias sung in English, but arias she has sung in italian and german as well.

[redbonegal]

LOVED THIS INTERPRETATION!!!!

[Mozmike]

absolutely glorious and enchanting!

[alejandra379]

melodious, so melodious.... she flows... does not huff and puff, produces a silvery sound, wonderful. That is true talent, plus experience and intelligence... a true lesson.

[vixenutza]

The best Semele one could ever imagine1Even Haendel would be more than pleased to listen to Mrs Battle singing.All the other interpretations of this musical piece are pale and so far from this absolutely perfect interpretation.

[yoyo20081]

She looks better at 60, than most women look at 40

[natashathweatt]

she's not 60 in this...she's not even 50

[phlarrdboi]

ray for cosmetic surgery.

[musicadei]

Ms. Battle will turn 60 on August 13.

[MaybeRocks]

what a diva!!! how old is she now?

[musicadei]

Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2PM Kathleen Battle will sing a recital at Carnegie Hall

[avidwilliams]

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH...I THOUGHT SO

[musicadei]

I just got my ticket in the mail! I am so excited!

[tjonesmusicman]

I went to see her she was phenomonal!!!!!!!!

[musicadei]

I was at the recital in NYC yesterday. New York saluted her before she even opened her mouth...bravas, standing ovations all afternoon.....my God! BRAVA!

[tjonesmusicman]

I know!!! I thought that's a true diva..I mean I've heard so many things about her being a b****. but she still has such class and elegance and I've gained much more respect for her. And I loved her "where you there" redention!

[CHerbek]

Very charming!

[BWV1906]

kathy is wonderful!!!!!! a true star! but i admit,, bartoli does better! it would be nice to hear battle do this aria in 2008!!! she is still on top of her game and very very wonderful!

[Brownmuscle2007]

I disagree, but I like Kathleen's best, but I think you should hear the whole opera.

[BWV1906]

i have.... kathleen is absolutely wonderful in it! she plays and sings the hell outta of semele...i would like to see her and bartoli do it in 2008...kathleen is still amazing...i saw her in concert last year...the voice is still among the worlds best. she was amazing!

[swe50]

The discussion of Batlle´s personality is out of place. None of ur are going to socialize with her. Battle is a very good singer but I agree that Bartoli easily outshhines her in this piece! And yet, Battle´s doing very, very well here.

[dynamicstuff73]

ain't it the truth girl! i love you kathleen!

[kinddude]

This piece so cleanly, so freshly, so beautifully! And it's live. Astounding.

About the negative comments about her personality: The VAST majority who repeat those comments repeat what they heard; they seem to revel in the gossip. If that's the way you expose your "positive" and "easy to work with" personality, it's ironic. It's as if you prove the adage, "Remove the log from you own eye, before you discuss the splinter in mine."

[ZKJonathan]

@kinddude totally agree with you. Sometimes people make judgement by believing in gossip without even knowing the truth or to get to know the person in this case. I guess as we grow and mature we know it's a golden rule that when we judge others we will be judged the same way. I hope we all show some kindness to others and learn their strength rather than focusing on shortcomings

.

[grubes]

Bartoli's Semele makes Battle's performance seem like a joke.

[classyteacherdiva]

Where was this recorded and when?

[coloraturafan]

NYC 1995

[musicadei]

It is a shame that people are still speaking on what happened at the MET like they were there! I am sure there is more to story as to why her behavior changed drastically (if it did) BRAVA DIVA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kiestan]

Well in the defense of Battle, though she has earned her last name, many of the arias require ego--at least she did not have stage managers to wheel out the cheval glass. She does seem, at certain points, seem to be taken by her reflection. Nevertheless, she has an amazing voice and she is a Beauty. Kudos!!! Kathy!!

[musicadei]

Ms. Battle just sang here last week in DC. She was absolutely ravishing. The Kennedy Center was sold out! And she recognized me from the other concerts I have attended! Brava Diva!

[InformedListener]

Aw! I envy you-- I wish I could've been there. I heard Ms. Battle about 11 years ago in DC when she sang a concert with the National Symphony. Her essay of "Ah, mio cor!" and "Tornami a vagheggiar" from Handel's Alcina were absolutely dazzling! Good for you!

[ajbradley]

all of you who post negative comments on her behavior or technique are just jealous you couldn't achieve what she does. it's so obvious she is a goddess!!!

[classyteacherdiva]

She did an excellent job. There is nothing wrong with this performance.

[Shabran87]

I can't believe she was a DG Diva...terrible performance...poor Semele.

[TheAleph74]

LOL, and if she is so terrible as you say, why you take the time to listen to her and make comments? You are funny, oh but wait, you are 20 years old! LOL

[mdkaplanm]

brilliant performance. You must understand Handel's use of satire regarding high society in London when the genius wrote Semele. Kathleen Battle understands Handel perfectly.

[GummiBands]

okay about the mirror, being a singer all my life, I get the point of it, considering the song is myself I shall adore. And ppl can be monsters, but no one knows for sure unless they were actually there. She's pretty good.

[doctorfate77]

I heard she didn't actually know there was an orchestra and audience there. That's what she usually does when she picks up a mirror...

[BelCantoBoy]

now THAT is funny

[VoyArrasando]

lmao ^5

[Dortmunderstrasse]

You adore thyself, and I adore THEE!!! BRAVA!!

[hisimperialmajesty]

How clever of her to use the mirror.

[Brownmuscle2007]

I have the full opera with Kathleen andI cherish it!

[bruceagogox]

Shut up!

How'd you get it>

[mbaggarly]

you can order it off of amazon

[musicadei]

I will agree, this performance has nothing on the recording of the aria with John Nelson, especially when she ornaments in the return of the A section of the aria!

[iTubeVlc]

Thanks God, Battle has sung this. No matter what other says, she's just great and unique in this very role.

Thank you for posting it.

[BlkMuscGent]

I love Battle a lot, but this is a simply OK performance, perhaps towards the end of her career.  She doesn't make much of the character. (Her singing's rather bland.) She also fudges some of the passagework and takes some strangely placed breaths, unduly interrupting her phrases. Her studio recording truly surpasses this live version.

[FABRIZIO82]

Gorgeous! Thank you very much, she is fantastic, as always. Very interesting to compare this version with Annick Massis, our great french diva. It's like tasting and comparing liquors from heaven.

[raycanto76]

Kathleen has a unbelieveable voice people...I believe if it aint broke don't fix it...she has a career that spans 20 years..and a voice that does not age..Brava Kathlenn.

[erer2930]

If she is your cousin, what is she like off stage? Is she a pleasant person to be around?

[BeauTenor]

Pleasant? Haven't you HEARD why she got fired from the Met? She's MEAN as HELL. The stagehands all broke into APPLAUSE when she got canned. I know people in the chorus who were there. They all said she was a bitch. Who cares if you can sing if you treat people badly.

[altodivo]

For that voice, i dont care if she's mean to the DYING, its a divine instrument. Artists can be separated from their behaviour. Wagner was a monster, but his music is brilliant. Many other examples...

[BeauTenor]

hehe...there are PLENTLY of singers that sound just as beautiful who are kind, gracious colleagues. No one should stand for that kind of treatment from anyone. The fact that she was gifted with a voice doesn't give her the right to treat others badly. And your comment about the dying? Classy.

[BeauTenor]

And FYI, a singer at this level can NOT be separated from their behavior. The "artistry" is a part of their core, and when you treat people badly it doesn't make any difference how well you sing. Rotten is rotten.

[kobynb]

I hear peole going on an on about Kathleen's behaviour and how she got fired from this company...what exactly did she do? Can some1 fill me in on the history behind all of this....

[BeauTenor]

oh, stuff like riding in a limo, and thinking the driver is going too fast. Instead of asking him to slow down, she called her agent, who called the limo company, who called the driver and told him to slow down (STUPID, I know). Also, she was a monster to all of her colleagues, the chorus, and especially the stagehands. She's got some problems, and the word was that she wouldn't stay medicated. She deserved what she got.

[bravissima1]

I'm taking this one for the cousin... What type of question is that? And what is the point of asking it? She's a person of stage, Just like you or I!

[bravissima1]

I'm taking this one for the cousin...What type of question is that and most importantly...What is the point? Off stage Kathy is a person, just like you and I!

[djdjmts2charmed]

ms battle is my cousion and i think she has the most beautiful voice ever.

[dutchtallguy]

Ms Battle is a beautifull woman with a pleasant sound, but she has a very peculiar way of singing, with lots of 'air' around her voice. Also I find Händel aria's always a tiresom because of the constant repeating melodies.

[erer2930]

My Lord! That woman enraptures my being by both her vocal and physical beauty. The song is perfect for her in every way.

[Tigermuc]

Perfect voice!

Christian

[D9l3tt]

This is incredible!! Thank you so much for posting! Please, please post more from this concert ASAP! Doesn't she also sing Dunque io son duet with Hampson and also a wonderful performance of Over the Rainbow?

[BeauTenor]

Like always...torture to watch. It's such odd technique that produces that pretty little voice. I'd rather listen than watch. It's like Bartoli. The mannerisms just KILL me.

[VoyArrasando]

lol this isnt going to win me any fans but i agree... i've always thought she had a very "cutsie wootsie" voice , Give me some reri grist anytime!

[BeauTenor]

Reri Grist was an AMAZING singer. I totally agree.

[yn65he]

Please post more from this concert! This is wonderful of you to post this.

[andreasscholl]

Still beautiful as ever and damned difficult!!!

She does a GOOD job at it...

But you can hear Batlle gets older, it's normal.

This is an aria that stays in the middle part of the voice moving more down then up.

She just gets a way with it..but verry GOOD!!!!

[mbaggarly]

Thank you so much for posting this! May I ask how you came about this video? Semele is my favorite Kathleen Battle role. I was so happy to see this! Thanks again

[Comatose7890]

if i remember correctly thomas hampson was also a performer on the night

[FrankJared]

Lovely, Thanks for posting this.