Here's how I really feel about Rasmussen's "retirement" -- NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Stephen King: "When you find something at which you are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy. Perhaps even ecstatic." That's why I can't believe she's really given it up. I will never stop hoping to see her back
It's SOOOOO tantalizing to imagine what Rasmussen might do if she were to "resurface," But truth be told, most of it would not make its way to DVD. Let us rejoice that this did -- a stunning Serse, a sumptuous production, and a strong cast all around. It sure sets the bar high for any future production. If this turns out to be Rasmussen's legacy, a person could do worse. That being said, Paula, I hope you're listening. Stay tuned for a word from Steven King.
Oh my!! As the audience applauds (too soon before orchestra ends) ***wiping misty eyes as goose bumps subside*** Deep rich mezzo flies thru the coloratura with grace and ease.
I certainly would wish they could release a CD version of this terrific live performance!
Apart from Paula, the most beautiful Serse ever both vocally and visually, other members of the cast are equally wonderful.
Hallenberg was then in her vocal prime, Piau and Bayrakdarian immaculately beautiful int heir performances, and Bardon owning a most mellifluous contralto voice!
Hello! One site that says it's backordered, but usually ships in 2 - 3 weeks is ArchivMusic, w w w . arkivmusic .c o m / classical/album.jsp ? album_id=109259. [remove extra spaces between the certain letters - YT doesn't allow URLs in posts.] Other online sites say either unavailable (amazon) or backordered since Jan, 2011 (cduniverse). A Google search may help - and I've not checked eBay yet. Good luck!
@antmusique Not totally gave up singing, as it happens. Just gave up the exhausting, living-out-of-a-suitcase, waking-up-in-a-different-city-every-few-days lifestyle of the modern opera singer. Even through law school, she would give occasional concerts and recitals, but she surely is much missed on the operatic stage! Good thing her Serse performance at Dresden was released on DVD!
Yes, Xerxes (Serse) is sung here by American mezzo-soprano Paula Rasmussen. The role was originally written for a castrato, and is often sung by mezzo-sopranos today -- since, well, there are no more castrati around these days.
Until that happens ( or maybe even if it does) I think this is the best interpretation of that aria on this site. Even with the expertise of someone like Joyce Di Donato et al, every female mezzo voice I've heard here sounds too "hooty". Paula has the technique and the sound you actually want to listen to.
That said, I still think Sarah Connelly could sing the shit out of this.
@Cissy97 I just listened to Ludwig's Carmen. You are so right. How I would love to hear Rasmussen sing that. Nobody like her out there. She IS sadly missed.
@magpie212 I saw on her CV on web that she DID sung Carmen.
Pity that not too many of her performances got recorded.
Not even Didonato or Garanca owns such a round, full and sweet timbre as does Paula. And she is tons prettier than Didonato, both in lady or trouser roles.
Guys, Sarah Connally HAS done Serse - at NYCO way back in like 1998... she NEEDS to get back on the horse and sing this again! We have the same voice teacher! He's excellent!
Hello - do check my profile page where I have a link to an interview with Ms Rasmussen, now a law school graduate from Golden Gate University. That's the latest I have on her. Copy the entire link without spaces and paste in your URL window to get to page. Interesting things she has to say about her operatic career and law school!
This is one of my favorite interpretation of this aria, considering that it is recorded after more than 2 hours of singing..
I purchased the DVD and as pjnbarb has said before, the main lacks are the scenes omitted and the inappropriate role of the Piau as Atalanta.
Anyway i prefered this to the ENO version.I really can't stop singing crude furie, I would like to play it, but finding the piano sheet is quiet impossible..If someone has it I'll be really grateful if he could send it to me...:D
Does anyone have the sheet music to this aria...?!?!?!? I someone does, please send me a message. I really really really need the sheetmusic for this piece. THANKS ;)
wow, that is such a great interpretation of the aria!! i love it!! there a so many other version here and there were all terrifying to me, but this one is really, really wonderful!!
A great voice, such even and healthy vocal production, just flawless, singing-wise. She may not be a Baroque singer, but still an amazing Handelian. I don't think she feels comfortable being a man, though. That fake hairpiece just doesn't help. Whatever happened to her, I wonder... Both Ann Hallenberg and Sandrine Piau are Baroque superstars now... So should she.
Hi, vitellia! Agree with all you say here. (Re the trouser role: the best singer/actress today for those roles is Sarah Connolly, to my mind - as in 'Giulio Cesare'.) As for Paula Rasmussen, go to my home page and click on the link for her in the upper left box, to find out what she's been up to last few years!
After seeing these video clips, I purchased the video, only to be very disappointed. Three scenes omitted , one from each act: Amastris' aria near the end of Act 1 which to me is a true highlight (when I saw in at ENO, Jean Rigby was truly frightening in her anger; also Scene IX in the last act, the only "duet" in the opera, and a delight.
Atalanta was very unconvincing as a teenager, a role that was done much better by Lesley Garrett in the ENO version ... she had such mischief about her.
The problem isn't the singer's, but the director's - she's been given NOTHING to do, except walk about and shake her fists. Needs some ACTION. A special effect with the doors and a flash-bang ain't enough!
Sorry, I agree with bassofiero on this. Whatever you're directed to do doesn't change the meaning of the music and lyrics. We have to find our own motivation to sing these repetitive phrases with meaning. She isn't angry in her body- she's kind of ambling about... holding the olympic torch like a spare part doesn't help. She could be using it as a focus. Afraid it's bad acting in my book...
@jibbyjane What is the matter with your eyes? Anger is written all over every move she makes! Not to mention her face and vocals. I think there was a bit of a directorial lapse when they have her walk (no run) behind the tree, but other than that this is FABULOUS! I love the way she menaces when she takes the torch. And the explosion? What a concept! Great singing, acting, and directing. Love every minute of this video!
i'm learning Rejoice Greatly from Handel's Messiah, and the runs are much difficult that this aria- and once you get used to them they're not really that hard to sing!
In response to Arashi110's comment, I understand perfectly why she got a law degree. Unfortunately at times there isn't sufficient employment even for impecable performers such as Paula, especially in the eventuality that they reach age 40. Terribly unfair, but ... could possibly be the reason. Let's hope she decides to resurface in the opera world.
Let's hope so! With almost-nil CD recordings, and a couple of operas with her in them on DVD, not much from her. Besides a few live performances here and there in the US, she hasn't sung much of late. I really wish she'd return soon. Besides, can't imagine a better time for opera than now, seems to be undergoing an exciting resurgence, what with the Met's brilliant campaign to bring the art form to the people via live HD showings, etc.
Yeh, well, guess what, I googled her and apparently, even while in law school she seemed to have plenty of singing engagements during school breaks. So, forget about my above speculations which were apparently incorrect. I also see that there is a PaulaRasmussenRealEstate on google, is that hers, or is there another Paula Rasmussen?
Haven't the foggiest about that one, but I'm guessing that's a different PR. There is, however, a Paula Rasmussen on the board of a law review journal based in San Francisco, whom, I would hazard to guess, is likely to be the same opera singer, Paula Rasmussen.
Thank you for posting this video! This is one of the best trouser-role performances I've seen. Absolutely stunning. I wish all mezzos who perform male roles could sing, act and look like Paula Rasmussen. Perfect!
You're very welcome. Alas, Ms. Rasmussen seems to have nearly dropped out of the operatic limelight for several years now (she obtained a law degree not too long ago) - to our great loss!
Hmm, on the other hand, her operatic talent could also come in handy in court - perhaps help her persuade the judge and jury more strongly if she sang her arguments with that amazing vocal ??
Found it. Thanks for posting. I'd be curious to see if anyone has video of another singer performing this aria. Paula has done a fabulous job with this one. Very tough to sing.
You're welcome! 'Crude furie' is certainly a challenging one to pull off with success. It's one of the highlights of this production, I think. The special effects are icing on the cake. I'm really liking this staging more and more. [continued]
[continued] To my mind, it sure bests the '88 ENO version with Ann Murray as Serse and Chris Robson as Arsamene, in which I don't recall a similarly spectacular 'Crude furie'. Hmm, must watch that again to compare! Thanks for the comment!
Whoops...not sure if your comment applies to this video, which has Paula Rasmussen singing the role of Serse at the Dresden Staatsoper, not Ann Murray at the ENO.
yah...I know. It was a response to someone else who made a comment about Murray on the DVD and whether the audience likes her as much. Youtube just has a wierd way of ordering comments.
Here's how I really feel about Rasmussen's "retirement" -- NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Stephen King: "When you find something at which you are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy. Perhaps even ecstatic." That's why I can't believe she's really given it up. I will never stop hoping to see her back
magpie212 1 month ago
It's SOOOOO tantalizing to imagine what Rasmussen might do if she were to "resurface," But truth be told, most of it would not make its way to DVD. Let us rejoice that this did -- a stunning Serse, a sumptuous production, and a strong cast all around. It sure sets the bar high for any future production. If this turns out to be Rasmussen's legacy, a person could do worse. That being said, Paula, I hope you're listening. Stay tuned for a word from Steven King.
magpie212 1 month ago
Oh my!! As the audience applauds (too soon before orchestra ends) ***wiping misty eyes as goose bumps subside*** Deep rich mezzo flies thru the coloratura with grace and ease.
stokleyb 1 month ago
I certainly would wish they could release a CD version of this terrific live performance!
Apart from Paula, the most beautiful Serse ever both vocally and visually, other members of the cast are equally wonderful.
Hallenberg was then in her vocal prime, Piau and Bayrakdarian immaculately beautiful int heir performances, and Bardon owning a most mellifluous contralto voice!
Cissy97 1 month ago
Brilliant on so many levels! The explosion only underscores the vocal fireworks. I never get tired of watching this. Ultimate entertainment.
magpie212 1 month ago
Great performance~
Bravo, Paula!
Cissy97 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
(Love the appoggiatura at c. 3:42!!)
jnamadeus 6 months ago
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jnamadeus 6 months ago
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jnamadeus 6 months ago
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jnamadeus 6 months ago
4:24 es la gloria.
ramirogorriti 10 months ago
@ramirogorriti
Terrific voice, for sure.
There are many top rate Mezzos around these days (Genaux, didonato, Garanca, Connolly), but still, Paula Rasmussen stands out.
Cissy97 2 months ago
EXPLOSION!
rayuuhumizuki 11 months ago
where can I buy the DvD?????
nathanmduszny 1 year ago
@nathanmduszny
Hello! One site that says it's backordered, but usually ships in 2 - 3 weeks is ArchivMusic, w w w . arkivmusic .c o m / classical/album.jsp ? album_id=109259. [remove extra spaces between the certain letters - YT doesn't allow URLs in posts.] Other online sites say either unavailable (amazon) or backordered since Jan, 2011 (cduniverse). A Google search may help - and I've not checked eBay yet. Good luck!
mariandelochs 1 year ago
This chick rocks!
SFbaby 1 year ago
Whoa! Is that a da capo or is that a DA CAPO?
90lysander 1 year ago
un cesso
idamante69 1 year ago
Wow, we have no shortage of mezzos who sing this aria wonderfully! She's really good. I'm sorry to read she gave up singing.
antmusique 2 years ago 4
@antmusique Not totally gave up singing, as it happens. Just gave up the exhausting, living-out-of-a-suitcase, waking-up-in-a-different-city-every-few-days lifestyle of the modern opera singer. Even through law school, she would give occasional concerts and recitals, but she surely is much missed on the operatic stage! Good thing her Serse performance at Dresden was released on DVD!
mariandelochs 2 years ago 3
@antmusique
A really terrfic performance. Methinks she is even better than Maureen Forrester in this title role!
Cissy97 2 months ago
y is Xerxes being sung by a woman?
karz12 2 years ago
Yes, Xerxes (Serse) is sung here by American mezzo-soprano Paula Rasmussen. The role was originally written for a castrato, and is often sung by mezzo-sopranos today -- since, well, there are no more castrati around these days.
mariandelochs 2 years ago
@mariandelochs
She LOOKS really manly. Sings brilliantly, too.
Bravo!
Cissy97 2 months ago
Until that happens ( or maybe even if it does) I think this is the best interpretation of that aria on this site. Even with the expertise of someone like Joyce Di Donato et al, every female mezzo voice I've heard here sounds too "hooty". Paula has the technique and the sound you actually want to listen to.
That said, I still think Sarah Connelly could sing the shit out of this.
horseyak 2 years ago 5
Connolly sings the shit out of this indeed - check the clips I've uploaded on my channel.
antmusique 2 years ago
@horseyak
Well, Connelly did a good job, but not as good as Malafronte or Rasmussen here.
Didonato certainly 'overdoes' the aria with her hooty sounds.
What makes Rasmussen so sadly missed is that she actually is reminiscent of the great mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig with her full and sweet timbre!
Cissy97 1 month ago
@Cissy97 I just listened to Ludwig's Carmen. You are so right. How I would love to hear Rasmussen sing that. Nobody like her out there. She IS sadly missed.
magpie212 1 month ago
@magpie212 I saw on her CV on web that she DID sung Carmen.
Pity that not too many of her performances got recorded.
Not even Didonato or Garanca owns such a round, full and sweet timbre as does Paula. And she is tons prettier than Didonato, both in lady or trouser roles.
Cissy97 1 month ago
Would love to hear what Sarah Connelly would do with this aria.
horseyak 2 years ago
Yeah - don't think I've heard her do Serse yet - but boy, is she ripe for that - another great Handelian role for a great Handelian mezzo !
mariandelochs 2 years ago
Guys, Sarah Connally HAS done Serse - at NYCO way back in like 1998... she NEEDS to get back on the horse and sing this again! We have the same voice teacher! He's excellent!
rlee1976 2 years ago
Connolly has also sung Serse at the English National Opera - I've been posting some clips from it on my channel.
antmusique 2 years ago
I simply love this aria. Each time I'm really pissed off Paula Rasmussen starts singing inside my head ^^
annikabt91 2 years ago
Saugut!
Hirnhinweg 2 years ago
Wonderful !!! I love her voice!
It´s a pity! I can´t find any Infomation about paula rasmussen.If someone have more Infomation about her, tell me please!
totorojaja 2 years ago 2
Hello - do check my profile page where I have a link to an interview with Ms Rasmussen, now a law school graduate from Golden Gate University. That's the latest I have on her. Copy the entire link without spaces and paste in your URL window to get to page. Interesting things she has to say about her operatic career and law school!
mariandelochs 2 years ago
Comment removed
totorojaja 2 years ago
i can see, why the director put a torch in her hand, i guess he hoped, she wouldn't wave around so much then..
anyway, the singing is AWESOME!!!
tamitinuviel 2 years ago
This is one of my favorite interpretation of this aria, considering that it is recorded after more than 2 hours of singing..
I purchased the DVD and as pjnbarb has said before, the main lacks are the scenes omitted and the inappropriate role of the Piau as Atalanta.
Anyway i prefered this to the ENO version.I really can't stop singing crude furie, I would like to play it, but finding the piano sheet is quiet impossible..If someone has it I'll be really grateful if he could send it to me...:D
suora88 2 years ago
Voix de mezzo lyrique avec un bon squillo, très fruitée, gorgée de santé et ambrée à souhait !!! Bravissima !!!!!
mariasarda 2 years ago
Does anyone have the sheet music to this aria...?!?!?!? I someone does, please send me a message. I really really really need the sheetmusic for this piece. THANKS ;)
FarinelliNBG 2 years ago
wow, that is such a great interpretation of the aria!! i love it!! there a so many other version here and there were all terrifying to me, but this one is really, really wonderful!!
tiffosa 2 years ago
God! She's great! Why haven't I heard of her before??
ligiamonteiro0 2 years ago
A great voice, such even and healthy vocal production, just flawless, singing-wise. She may not be a Baroque singer, but still an amazing Handelian. I don't think she feels comfortable being a man, though. That fake hairpiece just doesn't help. Whatever happened to her, I wonder... Both Ann Hallenberg and Sandrine Piau are Baroque superstars now... So should she.
vitellia 3 years ago
Hi, vitellia! Agree with all you say here. (Re the trouser role: the best singer/actress today for those roles is Sarah Connolly, to my mind - as in 'Giulio Cesare'.) As for Paula Rasmussen, go to my home page and click on the link for her in the upper left box, to find out what she's been up to last few years!
Thanks for the great comments!
mariandelochs 3 years ago
After seeing these video clips, I purchased the video, only to be very disappointed. Three scenes omitted , one from each act: Amastris' aria near the end of Act 1 which to me is a true highlight (when I saw in at ENO, Jean Rigby was truly frightening in her anger; also Scene IX in the last act, the only "duet" in the opera, and a delight.
Atalanta was very unconvincing as a teenager, a role that was done much better by Lesley Garrett in the ENO version ... she had such mischief about her.
pjnbarb 3 years ago
Great singing for a live performance. Her acting is lacking. This aria is about fury, not protest. Just making a fist wont cut it.
bassofiero 3 years ago
The problem isn't the singer's, but the director's - she's been given NOTHING to do, except walk about and shake her fists. Needs some ACTION. A special effect with the doors and a flash-bang ain't enough!
ProzrachnyTeatr 3 years ago
Sorry, I agree with bassofiero on this. Whatever you're directed to do doesn't change the meaning of the music and lyrics. We have to find our own motivation to sing these repetitive phrases with meaning. She isn't angry in her body- she's kind of ambling about... holding the olympic torch like a spare part doesn't help. She could be using it as a focus. Afraid it's bad acting in my book...
jibbyjane 2 years ago
Well, we'll have to disagree. This is lazy and talentless misdirection, and the singer has been given no help from the director. At all.
ProzrachnyTeatr 2 years ago
@jibbyjane What is the matter with your eyes? Anger is written all over every move she makes! Not to mention her face and vocals. I think there was a bit of a directorial lapse when they have her walk (no run) behind the tree, but other than that this is FABULOUS! I love the way she menaces when she takes the torch. And the explosion? What a concept! Great singing, acting, and directing. Love every minute of this video!
magpie212 1 month ago
Brava, wonderful singing and acting!!!
MissJessyeNorman 3 years ago 3
I agree. On a scale from one to ten, how hard would you say this aria is to sing?
horseyak 3 years ago
My opinion (being a countertenor) it is about a 6- there are some difficult high notes
hillevifan 3 years ago
Agree with you... perhaps a 7 because of the runs
thebarroque 3 years ago
I would think the hardest part would be to stay on pitch while you are firing off all that coloratura.
horseyak 3 years ago
i'm learning Rejoice Greatly from Handel's Messiah, and the runs are much difficult that this aria- and once you get used to them they're not really that hard to sing!
hillevifan 3 years ago
Brava!
Satirike 3 years ago
brava... accidenti
1beldivedremo 3 years ago
Timbro da sogno, interpretazione eccellente, ottima presenza scenica...Perfetto sotto ogni punto di vista.
Sorrentodellesirene 3 years ago 3
This is my favurite Handel's opera. I prefer it than Giulio Cesare or Ariodante or Tamerlano. It's like nozze di Figaro of Handel...
arsace72 3 years ago
This is one of my favor opera in the whole time. I wish I can perform as Xerses for this opera.
waichan28 3 years ago
Brava!!!!!
joeroma80 3 years ago
Wow!!!! Bravo Paula!!!!
lesboreades 3 years ago
thanks a lot for posting video. i buyed the complete opera as records in 1987,but i never saw that on stage.5stars minimum
heimkind1 3 years ago
You have no idea how long ~I have been loking for this thank you thank you this is briliante
from
Tom
tomwotton 4 years ago
In response to Arashi110's comment, I understand perfectly why she got a law degree. Unfortunately at times there isn't sufficient employment even for impecable performers such as Paula, especially in the eventuality that they reach age 40. Terribly unfair, but ... could possibly be the reason. Let's hope she decides to resurface in the opera world.
contessabrilliante 4 years ago
Let's hope so! With almost-nil CD recordings, and a couple of operas with her in them on DVD, not much from her. Besides a few live performances here and there in the US, she hasn't sung much of late. I really wish she'd return soon. Besides, can't imagine a better time for opera than now, seems to be undergoing an exciting resurgence, what with the Met's brilliant campaign to bring the art form to the people via live HD showings, etc.
mariandelochs 4 years ago
Yeh, well, guess what, I googled her and apparently, even while in law school she seemed to have plenty of singing engagements during school breaks. So, forget about my above speculations which were apparently incorrect. I also see that there is a PaulaRasmussenRealEstate on google, is that hers, or is there another Paula Rasmussen?
contessabrilliante 4 years ago
Haven't the foggiest about that one, but I'm guessing that's a different PR. There is, however, a Paula Rasmussen on the board of a law review journal based in San Francisco, whom, I would hazard to guess, is likely to be the same opera singer, Paula Rasmussen.
mariandelochs 4 years ago
Thank you for posting this video! This is one of the best trouser-role performances I've seen. Absolutely stunning. I wish all mezzos who perform male roles could sing, act and look like Paula Rasmussen. Perfect!
Arashi110 4 years ago
You're very welcome. Alas, Ms. Rasmussen seems to have nearly dropped out of the operatic limelight for several years now (she obtained a law degree not too long ago) - to our great loss!
mariandelochs 4 years ago
Cieli! How one could prefer law career over singing is beyond me.
Arashi110 4 years ago
Hmm, on the other hand, her operatic talent could also come in handy in court - perhaps help her persuade the judge and jury more strongly if she sang her arguments with that amazing vocal ??
mariandelochs 4 years ago
Ha Ha Ha.
Great point of yours...
SeanMinn 3 years ago
Yes, the explosion onstage is a wonder. Wish I'd been there.
horseyak 4 years ago
Found it. Thanks for posting. I'd be curious to see if anyone has video of another singer performing this aria. Paula has done a fabulous job with this one. Very tough to sing.
horseyak 4 years ago
You're welcome! 'Crude furie' is certainly a challenging one to pull off with success. It's one of the highlights of this production, I think. The special effects are icing on the cake. I'm really liking this staging more and more. [continued]
mariandelochs 4 years ago
[continued] To my mind, it sure bests the '88 ENO version with Ann Murray as Serse and Chris Robson as Arsamene, in which I don't recall a similarly spectacular 'Crude furie'. Hmm, must watch that again to compare! Thanks for the comment!
mariandelochs 4 years ago
the reaction to Murray's Crude Furie is explosive. the audience at ENO worships her.
altodivo 4 years ago
Whoops...not sure if your comment applies to this video, which has Paula Rasmussen singing the role of Serse at the Dresden Staatsoper, not Ann Murray at the ENO.
mariandelochs 4 years ago
yah...I know. It was a response to someone else who made a comment about Murray on the DVD and whether the audience likes her as much. Youtube just has a wierd way of ordering comments.
altodivo 4 years ago