Mady Mesple sings Rossini

[intelegentable]

I find this woman's voice marvelous. I have loved her since hearing a recording of her singing.I am impressed by her refinement and her technique. I also love the sound of Mado Robin and Mattiwilda Dobbs.These voices have a unique sound, that's, authentically French and appeals to me. I also like Pons but there is a warmth and roundness to the others lacking in Pons. Who was a great artist and a consummate musician in her own right.I play her Coloratura Assoluta recording to pieces.

[signawp]

A French Spinto-coloratura. Mado Robin is another French coloratura (Mado reaches the stratosphere; and of course, the great Lily Pons, a lyric coloratura, who sang La Marseillese at the liberation of Paris).

If you really want to her fantastic Lakmes, listen to these versions (or Luisa Tetrazzini, a self-trained Italian coloratura at the turn of the last century).

Nina and Marina Koshetz are two phenomenal Russian Spinto Sopranos.

[redpriest26]

Beautiful!

[dpguibors]

it s a dream i loved her i am french and she is french i am very proud thank you we loved you mady

[ZLadyGagaZ]

ah, the beautiful voice of a coloratura

[adamastorBassBar]

Excuse me - how many singers these days can "spin" their vocal line cosi? Brava maestra Mady!

[gustavojoris]

Very beautiful! What a voice and what a technique! Thanks for uploading!

[brolobear]

Her Lakme is the best I've heard next to Ruth Welting. I always enjoyed Mesple...such a classy singer.

[EnviedCure776]

@SharpRaV yes, it's a coloratura. My vocal instructor confirmed it

[UnaverageAmerican]

So awesome, amazing, and wonderful!!!

[flowersings]

Her voice is so very light. Could she hit notes in the stratospheric range?

[moghedien13]

@flowersings i think her highest was an A or A flat. her voice definitely is not to everyone's taste, quite acidic sometimes but, in my opinion, despite the fact that she is a coloratura, i dont really listen to her for high notes. no matter what one thinks of her she is a first rate musician and is at all times a refined artist. thats what attracts me to her. listen to her doll song the high E flat at the end aside she sings it como scritto and totally embodies the doll persona. a true master

[landl47]

I've had a double CD of her arias for years now, as well as her recording of 'Lakme'. She hits some truly spectacular high notes. The soprano she is most like is the French diva Lily Pons. Not for everyone, but I like the lightness of her voice and her rather pronounced vibrato.

[65attila]

@landl47

I think Mesple had a firmer and more complete coloratura technique than Pons.

This is glorious singing.'

Regards-John

[landl47]

@65attila You may be right. Pons was a little earlier so the recordings of her aren't as good, although the couple I have aren't bad at all. My mother, who was herself a very accomplished amateur lyric soprano, loved Lily Pons. Mado Robin, also a French soprano, would be another comparable voice.

[Marcelosopro]

É uma VOZ!!!!

[zamyrabyrd]

@SkateNater Well, you do have a point about vibrato being too much when it overwhelms the tone. Like the vibrato of string players (that Leopold Mozart admitted it was taken from singing), the frequency should not oscillate too much that the pitch becomes unclear. Unfortunately, this does happen with her but not all the time. The natural vibrato of a tone gives color but does not disturb. The absence of vibrato would be a white tone, equally unpleasant coming from a singer.

[zamyrabyrd]

@SkateNater Yes, maybe she let the voice go too much rather than controlling it. But, when not paid attention to as a possible defect, the alleged vibrato can come through as a sweet and fragile timbre. Robin seems to have it less and Dessay not at all, which makes her seem a bit cold at times. This particular aria is quite spectacular. Check out her Zerbinetta from the late 60's. These are not for your average run of the mill sopranos with high notes.

[lawdocdc89]

Is she perhaps the greatest voice of all time? Surpassing Caruso?

[petelovesbevsills]

Mady always knew just how to thrill her audiences. I am in awe of her stunning coloratura!!!!! Brava Mady!!!

[polyphemous]

my Lord. How beautiful is that. Extraordinary

[Tenorbravo]

Magnifique interprepation of Rossini's coloratura aria !! Unmatched !! Out of this world technique..Love it.

[ChiangTino]

this is the best! best version i've ever heard!!!

[ChiangTino]

@ChiangTino totally agree with you!!!

[acitipo]

Excelente version!!!!! trinos, stacattos, fiorituras, propios de una soprano ligera, hermoso timbre cristal puro, color hermoso, gran tecnica, hermosa interpretacion.

[MastersoftheOpera]

Excellent. Madie's Rossini repertoire is perfect. Her light, agile soprano voice is able to do the coloratura trills & passages with lovely technique. It's true that a mezzo coloratura is more along the lines of the original singers for the Rossini heroines but a talented soprano like Mesple is very good for this genre of opera. Brava

[jocmuc1]

eine absolute singmaschine.

gott ist diese frau gut

[jamarsano]

A very french voice - light and elegant.

I always loved her Lakme - she sounds like a young girl.

Interestingly, when Sutherland's Lucia came out, Mesple did her one better by singing it a key higher. She felt she had to, to make it special enough for people to come.

[7inga7]

She is absolutely superb! Thank you!

[Nahni428]

this is beautiful :)

[loufromlou]

Her voice makes me happy

[flaze3]

Excellent singer!

[lababoc]

looking for a rercording of the Bachianas Brasileiras's Aria and Cantilena sung by Miss Mesple. Vive Mady ! Vive la France!

[nmcaia]

Try Bidu Sayao.

[65attila]

Thank you- I have the entire LP on which this was performed, BRAVA

[Ekehart]

Wow. Simply fantastic.

[boomchuckaboom]

I love this voice. Thanks for sharing this.

[isahuizi]

Adoro esta soprano, canta con gran técnica y es muy sensible y precisa en su interpretación, justísima...

[enfava]

One of the best coloratura sopranos in history of opera. Unfortunately there are not many recordings. Nothing similar to her "Voices of Spring". I was a little child and I could not believe my ears!!! And amazing technique and professionalism!

[WWWjuandiegoflorezIT]

What's the opera name? It seems "La gazzetta" but it is not!

[agathosj]

Hi, it's "La gazza ladra" in English "The Thieving Magpie" or "The Thievish Magpie".

[codicerosso]

sembra quasi una variazione su una voce poco fa dal barbiere di siviglia...!!!!!!

[eccemathaevs]

I am so glad that I discovered Mme. Mesple. The agility is astounding.

[mazurmusic7]

I think you're all quite dumb. By, the way, it's spelled Vibrato...

[keula1]

She sings like a goddess. Really a perfect voice!

[stanthology]

thank God I finally found Mady on you tube!

[Sesto73]

She sings like a squeaking mouse :-( Brrrrrrr.... :-(((

[everythinok]

are you afraid of singing mice? U should check your... whatever God gave you to help you hear, cause they re not ears for sure.

[saphistische]

Actually, male mice court lady mice by singing *above* the pitch audible to humans.

[TakadaLotus]

You sound like a squeaking mouse

[bachkicksass83]

your mom sounds like a sqeaking mouse.

[EnviedCure776]

Settle this! Now, we all have our opinion. I would agree that Mady does sound squeaky but she doesn't. Her voice's vibratto is very fast, it is no squeak. Plus that, her voice is very light, light but full, which would explain. But, I respect your opinion.

[stingabe]

Has anyone heard of Reri Grist? She is much like Mesple. Pure pleasure to listen to.

[petelovesbevsills]

yes! a singer who deserved more recognition for her wonderful musicianship and very listenable voice.

[skitzo429]

she had a rather short career, and footage of her is extremely rare, i believe theres a black and white video of singing zerbinettas aria on youtube.

[SENAFOREVER]

Her career wasn't short at all.

She is one of the greatest exponents of the french school.

Vive Mady Mesplé!

[ioSonoCallas]

Mady Mesplé's career lasted more than 35 years, from 1953 till 1989 and in recital until 1997. She was very often invited at the French television during the 70's and the beginning of 80's, there are several hundreds Mady's video! She was the most famous French opera singer for the popular public!

[nmcaia]

What about Lily Pons?

[EnviedCure776]

How high does she go in this?

[123Niche]

High F#

[EnviedCure776]

LOVELY!

[EnviedCure776]

I love her voice, it is just so beautiful and distinguishes greatly from other Coloratura's. Just like Elin Carlson and Dilber. But Mady is the Queen of Coloratura. Damn me for being a Lyric...! I wish I was a Coloratura so I could sing like her! But whose voice could compare to such beauty?! NOT EVEN CHRISTEN DAAE!

[EnviedCure776]

I'M A COLORTURA NOW! SWEET!

[wnwnrt]

Wich aria is this? Does anynody knows?

[OperaWolf]

It says in the beginning of the video

La Gazza Ladra - Di piacer mi balza il cor

Ninnetta

Di piacer mi balza il cor. Ah, bramar di più non so:

E l'amante e il genitor finalmente rivedrò. L'uno al sen mi stringerà.

L'altro... ah, che farà? Dio d'amor, confido in te, deh, tu premia la mia fè!

Tutto sorridere mi veggo intorno. Più lieto giorno brillar non può.

Ah, già dimenticato i miei tormenti. Quanti contenti alfin godrò!

[OperaWolf]

Although same aria is used in less known L'ape musicale...

[meinfb]

The best coloratura since Galli-Curci

[EnviedCure776]

I love it when she hits the high notes! SO BEAUTIFUL!

[bellasoprana]

no,she is a coloratura...and one of the most excuisite!!! i am impressed...is she still alive? i never heard such tehnic and such voice...wow!!!

[EnviedCure776]

Oh man, I was hoping that if she was not a Coloratura then that proves that other female Operatic voice can do that cool Ahahahahah thing. You know, flexing to different notes flawlessly.

[skitzo429]

yes, shes in her late 70s

[EnviedCure776]

Beautiful! Is she a lyric soprano?

[agathosj]

She s an even lighter voice than a lyric soprano, it s called soprano soprano legera (italian).

[EnviedCure776]

Cool.

[bobon47]

@agathosj is soprano leggiero equal to dramatic coloratura?

[zamyrabyrd]

@bobon47 I don't know who might be considered dramatic coloratura since as the voice goes higher, it usually gets thinner. Joan Sutherland and Gruberova had power behind their tones but at least the former didn't sing heavy on the top. This lady's voice is unusual for its range. Coloraturas are rare birds.

[flowersings]

@bobon47 Dramatics have heavier voices than lyrics.

[nansee1985]

@EnviedCure776 She's a lyric coloratura soprano, which is the highest soprano. :) That's the english and also the german fach classification. 

[xgianpatrick]

A new voice for me; a most pleasant discovery tonight. Thanks.

[PopoliDiTessalia]

Absolutely astonishing!

And almost perfect. Merci Mme Mesplé

[7inga7]

Beautifully executed; superb.

[mrrk]

A great performance. A very underated singer.

[sschimel]

You know, in all the years I've known this recording, I never bothered to figure what the high note was at 5:05. Anyone know? It's sounds like it's at least F or G above the staff. It's definitely Mado Rabin territory.

[DrRRoyce80]

it is an F#

[PecsMstr]

You mean Mado Robin.

[everythinok]

Mady Mesple is singing. What do YOU mean "Mado Robin"? Check your ears dude.

[sschimel]

This recording brings back such great memories for me. I didn't discover her until the 80s, when I first heard older recordings of her. Je T'adore. Okay, that used up most of the French that I speak. I love high coloraturas and she is one of the best.

[dutchtallguy]

Thanks for posting this recording. It is a hommage to Ms. Mesple who was so cruely boehed in the Salut de France competition.

[Jabe88]

Was she really booed IN the performance? Or the commentators on yotube?

I heard applauses and cheering? (or maybe some were boos?)

I really think it is unfair to treat her that way, she's a great singer

[Liwah]

Unfortunately, she was. Kind of sad.

[edthesp]

Brilliant. This is a beautiful song. It's so similar to Una voce poco fa.

Did anyone else sing this?

Ed

[Liwah]

It does! The beautiful booming instrument at 0.28 seconds (what instrument is that?) made me think I'd mistakenly started playing 'Una Voce Poco Fa' too.

[skitzo429]

its only similar to una voce poco fa in the respect that its the same cavatina/aria formulaic ocnstruction, which while was standard in all bel canto operas. the vocal writing isnt really similar

[maritacasa]

Meraviglioso!!!

[santcar1816]

¡Qué maravilla! Bravissimo

[123Niche]

Excellent ! Mady Mesplé est assurément une des plus grandes soprano légères du 20e siècle. Elle a une technique incroyable et des suraigus inouïs. Cependant, contrairement à ce que dit agathosj, cet enregistrement n'a rien de rare, on peut le trouver dans The Very Best of Mady Mesplé, qu'on peut acheter partout. De plus Mady Mesplé est loin d'être une artiste sous-estimée. En France elle est très connue et très appréciée !

[Jabe88]

Je n'en suis pas certain.

Cela fait 3 ans que j'habite en france et je n'ai jamais vu/entendu parler de Mady sur les medias.

Je suis bien persuade qu'elle est TROP sous-estimee ici (Dessay est plus estimee).

[123Niche]

Disons qu'elle était très connue dans les années 60-80. Elle passait très souvent à la télé, et aujourd'hui encore les gens la connaissent. Bien sûr maintenant elle est âgée, donc elle ne chante plus, et on ne la voit plus. Mais son nom est fréquemment cité dans les journaux spécialisés.

[ioSonoCallas]

Ses années fastes sont 1958-1975, elle est premier prix de chant et piano du conservatoire de Toulouse. Elle a d'abord rôdé son répertoire à Liège et Bruxelles entre 1953 et 56, année qui marque ses débuts à l'opéra de Paris. En 58 elle chante Constance du dialogue des carmélites, Gilda, les Indes galantes et Lucia en alternance avec J.Sutherland en 1959! Elle a chanté sur les plus grandes scènes du monde, elle a crée le quatuor n°2 que Betsy Jolas a écrit pour elle!

[ioSonoCallas]

(suite du 1er commentaire réponse). Charles Chaynes lui a écrit ses "Quatre Poèmes de Sappho", en 1965 elle crée élégie pour jeunes amants de Henze en langue française. Au festival d'Aix-en-provence elle chante Zemire et Azor de Grétry et en 66 Zerbinetta d'Arianne à Naxos, probalement son plus grand triomphe! Il faut absolument écouter sur you tube sa Gilda de Genève en 67! Elle enseigne avec succés depuis presque 30 ans. C'est une musicienne accomplie. ( Désolé d'avoir été aussi bavard! )

[Jabe88]

Mais pas du tout! Ca me fait plaisir de connaitre toutes ces informations sur Mme Mesple! Merci beaucoup! j'ai toujours apprecie son art d'ailleurs! Pour moi, elle represente l'art du chant classique en France. Aujourd'hui on doit cet honneur a Mme Dessay (Desole, il n'y a aucun accent ni de cedilles sur ce clavier)!

[ioSonoCallas]

Mady Mesplé est le plus grand soprano leger Francais de la deuxième moitié du 20éme siècle (Mado Robin étant un cas à part). C'est une musicienne accomplie, une artiste sensible et délicate. The very great French diva. She singing all the great stage of the world.(Excuse for my Inglish). Thanks agathosi