I've heard many singers sing Giulio Cesare on record and IMHO and for my taste, nobody, mezzo or countenor, did it better than Larmore, she's simply superb in this role.
Vocal classification is a tricky thing. Let's remember, for example, that the term "mezzo-soprano" did not exist in Handel's day. It's really a fairly modern idea. Do you think Larmore would have been considered a soprano then, or a contralto?
Argument aside, I think her Cesare is amazing -- easily the best out there. Rich lower notes, soaring highs, incredible acting and versatility.
This role was perhaps originally written for the castrato Senesino, but even in Handel's time, women would often sing the role when a castrato was unavailable or undesirable. Countertenors were reserved mostly for church settings in those days.
well she is credited in the booklet as contralto, and she sounds it in this. Her voice has gotten higher lately. Bartoli is definitely not like this, but she IS a mezzo, albeit one with a super flexible upper-extension.
I think they were trying to label the role as a contralto, not Larmore. I think Larmore really doesn't have the timbre of a contralto, but she is absolutely amazing nevertheless. The piece really is superb.
I think its part of the Mezzo versatility that can allow her to make this part live. Her tone is still dark, and she has the ability, so she is completely legitimate with this aria. Its great : D
on a higher scale? In what sense? A countertenor cannot compete with a contralto's lower register or volume output. Sad but true. Scholl does sing this fabulously though.
I've heard many singers sing Giulio Cesare on record and IMHO and for my taste, nobody, mezzo or countenor, did it better than Larmore, she's simply superb in this role.
guiradobrasil 2 weeks ago
Vocal classification is a tricky thing. Let's remember, for example, that the term "mezzo-soprano" did not exist in Handel's day. It's really a fairly modern idea. Do you think Larmore would have been considered a soprano then, or a contralto?
Argument aside, I think her Cesare is amazing -- easily the best out there. Rich lower notes, soaring highs, incredible acting and versatility.
90lysander 1 year ago
Super!
hereismy2cents 3 years ago
She is super!
hereismy2cents 3 years ago
this is really incredible, but it is suppoused to be sung by a contralto =/
NicolinoXVIII 3 years ago
This role was perhaps originally written for the castrato Senesino, but even in Handel's time, women would often sing the role when a castrato was unavailable or undesirable. Countertenors were reserved mostly for church settings in those days.
cantatrix 3 years ago
no, i meant a female contralto though, she is a mezzo but its ok , whatever :)
NicolinoXVIII 3 years ago
Are the notes she is singing any different?
elias12186 3 years ago
no but her timbre is a bit different from a pure contralto hehe but its ok she is very good
NicolinoXVIII 3 years ago
could you please post cornelias cessa oami?
i love this recording
hillevifan 3 years ago
Sarà pure un vero mezzo, ma non ha argento.
enantiodrom 3 years ago
Awesome!!!Real mezzo no like Bartoli!
eddi1178 3 years ago 2
well she is credited in the booklet as contralto, and she sounds it in this. Her voice has gotten higher lately. Bartoli is definitely not like this, but she IS a mezzo, albeit one with a super flexible upper-extension.
altodivo 3 years ago
I think they were trying to label the role as a contralto, not Larmore. I think Larmore really doesn't have the timbre of a contralto, but she is absolutely amazing nevertheless. The piece really is superb.
olympicfreak678 2 years ago
I think its part of the Mezzo versatility that can allow her to make this part live. Her tone is still dark, and she has the ability, so she is completely legitimate with this aria. Its great : D
celestialbakura 2 years ago
Again, All Hail Jennie!
pweny 4 years ago 5
well andreas scholl performs this aria on a much higher scale not to say this isnt good but andreas is untouchable
ericfc93 4 years ago
on a higher scale? In what sense? A countertenor cannot compete with a contralto's lower register or volume output. Sad but true. Scholl does sing this fabulously though.
altodivo 3 years ago 7
O.K. so Scholl is "untouchable"? Well,
SO IS Jennifer Larmore. Shame you can't fully appreciate it.
contessabrilliante 3 years ago 8
All hail The Supreme Mezzo Goddess
rrkrum 4 years ago 4
All hail The Supreme Mezzo Goddess
rrkrum 4 years ago 3
All Hail Jennie!
pweny 4 years ago 2