Semiramide Contest - Edita Gruberova - Appendix

Semiramide is notoriously difficult role, like Norma it challenges all the dramatic and pyrotechnic abilities of the singer. That is why very few singers even attempt this role. This opera is very much like Norma is the respect that few singers qualify true success in the role. Bel raggio lushinghier is spectacular show stopper; it gives the soprano ample opportunity to show off their coloratura and high notes. So it is a perfect piece to use in this contest.
One side note of interest: These contests are supposed to be fun, their purpose is to compare the techniques and portrayals of some of the world's finest singers. I never intended for these videos to become a breading ground for soprano bashers. So when you are posting comments, I just ask that you remain aware of others. Also, if you are posting a score lower than 3 please give some reason for it. It would only benefit the contest if we know more about what you think about the given performance.
Again a score of 1-5 for singing/characterization:
Elena Mosuc -- 2005
Edita Gruberova -- 2000
Katia Ricciarelli - 1981
June Anderson -- 1987
Cecilia Bartoli -- 1997
Vitoria Loukianetz -- 2005
Ángeles Blancas -- 2004
Iano Tamar -- 1992
Cecilia Gasdia -- 1994
Adelaide Negri -- 1980
Ermonela Jaho -- 2001
Montserrat Caballe -- 1980
Mariella Devia -- 1992
Joan Sutherland - 1983

Category:

Music

Tags:

• gruberova
• rossini
• opera

[Agorante]

I heard Sutherland live, Sills too, and Caballe and Popp and Bartoli and Ricciarelli and Gasdia etc... I missed Gruberova but I hold her in the highest regard. Today I watch her complete opera performaces on DVD like Abduction and Ariadne. She makes me cry. What a wonderful, wonderful singer.

[vrsing]

Viva Gruberova! I have been listening to her for 30 years! I love the bite in her voice.

[saagua1953]

She was better in 93 than she is today, obviously. But even here she pampers herself by slowing down and singing "at" a difficult passage instead of simply doing it without hesitation. I think she is getting too long in tooth to keep singing these days.

[gustopheles]

sorry, this is 93

[gustopheles]

This is 90 or 91 I think, not 2000. I give Edita a 4/5 (but I'm a huge fan) - her coloratura alone elevates this performance to near-perfection. Obviously there are faults - dissonant ornaments, aggressive breathing, some laboured phrases. But the high F - wow - and her acrobatics are stunning.

[boltoht]

amazing!!! those descending melismas at the beginning couldn't be better. she is the BEST!!!

[boltoht]

amazing!!! those descending melismas at the beginning couldn't be better.

[DiegoMartinazzoli]

Meravigliosa, sempre al top

[jirizika1962]

@jboygb I totaly agree, it is actually really interesting how many admirers Joan Sutheralnd have and how many pople speaks or write against Edita. But you expressed it pertinently. I agree Joan had rare instrument /and fortunately recorded at that time too/ in her prime, but her most recorded and presented performances sound like from the period she should have been already retired. And even more, she could not act comparing to Edita perfect La Fenice Violeta or Barcelona Elisbaetta etc.

[daphnebeloved]

Superb!

[avalokiteshivara]

incrivel high F

[adballet]

@Iareto

I disagree. She breaths at 3:57 and 4:03 loud and spoils the line. Devia just creates the most amazing beauty at that time.