@MuscleMikal I disagree with the notion of her being a Wagnerian, but having sung with her, I can say it was an extremely impressive voice live. It cut like steel!
I saw this performance, at Bellas Artes in 1997 or 1998 I think.
After she sang Roberto Devereaux there in 1991 in a concert version (and she was FANTASTIC then!!) she came back for this Norma, but she wasn't vocally as strong as few years before (as the cabaletta here shows quite clearly), and also showed that Norma was too big of a role for her.
I always thought Rowland could have been THE Wagnerian soprano of our time. Her strengths are her charismatic stage presence and the shear size of her voice.
In my opinion, it's an impressive voice, but not a pretty one. I've heard her in recital and operatic performances, and her constant tendency to go sharp and that annoying uneven vibrato prevented them from being really enjoyable.
@MuscleMikal I disagree with the notion of her being a Wagnerian, but having sung with her, I can say it was an extremely impressive voice live. It cut like steel!
Dymension 1 year ago
I saw this performance, at Bellas Artes in 1997 or 1998 I think.
After she sang Roberto Devereaux there in 1991 in a concert version (and she was FANTASTIC then!!) she came back for this Norma, but she wasn't vocally as strong as few years before (as the cabaletta here shows quite clearly), and also showed that Norma was too big of a role for her.
xafnndapp 2 years ago
I hardly knew her, this is gorgeous. Thanks.
SENAFOREVER 2 years ago
I always thought Rowland could have been THE Wagnerian soprano of our time. Her strengths are her charismatic stage presence and the shear size of her voice.
In my opinion, it's an impressive voice, but not a pretty one. I've heard her in recital and operatic performances, and her constant tendency to go sharp and that annoying uneven vibrato prevented them from being really enjoyable.
MuscleMikal 3 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this. I saw Miss Rowland in this role in Atlanta some years back and she was excellent. Please post more.
mermale 4 years ago