Ruth Ann Swenson - Je veux vivre

Gounod's Roméo et Juliette
Metropolitan Opera Gala - James Levine's 25th Anniversary 1996

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ruth
• Ann
• Swenson
• Gounod
• Romeo
• and
• Juliette
• Je
• veux
• vivre
• opera

[skitzo429]

comparing anyone to Netrebko on the point of diction is almost laughable, Netrebko's french is atrocious.

[arpeggio1358]

It doesn't get any better than this. Swenson's voice is perfectly suited to this piece. Swenson has always sung material that is appropriate for her voice, has never tried to sing roles that are too heavy for her.

[kountoulf]

J'adore , c'est divin , l'interprétation est géniale ! Bravo

[BGSourgas]

hers was the first version of this aria i ever heard. it made me happy every time i listened to it and still does! brava

[pedrofribeiro]

Best rendition EVER. Even better than the "unmatcheable" version of Kathleen Battle. Pure perfection.

[MusicoftheHeart1]

This is the best I've heard this aria in a long time!

[SuperPerformingArts]

Ruth Ann Swenson is stellar. One of the most unique and beautiful voices of our time as well as a gifted artist and musician. Hearing her live is such a joy. Thank you Ruth Ann for being such an inspiration! :)

[furmitten]

I saw Ruth Ann Swenson sing Juliette at the Met, her voice filled the hall effortlessly and was so sweet and touching, it was one of the most beautiful performances I've ever seen at the Met.

[Silasbenjamin]

I know I shouldn't say it, but I will: This is my voice teacher's wife! (He's her voice teacher too) It's a little scary when you're performing a university opera and you know that Ruth Ann Swenson is out in the audience watching you. Lol. Unfortunately, I still haven't seen her perform live yet.

[arpeggio1358]

@MissMiasWorld I'd have to disagree about Garanca. i think she's very good. Netrebko, however, is very overrated. Swenson is very pretty, but if she were just starting out today, there are unfortunately many opera houses that wouldn't hire her because of her weight. Look at what happened to Deborah Voigt. The voice should be the only thing that matters.

[MissMiasWorld]

@arpeggio1358 I fully agree with about the whole "pretty people" thing, Elina Garanca is prime example of this, mediocre singing pushed in our faces just because of a pretty face and tight ass :(. Although I disagree with the insinuation that Ruth isn't a "pretty person" sure she is a little soft and round but I think she is just as pretty as Netrekbo or Garanca. Plus she has better hair! Not all over-processed and straw-like! And that's got to count for something!!

[arpeggio1358]

@xgianpatrick I agree. Netrebko is overhyped and has a voice that is no match for Swenson or many other of the world's operatic sopranos. There is an unfortunate tendency to emphasize looks in opera today. The voice should be what matters always. Alas, I'm afraid the "pretty people" are here to stay in opera, Netrebko among them.