Amy Shuard Liebestod

London-born soprano Amy Shuard began her career at Sadlers Wells in the early 1950s, then at Covent Garden from the mid 1950s until the 1970s. She became the leading dramatic soprano at the Royal Opera House and appeared in most of the world's leading opera houses.

It was her recital disc that turned me on to opera, so I owe her a great deal. I was lucky enough to see her twice at Covent Garden. In the 1960s she was a stunning Elektra under Schippers, her brilliant top notes matched by the quality of her uniquely dark lower register. In the 1970s, as Turandot the top was less easy, but once in her stride she used her huge, rich voice to tremendous effect.

She recorded too little and is not as well remembered as she deserved, so this is my tribute to her art - and my first contribution to YouTube.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• amy
• shuard
• wagner
• tristan
• liebestod
• isolde

[Henrymurray100]

Thank you for posting. Love it.

[paulprocopolis]

Shuard's was indeed a fine, powerful voice, and, after some slightly suspect intonation early on, I think she delivers a fine, committed performance of this aria. The ending is very sensitively done.

[BLNTBRGSFLBYMCLN]

Great piece, great voice. Thank you.