Strauss - Kathleen Battle - Frühlingsstimmen - Voices of Spring

Sleezy, your point has been well noted. But guess what? Ezra Pound was antisemitic; Wallace Stevens was racist. I suppose if we stopped appreciating (viewing, listening to, reading, etc.) the art from those artists with disagreeable pasts and/or personalities we'd be left with -- oh, that's it, no art.

The name is nichtsleezy, by the way! I can understand you wanting to protect Ms. Battle like an owner wants to protect his wild dog. But I have met her on two different occasions spaced year apart plus I spoke to her on the phone(if you can count that as a third time) and each time including the phone call she was extremely rude to me but to fans who just wanted an autograph. So, I am a primary source for information. As far as her "prime" is concerned, there are so many soubrettes and lyrical

coloraturas who can sing just as well or better. A voice of her small size should have easy c's, d's and e's. In her prime, all those notes sounded a bit strained when she sang them which made the color of those notes a bit colorless. However. there are some wonderful recordings of her singing spirituals and the Strauss piece for instance. I look to Reri Grist, Streich and Mariella Devia!! These women have high notes and know how to use them well!!

rickylaurentiis - Please consider the source you get your information. Is the person sharing the information someone you consider authorative or, perhaps, has a personal bone to pick? They may or may not be correct. But how many people who judge others to be rude are actually rude themselves. Ironic, is it not?

Don't you worry about that ASS! Yes, that Battle was fired for a list of reasons!!! Everyone that I know who has worked with her has told me horror stories about her. However, her talent does not match the depth of her horrible personality!! There are so many other lyrica coloraturas that can sing just as well and better, and they are not so crazy and insecure as to behave as she has in the past!!! Although, this is a beautiful rendition of this piece.

Sleezy, no coloratura could touch her in her prime. She reigned supreme. Again, like everyone else, you know FRIENDS who told you what she was like. Did you yourself know her? Nope. What do you yourself know about her horrible personality?? Share those colorful stories, not your "my friends reveal" stories. Frankly, why do people care? I tuned in to listen a great singer, not to discuss her past. I got a past too and did mine and so do you and everyone who points fingers at Ms. Battle.

nicht: Maybe Kathleen has a personality disorder.  She is quite unusual you know.

Is she married?

The tempo is just right for a walse!!! Beautiful voice - could be a little stronger,though ;)

This is amazing. The tempo is slower than the orchestral version would likely be taken but for the vocal there is so much more that can be done with rubati and tempo changes. I think it's marvelous. I'm not always a huge fan of von Karajan but this is great.