La Favorita Contest - O mio Fernando - Dolora Zajick

This is a short contest. I thought it would be interesting to judge the mezzo sopanos. I have always found this aria thrilling. I hope everyone enjoys. Again a score of 1-5 for singing/characterization:
Vesselina Kasarova - 1990
Fiorenza Cossotto - 1971
Daniela Barcellona - 2006
Elena Obraztsova - 1991
Shirley Verrett - 1992
Mariana Pentcheva - 1997
Luciana D'Intino - 1992
Gloria Scalchi - 1997
Dolora Zajick - 2002

Category:

Music

Tags:

• zajick
• opera
• donizetti

[spitface33]

CADS!!!! you have no idea what you are saying, just return to your pitiful Alagnas and Dessays. I have you laugh, perhaps you do not know the caliber of the voice you are hearing due to the sad state of opera today. Zajick belongs in the time of the real greats, Corelli, Monaco and the like when one could hear them over an orchestra.

[soundfond]

It's truly sad to see some gratuitous negative comments in regards to the art of one of the greatest and most talented artists on stage today. Have you ever seen her live? Or else, have you ever been to an opera? I doubt it. By your comments one can tell you have a rather shallow concept of what operatic singing is.

[19operajon]

OMGOSH!!!! I am SO obsessed with her voice!!! Best interpretation of this aria!!! BRAVA!!!

[JScorpion11]

@musedirec ... based on the sheer size of her instrument her vibrato isn't going to be like a machine gun! I am irate that you would even criticize such vocal prowess in that manner. You clearly don't have any idea of what you are talking about.

[JScorpion11]

@musedirec Please refrain from making non-sensical comments about her technique, because it shows your ignorance, and lack of vocal knowledge. Someone with lousy technique isn't capable of the vocal feats that Dolora does. Listen to any recording of Dolora and you will hear so much diversity in the coloring, dynamics, and acting. If someone does not have a solid technique they would fall flat on their face doing such things. And that wider vibrato that you are referring to is not a wobble...

[callastoujours]

I think she is a dramatic soprano too.

[bodiloto]

Questa é la voce di soprano drammatico.

Non e mezzo,contralto ancora meno.

Negli anni 50/60 i contralti interpretavano questo ruolo...

I tempi moderni...

[hamb4]

I have listened to all the Oh mio Fernandos this evening. all I can say is you can start you contest after Ms. Zajic. It is in a totally different class of singing. The other singers are fine for what they do. it takes great guts and stamina and vocal control to sing many arias. This one is no easy toss off. However, Ms. Zajic takes it to another level. Here she is like Usain Bolt. I thank God I had the opportunity to meet and sing for her then studied a bit with her Teacher on her advise

[mabemawi]

Stunning. Like her Amneris. Who else comes even close to singing this way today?

[bravazingara]

I must confess I am not a huge fan of hers, but this is absolutely breathtaking....those high notes....the phrasing....all of it.

[zamadeapio]

Thanks for sharing! I'd only heard the Italian version before this.

[57monks]

@countceprano Could not agree more ---most Ebolis and Amnerises pale by comparison. Perhaps not the most gorgeous voice, but God! is she exciting. I heard her do this piece at the Eve Queler Gala at Carnegie Hall 2 years ago, and Dolora was just beyond belief, a true force of nature. Her dramatic expressiveness and attention to dynamics are models for all singers.