I consider Vivica Genaux one of the best modern singers: she is always in character, the voice is easily recognizeable, the coloratura leaves the listener stunned, plus she is very beautiful in person ( :-) ). Her "Arias for Farinelli" CD is very well known, but Genaux is best known as a bel canto specialist. In this small video she sings Isabella's opening aria from "Italiana in Algeri". Hope you enjoy (comments are required :-) ).
I've always thought of her as Horne's logical successor. What marvelous flexibility and agility!
bruckner0001 1 year ago
I've heard her live several times: Sestus in Giulio Cesare, Orfeo in Orfeo ed Euridice, , Isabella in L'Italiana in Algeri, Ariodante. She reminds me so much of Marilyn Horne. The voice isn't quite as dark as Horne's, but the beauty of vocal tone and flexibility and agility are there.
bassfanne45 1 year ago
she shares the 1st place for this aria with Berganza in my mind :)
luvxl 2 years ago
Berganza and Horne were then - this is now!
bbbartolo 2 years ago
But surely their superiority, as you see it, does not detract from Genaux's own talents?
nclysander 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Nobody beats Berganza...or Horne. It's that simple.
kallaloo1 3 years ago
I think she's fantastic. She's a mezzo by every sense of the word. This role is actually written for a contralto. But with her color she fills the role wonderfully. She's one of my favorites in this role.
coloraturacontralto 3 years ago 2
she is very good. almost at par with Cecilia Bartoli in MHO.
lmlife70 3 years ago
I attended a master class with Ms Genaux and hearing her up close in person was AMAZING. She makes it look (nd sound) so easy. Plus once she opens her mouth she's "on" so to speak. Brilliant.
ricecracker79 4 years ago
I have never heard her sing before, so I seeked this excellent recording/video here. I am going to see her sing this role at the Minnesota Opera this fall. It will be a show worth attending.
LeNozze44 4 years ago