Gwyneth Jones Turandot "In questa reggia"

Possibly Dame Gwyneth's last recorded outing of one of her greatest roles - second half only, I'm afraid - "In questa reggia". Cardiff, 1996.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• gwyneth
• jones
• turandot
• puccini

[melbapatti]

She sang at the top of her profession as Turandot, Elektra, Isolde and Bruennhilde for the next 30 years. The wobble was not as bothersome in the house, because the IMMENSE SIZE of this voice masked it. In this clip of her at 60, she still does the "Eva Turner" version--she sings Calaf's line at the end. The voice not only had immense size, it had herculean STRENGTH. The only time I ever heard her tire was in Elekra's "Wass bluten muss?" which almost KILLED Nilsson in her later years.

[raywong]

Jones has been the leading Turandot in the international opera houses for years. There're numerous live footages of her performing the role. Her magnificence in the part is well documented from these, as well as from hundreds of opera reviews. (I pity those who, on the contrary, can only support support their case by a mere studio recording, where everything can be manufactured.) Whatever the argument, Jones's achievement in the role is firmly enshrined in the history of operatic performance.

[bigjoetube]

Is there anyone who ever sang this aria better? I have never heard it. Jones always nailed this even as she advanced in age. Thanks Youtube!

[longliveclassicmusic]

Such an incredible phenomenon almost never witnesses to have someone still singing like this at 75 years old... Voices mature so much over time and age, and to still have such a colossal voice like this as healthy and solid as ever at that age is quite remarkable.

[PietroAntoni]

THE GREATEST! IMMENSE BEAUTY AND STRENGTH. I'm Italian. I can make out her every word unlike many other singers.

[Macbett02]

This wonderfull lady is 60 years old here and still a perfect Turandot! Great voice!

Dame Gwyneth i adore you!

[The99Gambo]

God bless you wonderful Welshwoman and Dame. We are honoured by your achievements.

[mizofan]

@CalifaJohn She was the Queen of Hearts in an acclaimed and unusual new opera Alice in Wonderland by a Korean composer a few years ago- some clips of it on youtube, only one with her briefly i could see-, and according to Wikipedia is due to perform at Vienna State Opera next year

[CalifaJohn]

@mizofan Yes, I think that makes her remarkable. I did not know that she is still performing. I have not seen her name on any rosters for years.

[mizofan]

@CalifaJohn Callas died several years younger than Jones is here, and her voice had deteriorated massively. Jones is still performing at 75

[abbeliszt]

Thanks for posting this - isn't she great? Turandot at her age, impressive. No doubt one of he great dramatic soprano voices of the last century. a bit rough round the edges, but what a voice

[Ahdren]

Perhaps Ms Jones listened to Rita Hunter sing this and thought 'Oh that sounds easy, I'll give it a go'. Of the Turandots Dame Eva produced, Hunter was far superior and never EVER had the wobble, flapping vibrato, or scooping up to the top notes. It can be heard here also. The voice was imense