From a 2003 live performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Le Coq d'Or' (The Golden Cockerel) in Toulouse.
Beverly Sills has probably been the most famous soprano to sing the role of the Queen of Shemakha. She did so in English...here is Sumi singing the famous Hymn to the Sun in Russian! Beautiful coloratura in this extremely challenging aria!
Conducted by Oleg Caetani
Beautiful...wonderful!! Thanks for sharing!
LALABAI1 1 month ago
wow
TheShanXu 3 months ago
Great voice and great interpretation!
I loved it!
Alberto
albeharal 7 months ago
@Mavicaman Thanks.
smoothiw 8 months ago
Apparently she did sing in Russian..and very well. Per the libretto in her "Arien und Walzer" CD set on DGG. Quote:"The sound of the Russian language, which she inparted to the cantabile operatic melodies of Rimsky-Korsakof, had rung in her ears since childhood. Of German and Russian parentage, she was born on 18 December, 1920 in Barnaul, near Novosibirsk in Siberia." If you don't have this set, beg, borrow, or steal to get it. It is sheer vocal perfection.
Mavicaman 10 months ago
@Mavicaman I know that Sills didn't sing in Russian. Did Streich sing in Russian? Let me know.
smoothiw 10 months ago
If you want a real treat, on this aria, try to find the very old (1950s) recording with Mattiwilda Dobbs. Not nearly as much vibrato as Sumi Jo and absolutely crystal clear diction....in English however. Jo seems to have a pitch problems too. Also listen to Rita Streich and Beverly Sills. This is an aria that it is hard to get enough of!
Mavicaman 10 months ago
Her diction could be better. I, being Russian myself, can't understand a single word. She sings very well, though.
Arashi110 1 year ago
Sumi Jo has the requisite diva character to carry this exotic aria off. Interested to hear from Russian friends about her diction.
windstorm1000 1 year ago
Her voice is perfection on this aria!!! I don't believe I've ever heard it sound so beautiful!!!
flowersings 1 year ago