Oda Slobodskaya superlative Tatiana's Letter Scene 1

Oda Slobodskaya as Tatiana in the Letter Scene conducted by Anatole Fistoulari.

Oda Slobodskaya was born in Vilno and trained with Natalia Iretskaya at the Conservatoire in St Petersburg. Iretskaya had been taught by Pauline Viardot, the sister of Maria Malibran and daughter of Manuel Garcia, the first tenor to sing the role of the Count in "The Barber of Seville".

Oda Slobodskaya became a Principal Soprano in the Marinsky Theatre, singing such roles as Lisa in "The Queen of Spades" and Tatiana, for which she was justly celebrated.

Having been introduced to the west by Sergei Diaghilev,, the great Russian Bass Fyodor Chaliapin formed his own Opera Company to tour western Europe. He selected talented singers who were not yet famous to perform the major roles and chose the young Slobodskaya to sing Elisabetta in Don Carlos. The Company visited Paris, and London where Slobodskaya eventually settled, singing and teaching there for the rest of her life.

She enjoyed international operatic success as a dramatic soprano, singing roles such as Aida and Venus in Tannhauser at Covent Garden and La Scala, Milan, as well as in the opera houses of South America. Justly renowned in traditional Russian roles, Slobodskaya also sang modern works including Shostakovich's "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" and Delius's "Koanga".

She was pioneering as a recitalist of Russian song, including the songs of Medtner and Prokofiev and was the first soprano to perform Britten's "Les Illuminations". She continued to sing and teach until the last few months of her life and her recitals were treasured for the vivacity of her singing and the penetrating insight of her interpretations.

She was also famous as a brilliantly witty and musical narrator in "Peter and the Wolf"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Oda
• Slobodskaya
• Eugene
• Onegin
• Tatianas
• Letter
• Scene
• Russian
• Opera
• Chaliapin
• Pushkin

[CharlotteinWeimar]

theblacksister (4 months ago) -  * * * * *

I thought Vishnevskaya was great, but this is pure poetry to my ears. I am a native Russian speaker and have read the book - this is beyond description! Thank you for keeping this beautiful piece of art alive!!

[saltburner2]

She sounds so youthful, though must have been around 60 when this record was made. [She continued recording into her 70s!]

[zimnaya]

Superb, honeyed tone. Listen also to Obratsova, reputedly His Imperial Majesty's favourite singer (she bore not a small facial resemblance to the Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna!). Slobodskaya is a phenomenon. The comment about hearing the orchestra of the Maryinsky or the Bolshoi and else paling beside them is very true. The productions are extraordinary too. Thank you so much for this wonderful recording!

[796824]

It is simple to describe the quality of the voice by the "frequencies" (a la the violin), heard which indicates "projection" as in the case of the singers of the Golden Era.Recordings then were made "without" electronic enhancement unlike today. Histrionics are secondary. No one knows how to sing today, therefore acting, sumptuous sets, costumes, stage direction, mask the lack of the great Art of Singing.

[pslogge]

I remain speachless. A true revelation of a vocal phaenomenon. And what an orchestra! Thank you.

[basenjidiva]

What an exciting opportunity to hear her!

Thank you for this lovely gift!

[796824]

This is the loveliest, best sung version of Tatiana's aria. What artistry and beautiful tone. It is effortless singing while the diction is distinct. These old recordings, unlike the manipulated recording industry's version of contemporary performers today, are an invaluable lesson for Voice Teachers to gain knowledge that is "unknown" in their milieu, ergo, the decline of great singing.

[zimnaya]

Beautiful, masterful singing. Quite extraordinary that we can listen so clearly to a voice that sang for the Tsar. And isn't the orchestra magnificent. It is still the same: visit the Maryinsky or Bolshoi and all else pales afterwards...