Absolutely lovely. I tend to agree with the comments on Callas and Sutherland. Callas whilst technically perfect lost (imho) that emotion that Sutherland portrays
It's times like this I regret my father passed just as the internet was coming in. He adored opera so much, and would have loved not only the chance to easily hear the great performances, but to discuss them with other fans.
Listening to Joan Sutherland sing "Bel raggio lusingier" was to my unaccustomed ears what watching a Simone Biles gold medal routine was to my eyes not long ago. Each woman performs with such beauty, technical skill and bravado that it's impossible not to be captivated by every note, or every move. Despite being related to opera-loving women, there came a point when rising ticket prices put the magic of live performances just out of my reach. So I am happy to have become an Opera Daily novitiate. I checked out the Maria Callas and Cecilia Bartoli interpretations, but found myself more intrigued by the fan fights than by the music. All honor to Gioachino Rossini, though, for composing such a challenging aria for a soprano. To an aspiring diva, mastering “Bel raggio lusingier” must have been like conquering Mount Everest - a difficult climb up, but exhilarating at the pinnacle. Well, let me come back down to earth. There's so much more to explore and I am grateful that you accommodate veterans and developing aficionados with grace.
Always look forward to your comments 🙏🏼 Sutherland ruined me! I can’t really listen to anyone else sing this piece now. And you are right about Mount Everest, in more ways than one. There are few that even attempt this piece. And those that do, are usually prepared (well, sometimes:-) Have you heard June Anderson? There are some wonderful moments in here as well. https://youtu.be/3Xhag40KBkc
I love your comparison to climbing Mt. Everest so very much. As a singer (mezzo soprano) who has spent a very large portion of my career singing bel canto opera and more specifically Rossini, it's true. I have always thought of different operas in the form of different races. Bel canto operas often feel like a decathlon combining a little bit of everything, jumping, leaping, racing fast notes and moments of true legato (smooth connected singing). One has to master all of these to truly be successful. When you reach the end of the race it is exhilarating! I'm so glad you find that as well as a listener!
Thank you for sharing such powerful visual images of what it feels like to be an opera singer - especially of Rossini's works. You are fortunate to have discovered you have the gift of a mezzo soprano voice. My voice warrants no description whatsoever, on most days I can carry a tune! We are enthralled by great singers, but rarely think about the work (and long-suffering) that goes into training to be a vocal athlete. This is a gap that Reach, the new addition to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, seeks to fill for the public. In the near future, you may find new opportunities there for opera singers like yourself! (P.S. The Joyce Donato master class makes the point better than I ever could!)
I'm new to Opera and is my first time listening to this area. Great performances by Sutherland and Callas, and agree with the majority that Sutherland brings more passion and power.
Again, thanks for sharing this piece and your comments. Have a great weekend
Here is a fun Master Class from the Carnegie Series given by the great Joyce Di Donato with a young singer singing "Bel raggio". Joyce has had great success singing the role of Semiramide herself and gives wonderful advice to this young singer. She works on what we singers who sing bel canto are always working on....the ever important trill! Enjoy!
SEMIRAMIDE was a slog at The Met. The revival was better on PBS but still long even with better singers. The Joffrey Ballet danced this Overture as CONFETTI a delightful ballet in the 1970's.
Enjoyed listening to this - beautiful
So glad! Thank you for being here! 🙏🏼
Absolutely lovely. I tend to agree with the comments on Callas and Sutherland. Callas whilst technically perfect lost (imho) that emotion that Sutherland portrays
Oh my goodness what a breathtaking and exhilarating piece. And you were spot on with that note that Ms Sutherland hit with such ease and beauty.
It's times like this I regret my father passed just as the internet was coming in. He adored opera so much, and would have loved not only the chance to easily hear the great performances, but to discuss them with other fans.
Here's to you, Dad.
What a beautiful thing to say Barbara. 🥂 to your Dad 😌
🥂
Listening to Joan Sutherland sing "Bel raggio lusingier" was to my unaccustomed ears what watching a Simone Biles gold medal routine was to my eyes not long ago. Each woman performs with such beauty, technical skill and bravado that it's impossible not to be captivated by every note, or every move. Despite being related to opera-loving women, there came a point when rising ticket prices put the magic of live performances just out of my reach. So I am happy to have become an Opera Daily novitiate. I checked out the Maria Callas and Cecilia Bartoli interpretations, but found myself more intrigued by the fan fights than by the music. All honor to Gioachino Rossini, though, for composing such a challenging aria for a soprano. To an aspiring diva, mastering “Bel raggio lusingier” must have been like conquering Mount Everest - a difficult climb up, but exhilarating at the pinnacle. Well, let me come back down to earth. There's so much more to explore and I am grateful that you accommodate veterans and developing aficionados with grace.
Always look forward to your comments 🙏🏼 Sutherland ruined me! I can’t really listen to anyone else sing this piece now. And you are right about Mount Everest, in more ways than one. There are few that even attempt this piece. And those that do, are usually prepared (well, sometimes:-) Have you heard June Anderson? There are some wonderful moments in here as well. https://youtu.be/3Xhag40KBkc
I love your comparison to climbing Mt. Everest so very much. As a singer (mezzo soprano) who has spent a very large portion of my career singing bel canto opera and more specifically Rossini, it's true. I have always thought of different operas in the form of different races. Bel canto operas often feel like a decathlon combining a little bit of everything, jumping, leaping, racing fast notes and moments of true legato (smooth connected singing). One has to master all of these to truly be successful. When you reach the end of the race it is exhilarating! I'm so glad you find that as well as a listener!
Thank you for sharing such powerful visual images of what it feels like to be an opera singer - especially of Rossini's works. You are fortunate to have discovered you have the gift of a mezzo soprano voice. My voice warrants no description whatsoever, on most days I can carry a tune! We are enthralled by great singers, but rarely think about the work (and long-suffering) that goes into training to be a vocal athlete. This is a gap that Reach, the new addition to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, seeks to fill for the public. In the near future, you may find new opportunities there for opera singers like yourself! (P.S. The Joyce Donato master class makes the point better than I ever could!)
I'm new to Opera and is my first time listening to this area. Great performances by Sutherland and Callas, and agree with the majority that Sutherland brings more passion and power.
Again, thanks for sharing this piece and your comments. Have a great weekend
Thank you for your comments Ramon and for being here - truly appreciate it. Looking forward to your comments along the way. 🙏🏼
Here is a fun Master Class from the Carnegie Series given by the great Joyce Di Donato with a young singer singing "Bel raggio". Joyce has had great success singing the role of Semiramide herself and gives wonderful advice to this young singer. She works on what we singers who sing bel canto are always working on....the ever important trill! Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ldx8Dcv1Vg
SEMIRAMIDE was a slog at The Met. The revival was better on PBS but still long even with better singers. The Joffrey Ballet danced this Overture as CONFETTI a delightful ballet in the 1970's.