Opera Youtube thread

[rgz]

Post clips of what you're listening to now or recently on YT.
[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ2s9dS5FG4[/YT]

The more I listen to Handel, the more I think he's underrated for opera and lieder. He is almost uniformly excellent. And this is one of those rare times that I prefer another's interpretation to that of Dessay -- Cecilia Bartoli's darker timbre and fiercer attack fit this piece perfectly. From 2:55 on is unreal.

[sospiro]

It's 06:10 here but it's never too early to search for clips of gorgeous singers. This made me smile.

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85ezTttDh0I&feature=related[/YT]

[rgz]

haha that's great!

[sospiro]

Natalie Dessay & Ludovic Tézier: Lucie de Lammermoor

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-6tXKu62EM&feature=player_embedded[/YT]

[mamascarlatti]

Natalie Dessay & Ludovic Tézier: Lucie de Lammermoor

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-6tXKu62EM&feature=player_embedded[/YT]

You've been visiting the same blogs as me!

I like this French version and might get the DVD.

[sospiro]

You've been visiting the same blogs as me!

I like this French version and might get the DVD.

I think it's Ciofi in the DVD though.

[mamascarlatti]

I think it's Ciofi in the DVD though.

Oh dammit. I like Natalie in this role.

[sospiro]

Oh dammit. I like Natalie in this role.

According to a review I read, Natalie should have been in it but was ill when it was filmed.

[rgz]

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHW8MZ9JOEU[/YT]
Her acting her is as impressive as I've ever seen. Absolutely convincing, she disappears into the character, not pausing or losing concentration even when she has <ahem> a wardrobe malfunction. That said, I like Spargi d'Amaro Pianto significantly more than Je Vais Quitter.

Agreed, MS, wish this version were available with Natalie. And I'm having second thoughts about whether the Met will release her Lucia this year; it's the same production as the one already on disc with Ms. Netrebko.

How tragic it would be to never have a version of Ms. Dessay's Lucia on disc!

[mamascarlatti]

And I'm having second thoughts about whether the Met will release her Lucia this year; it's the same production as the one already on disc with Ms. Netrebko.

How tragic it would be to never have a version of Ms. Dessay's Lucia on disc!

Well, if it's any consolation, because it's a Live in HD production it's likely to go onto Met Player.

[rgz]

Well, if it's any consolation, because it's a Live in HD production it's likely to go onto Met Player.

That'll make a subscription mandatory
Actually what would be ideal is if the air it on PBS ala Don Pasquale so I could just record it.

[karenpat]

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RARRWZGrXKk[/YT]

Christopher Purves has a voice like 75% dark chocolate with creamy filling. Even though this is a comedy....

[Almaviva]

Her acting her is as impressive as I've ever seen. Absolutely convincing, she disappears into the character, not pausing or losing concentration even when she has <ahem> a wardrobe malfunction. That said, I like Spargi d'Amaro Pianto significantly more than Je Vais Quitter.

Agreed, MS, wish this version were available with Natalie. And I'm having second thoughts about whether the Met will release her Lucia this year; it's the same production as the one already on disc with Ms. Netrebko.

How tragic it would be to never have a version of Ms. Dessay's Lucia on disc!

Yes, some very impressive acting, I agree. But on the other hand - and I hate to say it to you since you love her so much - I don't think she did as well with the singing, at least not here. I've seen herself singing the mad scene better, and I've seen other singers doing better as well. Oh well, maybe it's partially because the French version sounded very strange to me, but I think that her voice kind of cracked a couple of times.

[sospiro]

... And I'm having second thoughts about whether the Met will release her Lucia this year; it's the same production as the one already on disc with Ms. Netrebko.

How tragic it would be to never have a version of Ms. Dessay's Lucia on disc!

Joseph has put on his Facebook "Can't wait to sing this [Sulla tomba] opposite Dessay on the stage of the MET in a few weeks." I'd like to see this on DVD as well - we'll have to start a campaign.

[rgz]

Yes, some very impressive acting, I agree. But on the other hand - and I hate to say it to you since you love her so much - I don't think she did as well with the singing, at least not here. I've seen herself singing the mad scene better, and I've seen other singers doing better as well. Oh well, maybe it's partially because the French version sounded very strange to me, but I think that her voice kind of cracked a couple of times.

Maybe this is my fanboyism showing through, but I thought it was a deliberate choice on her part, letting the madness "seep through". Of course, even if true there's an entire debate right there as to whether that's appropriate / ideal. On the opposite end is someone like Joan Sutherland: [YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3GS6Cw3IEU&NR=1[/YT]
Absolutely every note is perfect, but it doesn't move me at all. Of course, it's not a binary choice; there's an entire spectrum between the two extremes. But when Natalie sings, I completely buy into it.

Joseph has put on his Facebook "Can't wait to sing this [Sulla tomba] opposite Dessay on the stage of the MET in a few weeks." I'd like to see this on DVD as well - we'll have to start a campaign.

I'll definitely be emailing the Met begging for the dvd release
A few years back, Pearl Jam (rock band) did something pretty cool with their concerts. They recorded every show as it was being played, and you could buy a cd of that show you just heard when the show was over. Wouldn't it be nice if major opera houses could do something like this? Even if they didn't have the ability to burn the disc right there but would mail it off some weeks later ... would be great to have a visual record of the show you attended, and would make for a much nicer souvenir than a tchotchke from the gift shop.