[BalalaikaBoy]

Jennifer Larmore is an American singer primarily associated with Rossini rep. Even as I've come to favor the old style of singing more and more, she is an example of a singer with a more modern technique I still enjoy on a regular basis. In particular, I appreciate
1) Clean, accurate coloratura from top to bottom, but without the Bartoli-esque histrionics
2) Her acting is engaging and fun, but not over-done or with that theater kid-esque awkwardness I see more and more of today.
3) Some amount of chest voice (I wish she used more, but it's not completely shut off like it is in most modern singers)
4) Equally at home playing butch trouser roles and sultry female lead roles.

 

[Animal the Drummer]

Yes, I like what I've heard from her. I have a delightful recital of American art songs by her on a CD.

 

[Seattleoperafan]

I went through a phase of listening to a lot of her. She has a very beautiful voice with good flexibility and really sounds like a mezzo -a big plus for me - even though she sang a beautiful Jewel Song from Faust. I have not seen her in video but she was absolutely Miss America looking when she was young so she would be a joy to watch. Now I find her voice not as distinctive and I don't listen to her much. I have put her in contests at least twice and she has gotten lackluster response. I wore this one out by her 30 years ago or so:

 

[Kreisler jr]

She does a very good Caesar in the harmonia mundi recording of Handel's opera (also ca. 30 years ago).

 

[MAS]

I loved her Giulio Cesare and her Arsace in Semiramide recordings. I haven’t seen her live, but she doesn’t seem to have had the career she deserved, given her gifts.

 

[SixFootScowl]

A good Larmore performance:

 

[Itullian]

I'm a fan. ALWAYS prefer her to Bartoli

 

[Animal the Drummer]

These days yes, now Bartoli's become little more than a show pony. Bartoli's earlier recordings are a different matter and it's no criticism of Ms.Larmore to say that nothing she's ever done has got to me like those recordings did and still do.

 

[Tsaraslondon]

I don't have very strong feelings about her. I wouldn't go out of my way to seek out any of her recordings, but equally her presence in a recording wouldn't put me off, as it does with Bartoli. I've always thought she was an accomplished singer without a strong personality, but I don't know that much of her work.

I know I listened to her recording of La Cenerentola, when I was looking to buy one, but eventually plumped for the Marriner with Baltsa, who has a much stronger personality.

 

[Seattleoperafan]

I don't have very strong feelings about her. I wouldn't go out of my way to seek out any of her recordings, but equally her presence in a recording wouldn't put me off, as it does with Bartoli. I've always thought she was an accomplished singer without a strong personality, but I don't know that much of her work.

I know I listened to her recording of La Cenerentola, when I was looking to buy one, but eventually plumped for the Marriner with Baltsa, who has a much stronger personality.

I think a very accomplished singer without a strong personality would be a good way to describe her.