Post by Randalla on Apr 15, 2012 19:49:10 GMT -8
Well, if you like opera anyway. 
This isn't for everyone. If you don't like opera or a classical vocal style at all, you're probably not going to share my enthusiasm here. But since I just had to try and muddle my way through Che Faro yesterday, I've developed an appreciation for Dame Janet Baker's style. I love her voice and her characterization, and I've been distracted the past few days just thumbing through some of her stuff on youtube.
This is the one I had to do, but for only my second recital ever, I didn't do it justice in the slightest. Mangled, I think, is a much better description. LOL I'd like to revisit it when I do finally get my nerves and technique under control. Should'a stuck with Mary Had a Little Lamb or something. LMAO
I've done a Handel piece in college back in the day, when they called me a low alto instead of a mezzo soprano, and it was an ass-kicker to an untrained noob such as myself. In my noob-ness, I can't imagine pulling this one off, Zadok the Priest seems easy compared to this one. But let me tell you, she holds a sword in this production like she means business, and I'd put money on the Dame over Xena any day.
Said a few times already that if that particular work went all the way through to Caesar's end, and she did the line "Et tu, Brute? Then fall Casesar!" I'd probably literally cry, and that's saying something. LOL
And she wasn't always in the trouser roles. Haven't watched these all the way through yet, but she makes them interesting to watch as well as to listen to:
Amazingly and happily the Dame is still very much alive and of sound mind and body, even if she doesn't sing anymore. But they sure don't make artists like this anymore. Before I was old enough to appreciate it, there was Kathleen Ferrier and Dame Janet Baker. Now, we get Lady Ga Ga. ::facepalm::
This isn't for everyone. If you don't like opera or a classical vocal style at all, you're probably not going to share my enthusiasm here. But since I just had to try and muddle my way through Che Faro yesterday, I've developed an appreciation for Dame Janet Baker's style. I love her voice and her characterization, and I've been distracted the past few days just thumbing through some of her stuff on youtube.
This is the one I had to do, but for only my second recital ever, I didn't do it justice in the slightest. Mangled, I think, is a much better description. LOL I'd like to revisit it when I do finally get my nerves and technique under control. Should'a stuck with Mary Had a Little Lamb or something. LMAO
I've done a Handel piece in college back in the day, when they called me a low alto instead of a mezzo soprano, and it was an ass-kicker to an untrained noob such as myself. In my noob-ness, I can't imagine pulling this one off, Zadok the Priest seems easy compared to this one. But let me tell you, she holds a sword in this production like she means business, and I'd put money on the Dame over Xena any day.
Said a few times already that if that particular work went all the way through to Caesar's end, and she did the line "Et tu, Brute? Then fall Casesar!" I'd probably literally cry, and that's saying something. LOL
And she wasn't always in the trouser roles. Haven't watched these all the way through yet, but she makes them interesting to watch as well as to listen to:
Amazingly and happily the Dame is still very much alive and of sound mind and body, even if she doesn't sing anymore. But they sure don't make artists like this anymore. Before I was old enough to appreciate it, there was Kathleen Ferrier and Dame Janet Baker. Now, we get Lady Ga Ga. ::facepalm::
