I post this because whenever I recommend to anyone the Queen of Night, I always recommend it in the Lucia Popp rendition. It's a matter of personal taste, but what I love about this is that it is somewhat slower than the other versions and as a result, it would seem to me somewhat more difficult to perform and sustain--those high notes in which the Queen's voice becomes the Magic Flute itself are rounded, full, and deep while remaining light and airy. I have read some rather severe criticism of this ritardando; and while it may or may not reflect Mozart's intent, it is certainly within the options for staging. It creates a real vocal showpiece from what is already a magnificent example of same. It really is an amazing example of a virtuoso composition sung by a virtuoso voice. All of which should not be taken to mean that I do not truly appreciate the version posted earlier by Diana Damrau, it's just nice to see what a difference tempo can make. I think we can take
But he is among the greatest and most original novelists alive. Why he has not been given the Nobel is a mystery.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Wilson,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to find another who is even aware of him. The internet truly makes available the wide world of readers. I couldn't agree more with your evaluation. The only thing I can figure is that they stand for too traditional a moral view of the universe. Once upon a time Francois Mauriac could win a Nobel Prize--but now that view is no longer respectable--hence Mr. Lindgren languishes without a prize. It doesn't matter, so long as he keeps writing.
Thank you for commenting.
shalom,
Steven
Could you tell us a bit more about Torgny Lindgren?
ReplyDeleteI checked the local library, and all it has is an international short story anthology with one of his stories.
Dear Fred,
ReplyDeleteThis will require more than a simple response. I hope to compose something this evening to meet the need.
Thank you for asking.
shalom,
Steven