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
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteA very ironic opener since his fictions do voyage very far from that placid island of ignorance and his readers read him because they are enchanted by these far voyages.
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ReplyDeleteDear Fred,
ReplyDeleteIndeed. One of the great and powerful works that H. P. has done. I'm fascinated by both the strengths and the weaknesses of his art.
shalom,
Steven
I like this. A lot.
ReplyDelete