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
Steven,
ReplyDeleteI've had a copy for several years now but have been afraid to tackle it--1100+ pages is daunting.
I have a different version. Mine is possibly the first translation of the work ever made into English. I say this because it is the Modern Library Edition and the translation is by Arthur Waley, who was the first to translate many Japanese and Chinese works into poetry.
Dear Fred,
ReplyDeleteI've read Arthur Waley's translation, and while it is somewhat stilted and old-languagey by today's standards, it is still a serviceable telling of the tale. Seidenstricker's is magnificent, and there was one further mentioned that I thought I might have to look at because of the notes.
A nice accompaniment to this is the Diary of Lady Murasaki, which sheds some light on common practices and court life of the time.
Read, enjoy--it is long, but read in and amongst others, it provides zip, zest, flavor.
shalom,
Steven
Steven,
ReplyDeleteI've read several of Waley's translations, so his style might not bother me that much, once I actually get into it.
I hadn't heard of her Diary. Thanks for the information.