I am an international opera singer. In my professional opinion, I thought Ms. Franklin's performance was absolutely STELLAR!!! From what I understand, she was asked minutes before this LIVE performance to replace Pavarotti, who had just notified the producer, that he was unable to sing, due to sickness. (This was during a period where Pavarotti was known for making frequent and last minute cancellations.) Aretha was asked to jump in, because she had sung NESSUN DORMA 2 days prior, in another venue. But she had never performed it with full orchestra and chorus. Singing Giacomo Puccini's music with orchestra is NOT easy to do. Giacomo Puccini...the composer of this operatic aria...wrote music that requires an in depth understanding of his unique style, as well as ample rehearsal time for the conductor to musically coordinate soloists with an 80-piece orchestra and at least 70....sometimes 100-member chorus. There is a reason why this is called GRAND OPERA. There at the LIVE Grammy's Aretha and the orchestra were only given minutes for a short sound check for microphone levels. No musical rehearsal whatsoever. Only sound checks...and that was it! That being said...Franklin's performance was of sheer brilliance. She was amazingly poised. She took her "musical" time. Being the gifted, musical professional that she is, she showed a clear understanding of Puccini's musical style and intent. And most importantly, she gave HER OWN STUNNING INTERPRETATION to this iconic piece. Especially noted at the end, was where she added lib in the postlude! I literally sobbed in tears as she soared in her high soulful vocal rifts at the end. The look on her face showed she KNEW she was BLASTING the operatic world faaaar beyond its comfort zone...to a level of creative and music genius. PEOPLE...THIS IS WHY WE MAKE ART! We, in the operatic world...have NEVER. EVER. heard anything like this. Many classical artists like me...LOVED IT! Others, who preferred to cling to centuries of dull, deadening operatic musical traditions....HATED IT. I personally believe Aretha Franklin's performance made vocal and musical history in the operatic world! ...to which I say...BRAVA DIVA!!!!
I will never get over this ! This song is one of the most beautiful songs ever and sang by the Queen Aretha may she Rest In Peace is just beyond beautiful ! The fact that she’s singing her own way an opera piece is outstanding ! Goosebumps for the 1000th time
I always love when an older seasoned artist has an ICONIC musical moment in their later years. Like Cher or Bonnie Rait. Shows u that they are still very much relevant!
Literally last minute...the show had already started when they got the call from Pavarotti...so no rehearsal with the choir or orchestra...she listened to a tape of Pavarotti doing it asked for a slight key change (kudos to choir and orchestra adapting last min), and went on to slay it. Heard this for the first time on The Upside and became obsessed with the performance and the story behind it.
Aretha has several memorable performances. I think Aretha's one of her greatest performances were the set that she did at Jimmy Carter's inaguration at the the Kennedy Center in 1977.
I am an international opera singer. In my professional opinion, I thought Ms. Franklin's performance was absolutely STELLAR!!! From what I understand, she was asked minutes before this LIVE performance to replace Pavarotti, who had just notified the producer, that he was unable to sing, due to sickness. (This was during a period where Pavarotti was known for making frequent and last minute cancellations.) Aretha was asked to jump in, because she had sung NESSUN DORMA 2 days prior, in another venue. But she had never performed it with full orchestra and chorus. Singing Giacomo Puccini's music with orchestra is NOT easy to do. Giacomo Puccini...the composer of this operatic aria...wrote music that requires an in depth understanding of his unique style, as well as ample rehearsal time for the conductor to musically coordinate soloists with an 80-piece orchestra and at least 70....sometimes 100-member chorus. There is a reason why this is called GRAND OPERA. There at the LIVE Grammy's Aretha and the orchestra were only given minutes for a short sound check for microphone levels. No musical rehearsal whatsoever. Only sound checks...and that was it! That being said...Franklin's performance was of sheer brilliance. She was amazingly poised. She took her "musical" time. Being the gifted, musical professional that she is, she showed a clear understanding of Puccini's musical style and intent. And most importantly, she gave HER OWN STUNNING INTERPRETATION to this iconic piece. Especially noted at the end, was where she added lib in the postlude! I literally sobbed in tears as she soared in her high soulful vocal rifts at the end. The look on her face showed she KNEW she was BLASTING the operatic world faaaar beyond its comfort zone...to a level of creative and music genius. PEOPLE...THIS IS WHY WE MAKE ART! We, in the operatic world...have NEVER. EVER. heard anything like this. Many classical artists like me...LOVED IT! Others, who preferred to cling to centuries of dull, deadening operatic musical traditions....HATED IT. I personally believe Aretha Franklin's performance made vocal and musical history in the operatic world! ...to which I say...BRAVA DIVA!!!!
I will never get over this ! This song is one of the most beautiful songs ever and sang by the Queen Aretha may she Rest In Peace is just beyond beautiful ! The fact that she’s singing her own way an opera piece is outstanding ! Goosebumps for the 1000th time
I love how the holy ghost just caught her at the very end! She said I ain't ending this song without at least hitting a G5!
LMAO Not a G5 tho! Ill take ur word for it!😃🎼🎵🎤
@@jasonloring I'm referring to that last belt! Def a G5!
Created a whole new category called Gospera
This is one of the best live performances in Grammy history. She expanded opera to a whole new group of people (myself included)
It truly is. A last minute performance turned into one of her most best.
They ran over and got her out of her seat. She was an audience member, imagine that.
I remembered watching this….I cry when I listen to this ❤..She is the queen.
I always love when an older seasoned artist has an ICONIC musical moment in their later years. Like Cher or Bonnie Rait. Shows u that they are still very much relevant!
Literally last minute...the show had already started when they got the call from Pavarotti...so no rehearsal with the choir or orchestra...she listened to a tape of Pavarotti doing it asked for a slight key change (kudos to choir and orchestra adapting last min), and went on to slay it. Heard this for the first time on The Upside and became obsessed with the performance and the story behind it.
No not shook...shooketh!
thx J- one of my favs too! our queen of soul ! singing opera ! fabualous! love ur reactions ! much love to u and family !
Thank u Lee! I appreciate you! 💙🙏🏼🥰
Aretha has several memorable performances. I think Aretha's one of her greatest performances were the set that she did at Jimmy Carter's inaguration at the the Kennedy Center in 1977.
I thought my girl came out with a mink muff. I would have DIED down! She's always gonna give you fur though.
You're so funny! 🤣 I agree for Riri's later career this performance is the TOP
For sho!
The Queen of Soul but who else would be
better....??
Well there might be a reason why they call her the Queen
for me its the exit stage right, then the exit stage left LOL