Leontyne Price, here entering into her late career, sings Ariadne's opening statement, live in 1977, the same year she made her recording with Solti. Coming in her 50th year, it was her last new role, and her only staged Strauss role. She had previously sung Danae in concert, though I haven't been able to locate a full recording of that. In this scena she digs deep into her chest register, and it may be the most fully developed exhibition of this range in her voice that was captured live. Her studio recording is much more subdued in this regard. The live recording strikes me as a very unusual and amazing example of her vocalism! It's probably not controversial to note that she was usually noted for her beautiful, solid middle, and gleaming, shining top. In my opinion, although Price certainly had the voice for Strauss, her German diction was always substandard, and so her many recordings of Strauss excerpts can't really be considered alongside the greatest Strauss singers. For these roles, detailed pointing of the text, combined with opulent vocalism, is of paramount importance. Her many, many fans wont complain of course!
Happy 94th Anniversary Of Life
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Our Dearest And Grandest
Madame Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price, here entering into her late career, sings Ariadne's opening statement, live in 1977, the same year she made her recording with Solti. Coming in her 50th year, it was her last new role, and her only staged Strauss role. She had previously sung Danae in concert, though I haven't been able to locate a full recording of that.
In this scena she digs deep into her chest register, and it may be the most fully developed exhibition of this range in her voice that was captured live. Her studio recording is much more subdued in this regard. The live recording strikes me as a very unusual and amazing example of her vocalism! It's probably not controversial to note that she was usually noted for her beautiful, solid middle, and gleaming, shining top.
In my opinion, although Price certainly had the voice for Strauss, her German diction was always substandard, and so her many recordings of Strauss excerpts can't really be considered alongside the greatest Strauss singers. For these roles, detailed pointing of the text, combined with opulent vocalism, is of paramount importance. Her many, many fans wont complain of course!
Her German sounds fine to me. I am fluent in the language and have been speaking it in Germany for 40 years.
This live performance is far superior to the studio recording. There's always a "tyranny" in microphone placement during studio recordings.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Isn't there a video of this performance somewhere?
EXQUISITA