She sings with a wonderful legato line and real feeling for the words. Any 20 year old soprano should be pleased to sing with this level of accomplishment. I heard Dame Sister Mary Leo looked on Durbin as a model for her many great pupils including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She was right - this is pure bel canto!
I have this on CD by Callas which is awesome, but this version by Deanna is totally effortless and beautifully smooth. She reaches the top note at the end as if it was no trouble at all,so blissful, I could listen for ever, it makes me cry!
All the caveats below aside, it's impeccably sung. Beautiful phrasing and attention to detail. Her legacy cannot be discounted she was a one of a kind actress, singer and person.
Out of all the attractive Hollywood Sopranos like Grayson, Powell, Blyth etc that I admired, I always thought that Miss Durbin was the most gifted and could have sang at the great Opera Houses.
I've listened to many famous opera singers, past and present and their versions. Then, thanks to you You Tube I was astounded at Deanna's beautiful interpretation of the aria Vissi d'arte. To paraphrase Nero Caesar: what a great artist the world has lost.
BRAVA! DIVA! What is it about people born in this era? Such incredible talent! Such sensitivity to the music. Such insight. Callas would be pleased indeed
I have heard and seen many Opera singers sing this famous area from Tosca and my all time favorite has always been Renata Tebaldi. However, as great as Tebaldi was, none can compare with Deanna Durbin's rendition. Her vocal technique surpasses any Opera singer's, past and present. If Deanna would only have continued her career, we would have so many more wonderful memories.
This was filmed in late 1942, when Durbin was 20. Her first movie was in 1936, the last in 1948. Of the 21 she made - this one, The Amazing Mrs. Holliday, was the exact middle movie - #11.
Deanna Durbin,Cantora maravilhosa linda e eu a amei desde meus 13 anos, quando assistia seus filmes, sempre tive vontade de ouvir de novo essa voz, que Deus a abençoe se ainda estiver viva. Sua fan Glaura.
@ShawDAMAN & maxhansendk - Yes you are correct in saying there have been many opera singers with excellent, you might almost say 'perfect' technique.However Tebaldi and many others were inspired by Deanna. Deanna studied opera and that was her ambition, to become an opera singer. I had read an interview once a long time ago where Tebaldi mentioned Deanna Durbin as being an inspiration. So you see, although Deanna never sang opera on stage, she still inspired many opera singers after her time.
I've always loved Deanna Durbin's singing! She was GREAT! Has anyone on youtube heard of Marta Eggerth? She recently passed away at 10l years young. She was a magnificent soprano also! Best always, Liz
As a trained Opera Singer - She could have, should have and like others mentioned WAS offered roles with major opera companies! A Great Talent! A fine voice... sorry she stepped out so young!
She had the technical skills from a young age on top of her talent, and of course she could have been a full blood opera singer, but the entertainment industry grabbed her and she beacame a pop star instead.
Brings tears to my eyes, just listening to her, and she is so beautfiul, never let herself get fat like so many prima donnas. Definitely a National and International Treasure, and some rich cat should build a music palace for her in her memory, to train young women and men with talent.
Think about it: she's not playing Tosca, she's playing a woman who is playing Tosca. She's also not singing, as Callas or Tebaldi would have been, in a big theatre without a microphone: she's dubbing in an intimate setting for a film. Given the complexity of the performance, she has just the right amount of power, not to mention her usual effortless and creamy delivery. I can't see how anyone could have done it better.
Beautiful singing, but would Tosca, demanding to know how God... given her many devotions... could abandon her in her hour of need, have had a lovely smile on her face all the way through the aria?
I didn't know that Deanna Durbin continued in film this late in life. She really was good, wasn't she? It seems strange that she didn't have a bigger career.
zoo een mooie en een jonge vrouw met een prachtige stem die veel te jong is gestorven .ik geniet nog steeds van haar mooie stem.ze heeft de prijs betaald voor haar roem.want zei leefde niet maar werd geleefd door haar op geld bewuste bazen .die haar ruim voorzagen van alles wat bij de wed verboden was.r.i.p
+tendy56 Sure. This aria is sung towards the end of her movie, "The Amazing Mrs. Halliday" which was directed by Bruce Manning. The movie was in production in late 1942 when Deanna was 20 years old, and then released in early 1943. Anyway, DVDs of this movie are available on Amazon.
I really dont understand why she turned down many offers to sing at the Met and also on Broadway. SDhe died at 91 and should have had a marveleus career.I really dont understand.
Toscanini, the NBC and Deanna Durbin? Simply grand...But Deanna Durbin quit Hollywood to live in France with her husband. She had no use for Hollywood intrigue, if you get my drift.
@georl1 "Her vocal technique surpasses any opera singer's, past and present." it's a nice but rather ridiculous assertion... there have been many opera singers with excellent, you might almost say 'perfect' technique. And Deanna Durbin sang opera and had an operatic sound but was not really an 'opera singer' (one who sings live operas on stage as a career.)
As far as i understand she worked so much all the time from childhood till 24 ..She wanted more interesting roles ,,but there was not For her real dramatic role.. And she got married the French man ( after two devorce) and left Hollywood because she was tired Hollywood stupid films .. She left for France and j her nice li protekted by her husband and her two children - the daughter From another husband and very nice boy of French husband .. Her daughter lives in US and her boy got saientest
I have always loved Deanna Durbin who recently passed away. I think she had such a pure, clear voice with such a lovely tone.
She sings with a wonderful legato line and real feeling for the words. Any 20 year old soprano should be pleased to sing with this level of accomplishment. I heard Dame Sister Mary Leo looked on Durbin as a model for her many great pupils including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She was right - this is pure bel canto!
This is the most melodically beautiful version of this aria that I have ever heard.
I have this on CD by Callas which is awesome, but this version by Deanna is totally effortless and beautifully smooth. She reaches the top note at the end as if it was no trouble at all,so blissful, I could listen for ever, it makes me cry!
One of the most beautiful voices to come out of Hollywood, and a wonderful actress.
She is a soprano who's truly like an angel.
All the caveats below aside, it's impeccably sung. Beautiful phrasing and attention to detail. Her legacy cannot be discounted she was a one of a kind actress, singer and person.
Out of all the attractive Hollywood Sopranos like Grayson, Powell, Blyth etc that I admired, I always thought that Miss Durbin was the most gifted and could have sang at the great Opera Houses.
Лучшей певицы не знаю. Гениальна! Жаль, что рано ушла с экрана.
Beautiful singing ! Brava DEANNA DURBIN !
I've listened to many famous opera singers, past and present and their versions. Then, thanks to you You Tube I was astounded at Deanna's beautiful interpretation of the aria Vissi d'arte. To paraphrase Nero Caesar: what a great artist the world has lost.
Classy lady, all the way. She stepped off of the stage at the very pinnacle of her talents and popularity.
BRAVA! DIVA! What is it about people born in this era? Such incredible talent! Such sensitivity to the music. Such insight. Callas would be pleased indeed
She is just perfect! Thank God we have her voice ...
She is the best!
Oh I've listened to many of her songs but still got goosebumps
I have heard and seen many Opera singers sing this famous area from Tosca and my all time favorite has always been Renata Tebaldi. However, as great as Tebaldi was, none can compare with Deanna Durbin's rendition. Her vocal technique surpasses any Opera singer's, past and present. If Deanna would only have continued her career, we would have so many more wonderful memories.
Beautiful, extremely charming lady and artist!!!!
This was filmed in late 1942, when Durbin was 20. Her first movie was in 1936, the last in 1948. Of the 21 she made - this one, The Amazing Mrs. Holliday, was the exact middle movie - #11.
WOW!
New found respect for Deanna Durbin!!!!!
Her voice was always good enough to thrill our hearts! Thanks D
Deanna Durbin,Cantora maravilhosa linda e eu a amei desde meus 13 anos, quando assistia seus filmes, sempre tive vontade de ouvir de novo essa voz, que
Deus a abençoe se ainda estiver viva. Sua fan Glaura.
Thank you Deanna, You where simply the best and greatest of them all,Always love you R.I.P xxx
Beautiful voice, beautiful gift! RIP
A beautiful and melodic singer ,I remember sitting watching watching her films with my late mother, R.I.P Deanna
She is the best!!
Beautifully just Beautifully sung R I P Deanna you were nice to know
Y love Deanna Durbin! (1921-2013).
a beautiful woman with a miracle voice..
yet another buetiullfull voice brings meto tears
What a gorgeous voice!!!
Deanna Durbin es un placer escucharla.
Exquisite! I'm moved to tears...
lovely post...as beforethanks for the lyrics its really helpful in understanding the song...as always Deanna...superb!!!.....thanks again
BRAVISSIMA!!!
Beautiful...
Off topic, that dress is breath taking!
BEAUTIFUL !
Super Super Super!
For me, she had the most beautiful voice and face compared to the other sopranos I have heard!
Wonderful
Beautifully sung! No opera singer did it better.
reminds me my sweet loving mother, may she rest in peace in even...
@ShawDAMAN & maxhansendk - Yes you are correct in saying there have been many opera singers with excellent, you might almost say 'perfect' technique.However Tebaldi and many others were inspired by Deanna. Deanna studied opera and that was her ambition, to become an opera singer. I had read an interview once a long time ago where Tebaldi mentioned Deanna Durbin as being an inspiration. So you see, although Deanna never sang opera on stage, she still inspired many opera singers after her time.
I've always loved Deanna Durbin's singing! She was GREAT! Has anyone on youtube heard of Marta Eggerth? She recently passed away at 10l years young. She was a magnificent soprano also! Best always, Liz
deanna i love you many-many years!
Love this one too! Love you, Sis! Betty
Elizabeth Smith I think so sincerely,too.She's making angel's voice sound.
She was a beautiful singer Mey she rest in peace
Reply to tendy56, the name of the movie was The amazing Mrs Holliday. A wonderful film.
deanna durbin sings like a nightingale
I will love her voice until the day I die
This is from a 1942 film -The Amazing Mrs. Holliday - with Edmond O'Brien.
As a trained Opera Singer - She could have, should have and like others mentioned WAS offered roles with major opera companies!
A Great Talent! A fine voice... sorry she stepped out so young!
She had the technical skills from a young age on top of her talent, and of course she could have been a full blood opera singer, but the entertainment industry grabbed her and she beacame a pop star instead.
Brings tears to my eyes, just listening to her, and she is so beautfiul, never let herself get fat like so many prima donnas. Definitely a National and International Treasure, and some rich cat should build a music palace for her in her memory, to train young women and men with talent.
Think about it: she's not playing Tosca, she's playing a woman who is playing Tosca. She's also not singing, as Callas or Tebaldi would have been, in a big theatre without a microphone: she's dubbing in an intimate setting for a film. Given the complexity of the performance, she has just the right amount of power, not to mention her usual effortless and creamy delivery. I can't see how anyone could have done it better.
deanna you sing so fine ,found you by mistake and have never left you .
John Beall,
Thank you for replying my message, I will try to watch the full movie first and search the amazon late. Thanks again.
Jon Teitelbaum,
Thank you very much for sending to me the name of movie.
How do you comment on a singer with such ability and talent? She had what it took to deliver a song.
przepiękne!!!
Basically, Deanna Durbin is the soprano version of Mario Lanza (albeit predating a decade or two).
Beautiful singing, but would Tosca, demanding to know how God... given her many devotions... could abandon her in her hour of need, have had a lovely smile on her face all the way through the aria?
+James Harris
In the story line of the movie she realizes that they guy who she loves and is in the audience also loves her.
Ah. Thanks.
Deanna Nobody sings this great aria better than you
I didn't know that Deanna Durbin continued in film this late in life. She really was good, wasn't she? It seems strange that she didn't have a bigger career.
zoo een mooie en een jonge vrouw met een prachtige stem die veel te jong is gestorven .ik geniet nog steeds van haar mooie stem.ze heeft de prijs betaald voor haar roem.want zei leefde niet maar werd geleefd door haar op geld bewuste bazen .die haar ruim voorzagen van alles wat bij de wed verboden was.r.i.p
Can anyone please tell me what is this movie name? because I like to watch the full movie not only one song. Thanks!
+tendy56 The Amazing Mrs. Holiday
+tendy56 Sure. This aria is sung towards the end of her movie, "The Amazing Mrs. Halliday" which was directed by Bruce Manning. The movie was in production in late 1942 when Deanna was 20 years old, and then released in early 1943. Anyway, DVDs of this movie are available on Amazon.
+tendy56 The film is the Amazing Mrs Holliday.
+tendy56
The Amazing Mrs. Holliday from 1943.
+tendy56 The Amazing Mrs Holliday
Excelent voice great talent not Opera singer at all admire her voice!!
@tenorismo Andres de Segurola.
I really dont understand why she turned down many offers to sing at the Met and also on Broadway. SDhe died at 91 and should have had a marveleus career.I really dont understand.
It wasn't her dream.
Toscanini, the NBC and Deanna Durbin? Simply grand...But Deanna Durbin quit Hollywood to live in France with her husband. She had no use for Hollywood intrigue, if you get my drift.
@georl1 that being said I like her a great deal,
Some say she entered the soul of Anira Willighagen in 2013.
Sorry--she looks older. I thought this might be at the end of her film career. She sounds wonderful regardless.
@georl1 "Her vocal technique surpasses any opera singer's, past and present." it's a nice but rather ridiculous assertion... there have been many opera singers with excellent, you might almost say 'perfect' technique. And Deanna Durbin sang opera and had an operatic sound but was not really an 'opera singer' (one who sings live operas on stage as a career.)
I wonder what she looks like today at 91!
rren Hamlet2 years ago
She sings this beautifully, but in all fairness her voice was a little too lyrical for this.
What does too lyrical mean?
Always thought that she was wasted in these rather cheesy films,
She sings this beautifully, but in all fairness her voice was a little too lyrical for this.
As far as i understand she worked so much all the time from childhood till 24 ..She wanted more interesting roles ,,but there was not
For her real dramatic role.. And she got married the French man ( after two devorce) and left Hollywood because she was tired
Hollywood stupid films .. She left for France and j her nice li protekted by her husband and her two children - the daughter
From another husband and very nice boy of French husband .. Her daughter lives in US and her boy got saientest
This makes me wonder what sort of a career Deanna Durbin might have had if she'd studied to become an opera singer. Interesting.