I think the problem is not Ms. Bumbry, the boy soloists nor the orchestra. Maybe it just was the placement of the microphones. Unless anyone of those critics here WERE there live, please shut up. The arrangement and the performance is great still. Wash your ears and appreciate one of the greatest EVER Mezzosopranos of all times.
I (sort of) understand your feelings, but I myself am a diva lover. Grace is a true diva, from head to toe. Just gotta love her! And she's still going strong, to this day! What a force of nature.
Professionalism and team spirit came into play when Grace Bumbry shared the stage with Shirley Verrett for their (in)famous joint recital. They also came into play when she sang Gioconda with Fiorenza Cossotto. But, on this occasion, Bumbry (evidently) said to herself "to hell with it" and had a grand ol' time. I mean, what else could be expected? Matching white-voiced young trebles with one of the Grand Dames of the international opera circuit??? DISCUSS
Elke keer als ik haar.....hoor ja hoe je het ook noemen wil, ik me kapot erg, hoe zij zoveel moeite doet om te laten zien en vooral laten HOREN hoe goed ze wel niet is en nu ook weer ben al 12 jaar op zoek naar de completen versie van Christmas in Vienna 2006 ok wil met plezier ervoor betalen. als het maar compleet is. Videoformaat nvt alles is welkom. Alvast bedankt
I very much agree with you on that one ariodante. I think it was disrespectful to try to force her to sing the way, which is unnatural for her. (Not that she shouldn't have tried it at least). And in a way, it was disrespectful to those talented boys too. I don't need to tell you, what a royal dress-down I would've given to person who came up with this idea, and to those in authority, who approved it.
You have a funny way of showing your love- calling her repulsive, etc. Bumbry did act the diva, but she was astute enough never to overdo it, unlike Battle. Consequently, her career was longer, and ultimately more fruitful.
Well I don't know the exact circumstances, but I understand your point. She actually sings quite beautifully, she is just not a teamplayer. Maybe one of those 'run-away' divas? It wouldn't be the first time. Or simply 'Big Mumma needs a big man for proper counterpart, not a bunch of kiddos. There is actually some humor in this performance, if you can see it that way. ☺
Well, it's difficult for an opera singer, who used to fill with her voice large opera houses the size of railway stations, to hush down just a little. She had not only totally obstructed the two boys to be heard, but she overshadowed and 'manhandled' the whole choir too. Those skinny, pale boys need to grow in strength mighty fast, if they want to be in the game together with 'Big Moma'. But jokes aside, this problem should've been noticed and rectified during rehearsal.
-Cont.- Either they should've kept the VBC and replace Grace Bumbry, or alternately keep the Diva and find a matching powerful choir for background, or leave at her performing a solo. (Which it became anyway, for all practical purposes). If I would've been the managing director, with some money to burn, I would've just hired the Red Army Choir, and let them sort out things for themselves. ☺
The other examples don't interest me ariodante, because I'm already aware that she is an accomplished singer, with well deserved reputation, but they are not related to this performance, which gone to the dogs purely because of her selfishness. I agree with you however, that this was a mismatch. Logically what should've followed, (if the organizers had spine), is make their choice: -Cont.-
well speaking as an operatic singer in my own right. It is very hard to sing soft since opera singers are trained to project. I do think she was a little overbearing still, but I'm sure it is hard for her not to project
yes this performance of the Christmas Concert is not bad at all though it is not the greatest; the soloist (the loving lady) and the two soloists of the Vienna Boys Choir do need some extra works on their singing ability to bring out the best quality; thus I definitely agree with the remarks made above based on my opinion also!
Die beiden Knaben waren bei dieser Lautstärke - neben der Solistin und dazu dem Orchester - nicht zu hören. Schade! - Die Dame sollte besser in der Oper auftreten.....Kein Genuss!
I agree. The woman was too overpowering. She sang over the boys....soloists, and choir. The two boys needed their own microphone. So did the choir, since the orchestra was loud, and also overpowering.
The Vienna Boys Choir dressed in sailor suits. Three sopranos; two boys tonally mis-matched with a full voiced operatic diva. Traditional orchestration with a little island reggae sprinkled around the edges. Blurred syncopation. This is a disaster.
![[빈 소년 합창단 Vienna Boys Choir] 에델바이스 Edelweiss](/img/n.gif)
I think the problem is not Ms. Bumbry, the boy soloists nor the orchestra. Maybe it just was the placement of the microphones. Unless anyone of those critics here WERE there live, please shut up. The arrangement and the performance is great still. Wash your ears and appreciate one of the greatest EVER Mezzosopranos of all times.
This song reminds me so much of my childhood!!
Amazing!
I (sort of) understand your feelings, but I myself am a diva lover. Grace is a true diva, from head to toe. Just gotta love her! And she's still going strong, to this day! What a force of nature.
I saw the boys at a show on Cape Cod Massachusetts, I think it was about 1997 or 98, it was amazing
I kinda like this song. After listening to it for a while it grew on me...thanks for posting.
I just love the hand gesture Bumbry makes when she sings the last "day." Classic Bumbry. BTW, the flute player is just as handsome as can be!
I really enjoy this and I am glad I stumbled on it for my Christmas list.
Professionalism and team spirit came into play when Grace Bumbry shared the stage with Shirley Verrett for their (in)famous joint recital. They also came into play when she sang Gioconda with Fiorenza Cossotto. But, on this occasion, Bumbry (evidently) said to herself "to hell with it" and had a grand ol' time. I mean, what else could be expected? Matching white-voiced young trebles with one of the Grand Dames of the international opera circuit??? DISCUSS
Amen! And not just a great singer, an amazing Wagnerian Soprano.
The arrangement is great
Written by Jester Hairston in 1956. Hairston played on TV Amen show as Rolly.
Great performance of a beautiful song!
She sings So well
your voice is as good as you allow it to be. practice is the key there. if singing is in your future, then GO FOR IT
Elke keer als ik haar.....hoor ja hoe je het ook noemen wil, ik me kapot erg, hoe zij zoveel moeite doet om te laten zien en vooral laten HOREN hoe goed ze wel niet is
en nu ook weer ben al 12 jaar op zoek naar de completen versie van Christmas in Vienna 2006 ok wil met plezier ervoor betalen. als het maar compleet is. Videoformaat nvt alles is welkom. Alvast bedankt
The difference is that Big Mama WORKED LONG AND HARD for the spotlight, and dammit, she's gonna get it!
LIGHTEN UP! This song is usually done with a Carribean feel. The soloist and the boys were great. Your opinions are just that.
This was great! Kathleen Battle did a wonderful version, also, but I haven't seen i posted anywhere.
To ariodante: Professionalism? Team spirit anyone?
Amazing!!!!
There's only one star in a Grace Bumbry production, and that's Grace Bumbry, and don't you forget it!!!! (kidding- sort of)
I very much agree with you on that one ariodante. I think it was disrespectful to try to force her to sing the way, which is unnatural for her. (Not that she shouldn't have tried it at least). And in a way, it was disrespectful to those talented boys too.
I don't need to tell you, what a royal dress-down I would've given to person who came up with this idea, and to those in authority, who approved it.
Big mama was an international diva long before these upstarts were in diapers. What did ya expect? ;-)
Yeah, YOU be the one to tell La Bumbry to reign it in, lol. Ain't gonna happen.
You have a funny way of showing your love- calling her repulsive, etc. Bumbry did act the diva, but she was astute enough never to overdo it, unlike Battle. Consequently, her career was longer, and ultimately more fruitful.
Well I don't know the exact circumstances, but I understand your point. She actually sings quite beautifully, she is just not a teamplayer. Maybe one of those 'run-away' divas? It wouldn't be the first time. Or simply 'Big Mumma needs a big man for proper counterpart, not a bunch of kiddos. There is actually some humor in this performance, if you can see it that way. ☺
Well, it's difficult for an opera singer, who used to fill with her voice large opera houses the size of railway stations, to hush down just a little. She had not only totally obstructed the two boys to be heard, but she overshadowed and 'manhandled' the whole choir too. Those skinny, pale boys need to grow in strength mighty fast, if they want to be in the game together with 'Big Moma'.
But jokes aside, this problem should've been noticed and rectified during rehearsal.
I love this song and kids singing lift up my heart!
Meraviglioso!
This is very cool. 😊😊💜🤙
-Cont.- Either they should've kept the VBC and replace Grace Bumbry, or alternately keep the Diva and find a matching powerful choir for background, or leave at her performing a solo. (Which it became anyway, for all practical purposes).
If I would've been the managing director, with some money to burn, I would've just hired the Red Army Choir, and let them sort out things for themselves. ☺
There certainly is a somewhat Jamaican (Harry Belafonte) rythm to this version.
La mateixa versió que canta Kiri te Kanawa. Excel•lent!
top!
professional
Delightful. Who created this calypso arrangement?
`It was originaly recorded in Canada by a French speaking group. They put the calypso beat to it.
I just cabbot liasten to excessive vibrato. That is why I like WSK and other boys` choirs.
+Donald Edward Boney M.
DAT KUTWIJF HEEFT VERGETEN HAAR DEELDO UIT HAAR KUT TE HALEN VANDAAR DE OVERMAAT VAN VIBREREREREREREERERN
Ik begrijp niet wat je probeert te zeggen.Anton Jams. Probeer het in het Engels
Sorry!
The other examples don't interest me ariodante, because I'm already aware that she is an accomplished singer, with well deserved reputation, but they are not related to this performance, which gone to the dogs purely because of her selfishness.
I agree with you however, that this was a mismatch.
Logically what should've followed, (if the organizers had spine), is make their choice: -Cont.-
Show!
well speaking as an operatic singer in my own right. It is very hard to sing soft since opera singers are trained to project. I do think she was a little overbearing still, but I'm sure it is hard for her not to project
it should be called SOLO!!
poor kidz..
She drowns them out,can't even hear the boys singing
BONNY M SONG IS THE BEST AND SUPER BEST TUNES
very... good
I love this choir Miss Bumbry may have her fans who enjoy this excess of vocal gymnasics but I dont.
There is no display of vocal gymnastics. It's not coloratura.
DAT KUTWIJF HEEFT VERGETEN HAAR DEELDO UIT HAAR KUT TE HALEN VANDAAR DE OVERMAAT VAN VIBREREREREREREERERN
does it have to be this tropical because it was written by an afro american :S
And the majority of the population of the Caribbean Islands is? Just saying.
I love this song and the WSK but I have to agree, they don't seem into this
oops, "duo"
oh she tried she was miked
Did the WSK soloists actually sign something? I did see their lips move, however, I did not hear much.
yes this performance of the Christmas Concert is not bad at all though it is not the greatest; the soloist (the loving lady) and the two soloists of the Vienna Boys Choir do need some extra works on their singing ability to bring out the best quality; thus I definitely agree with the remarks made above based on my opinion also!
tsunami...........
Die beiden Knaben waren bei dieser Lautstärke - neben der Solistin und dazu dem Orchester - nicht zu hören. Schade! - Die Dame sollte besser in der Oper auftreten.....Kein Genuss!
I agree. The woman was too overpowering. She sang over the boys....soloists, and choir. The two boys needed their own microphone. So did the choir, since the orchestra was loud, and also overpowering.
lol
I enjoy the song, but the solist leaves me cold. It is not an "operatic" bit of music and needs the Island rythmn and diction to be authentic.
Wrong arrangement for Boys Choir...
Good arrangement, wrong soloist.
The Vienna Boys Choir dressed in sailor suits.
Three sopranos; two boys tonally mis-matched with a full voiced operatic diva.
Traditional orchestration with a little island reggae sprinkled around the edges. Blurred syncopation.
This is a disaster.
This song rapes classical music.
It's a disgrace for the Knabenchor...
average