Singing has been a major part of my life ever since my choirboy days in my native Lingfield in Surrey.
I love to sing, and I love listening to good singers.
The American singer Kathleen Battle has a voice that I could listen to all day long. Just listen to that opening note on this recording of 'Ombra Mai Fu'; it is sensational.
One of my dislikes with female operatic singing is 'sliding up to a note'. I like to hear a singer hitting the perfect note at the first attempt, not making a rough guess then 'sliding' into it (does that make sense?). Ms Battle hits her notes perfectly every time. She has a remarkable range.
Enjoy.
15 comments:
Powerful voice.
She certainly has!
You've reminder me of our music teacher in school, who would not allow sliding from one note to the next. Notes had to be sharp and clear. Music was a big thing in the school, with internal and external Eisteddfodau, points to be had for one's 'house' for each performance. I sang alto many times so that sopranos could get their points. The word sliding has brought back many memories.
I'm pleased to see that you know what I meant by 'sliding'. It's a pet hate of mine, and should be stamped-on by all 'singing schools'.
I know just what you mean by "sliding" to a note. This version of Ombra Mai Fu is very good but I still like the Kathleen Ferrier version from oh so many years ago. This is a grand way to start a Wednesday morning , thank you. Regards Sue H
Kathleen Ferrier is another favourite. I must listen to her version.
To possess a voice like that - it must seem that you have been blessed with a special gift, a super-talent. When Kathleen was very young, her first music teacher, Charles Varney, told her God had blessed her, and she must always sing.
I love singing, but I don't have a particularly good voice. What I do have is a very good ear, and can spot a sharp or flat note very easily. As a result I do tend to spend my time listening for faults (which I shouldn't do).
I have now listened to it, and found her vibrato a little overpowering after KB's version. But very beautiful all the same.
Some people have amazing talent. KB is one of the best.
She is indeed. A beautiful voice.
Thank you . How beautiful.
Quite lovely xx quite quite lovely
She's one of the 'greats'.
What a voice!!!
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