Woman on the Verge..
David Cady | Jersey City, NJ USA | 01/14/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's nothing standard about "COLORaturaS," soprano Diana Damrau's stunning new recital disc of opera "standards." As many have noted, Damrau is the total operatic package; a seriously gifted singer with an Actors Studio understanding of how to create character. Another reviewer here noted that he preferred Joan Sutherland's version of Verdi's "Caro Nome." Well, perhaps Sutherland "sang" it better (and that's open to debate), but she certainly didn't capture Gilda's budding sexuality or her cautious thrill that perhaps this man, whose name she says as a kind of prayer, will be the one to free her from both her actual and emotional prisons. It's all there in Damrau's thoughtful, heartfelt rendition. Other tracks are just as complex and revelatory. This is the first time I've heard "Je Veux Vivre" and believed that the singer was a breathless, overwhelmed 13 year old; Damrau's Zerbinetta is wise, playful, practical and world weary...all at the same time; her Lauretta seems to be manipulating Gianni Schicchi as much as appealing to his paternal instincts. And I have never heard a funnier "Glitter and Be Gay." Damrau finds the perfect balance between parody and homage, and still manages to provide insight into Cunegonde's hilariously conflicted psyche. If the way I'm describing the performances sounds in any way academic or studied, rest assured that Damrau does all of the above without ever sacrificing the music itself. The singing is joyous, passionate and technically breathtaking. At every step of the way she is more than admirably supported by Dan Ettinger and the Munich Radio Orchestra.
If I have any quibble with Damrau, it's that her diction is at times a little too pronounced; hard consonants a little too hard, every "r" a little too rolled. Even Bartoli doesn't always sing with such music school precision. Ultimately, though, it's a very minor reservation.
For anyone invested in the future (and present, for that matter) of opera, "COLORaturaS" will be very, very welcome."
Damrau is wonderful as ever in her interpretations. However.
A. F. S. Mui | HK | 01/15/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Apart from being able to just 'sing in a decent manner', German soprano Diana Damrau is a peerless vocal actress.
She is also one of the of the foremost coloratura sopranos in this era (the other being the great Italian coloratura Mariella Devia).
This album showcases Herr Damrau's pyrotechnic, as well as her ability of characterisation.
Having said that, the great pleasure that Damrau's voice carries in the earlier years is regrettably lost to a considerable extent lately, as evident in this latest release of hers. Her ability to express is cut down by the limitations in her voice, and most of the time she is being forced to employ heavy-handed pushes to her voice in order to express what's in the score, some thing that she would not have to resort to in her early years when she possessed a much fuller voice.
This phenomenon is gradually becoming apparent with her recent recordings (after she has signed up Virgin Classics). The sweetness of the timbre has been worn down considerably with strenuous roles that would wreck the greatest of voices.
Damrau has adamantly refused to take on such strenuous roles like the Queen of Night again. A very wise decision that should have made even earlier, judging from what has come to pass.
My only wish is that the voice of this wonderful artist will soon recover fully."
A CLASSIC LESSON IN HOW TO SING AND COMMUNICATE
R. Olsavicky | Butler, Pa. USA | 11/29/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The opera audiences of the world now have two incredibly gifted coloratura sopranoes who are also gifted actresses that know how to use text and music as instruments of communication. I am referring to Diana Damrau and Natalie Dessay. They have learned their lessons well from both Maria Callas and Beverly Sills; two Superstars of making the text come alive and making us the audience believe in the Opera Experience as heighten DRAMA! These four mentioned ladies truly make us believe they are living and experiencing the moment. Miss Damrau may make musical choices that are sometimes different than we are used to; sometimes in tempi, phrasing and articulation. However, these choices are taken to convey her very personal interpretations. Both Damrau and Dessay use all their skills and talents to make the moment appear to be truly real. It is a pleasure to listen to what they have to say and how they say it. Singing is basically extended speech on pitches. We, the audience, need to hear and understand the words. Miss Damrau is in very good voice and has given us a truly varied program. We hear: Gounod, Verdi, Strauss, Rossini, Stravinsky, Donizetti, Puccini and even Bernstein. English, Italian, German and French give her no problems. To sum it up a knock out voice that truly communicates every note and syllable, DON'T MISS THIS EXCITING VOICE AND ARTIST!! I do have to agree with my fellow reviewers that there is some loss of bloom to the voice and a bit of pushing for some of the very highest notes. Perhaps, too many Zerbinettas as well as Queen of the nights. Let us hope this is only temporary."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1