Been fascinated and engrossed by the famous "Dido's Lament" (perhaps the most beautiful aria ever) from Purcell's Opera recently, and wondering what everyone's favorite renditions are.
For me, these are the two that stand out (by some distance) among those I've heard:
https://youtu.be/Ae1IUPHxFzs (the aria effectively ends at 4:10)
https://youtu.be/wI2Jrxx2ou0
Not that one has to assign pre-eminence, but Kermes seems utterly true to the work's setting in her fragility and reticence, though Kielland's beauty and performance artistry draw me in no less intoxicatingly.
Personally I avoid anything Kermes does. I dislike her "squeeze-box" method of vocal production and she has no true legato, one of the prerequisites of good singing.
My favourite is Dame Janet Baker https://youtu.be/D_50zj7J50U (https://youtu.be/D_50zj7J50U)
I also enjoy versions by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson and the great Kirsten Flagstad, who overcomes any issues of performance practice withe her heartfelt and beautiful singing.
I second the youtube video with Dame Janet Baker. I still recall vividly watching that one some years ago and being moved to tears by it. :)
TL and I also agree on Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. Here's a link to a youtube video of her singing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYYY6QGzEJY She was a wonderful mezzo who tragically died way too young.
Haven't heard Flagstad singing it before now. Will do some digging around later. Also, not familiar with either or your two singers but will check into your links soon.
Best wishes,
PD
Ugh that's gorgeous! What's happening dramatically during this?
Dido dies (after singing, presu
Quote from: relm1 on September 30, 2021, 04:07:54 PM
Ugh that's gorgeous! What's happening dramatically during this?
Dido dies (after being finished with singing, I guess) as she says in the recitative before the lament proper:
Thy hand, Belinda, darkness shades me,
on thy bosom let me rest,
More I would but death invades me,
death is now a welcome guest.