A question from Sandy B here, a member...Is anyone else a Denyce Graves, opera star fan? I thought because you are piano teachers some would be into opera too? I hope...Recently I went to Wolf Trap to hear "Carmen" with Denyce Graves as Carmen.I was so excited to hear her live as I have followed her for years. We were on the lawn at Wolf Trap.I was disappointed. I did not feel a connection with her or projection from her in the role of Carmen. I love her voice. She is praised for this role and I am confused. Does the Carmen role call for a more laid back concept? Input would be so welcome...Thank you in advance for your input. It was to me as though she was being too technical . I felt she was holding the role tightly within herself and not relating to me. I hope I am wrong and just need to understand something please? I need educating here please teachers. Sandy B

Sandy:
I am also a voice teacher, so I love opera! The problm you had with Denyce is the same problem most people face these days in the opera world. You hear a recording of someone and think they're wonderful, then you go to see them live, and unless they are mic'd, you can't hear them. *edit: there's so much fiddling that recording studios do these days to adjust the quality of sound, it's amazing!*So probably some of your disappointment had to do with the fact that her technique isn't sufficient to allow her to sing the role. Yes, it should be very laid back...and seductive. Most singers these days are excellent actors, but if the technique fails, then one cannot possibly express is musically as well. When you have the MET calling people like Netrebko *the* coloratura (she's a lyric), then you know something's wrong. It's very sad.

Speaking of sad events, the passing of Beverly Sills is a whopping loss for the arts - all the arts.

I know! I hear she was a wonderful person in addition to a great singer. She will be sorely missed

Dear Morodiene and other members, Thank you so much for the input Morodiene. I know very little about opera and want to learn more as I like opea very much. Thank you for telling me the character of Carmen should be laid back and seductive. This helps me very much. I thought so and she was not supposed to be powerful. I will see her again in another role as I do like her. I had only previously heard her on TV. Beverly Sills will be greatly missed. She was a gem . I have a story to share with you and other members. My friend was at Wolf Trap years ago. In the area called "The Rafters". Beverly Sills was performing and a bird was perched on one of the rafters, singing in tune and timing with Beverly Sills. All eyes were on the bird and not Beverly Sills . My friend told me that Beverly did not show any concern until the selection was over, the bird did end with her beautifully I was told. Then...Beverly Sills said, "This is the first time I ever had to compete with a bird." Thank you again...Sandy B

Haha, that's a great story! Well, if you like opera, here's a treat for you (it beats the pants off of Peter Potts!):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=avjNx_J1iHo

Oh, and if you like Carmen, try Ponselle:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yyz75uHNHeI
or Callas (concertized, but she acts it out):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BysvxpzzxtM&mode=related&search=