Natalie Dessay

Natalie Dessay: Le miracle d'une voix. The DVD, of course. This is a curious DVD because it includes two versions of "Grossmaechtige Prinzessin" from Ariadne auf Naxos and three of "Les oiseaux" from Tales of Hoffmann.

It includes the mad scene from Lucie de Lammermoor, Lucia in French, though only in one version. Obviously the woman is completely mad because her clothes are falling off, even showing her boobs at one point.

I was most impressed with her "O Zittre nicht" where the Queen of the Night persuades Tamino that Pamina will be his forever if only he will rescue her from Sarastro. This is well sung and very sweet, and in total contrast to the subsequent aria "Der Hoelle Rache", done with great precision and power.

The DVD comes with commentaries by Natalie in French. With the subtitles on you don't need to know how to speak French.

She is the epitome of the change from the diva who just stood and sang, like Sutherland and Sills, to the modern singer who spends almost as much time on the floor as standing up. She is the theatrical diva par excellence.
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