Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Maria von Weber, Richard [Classical] Wagner :: Lebendige Vergangenheit: Florence Austral

"One of the wonder voices of the World" (Nellie Melba)

Robert Woodley | Sydney, Australia | 06/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Melba recognised the greatness of Australia's prima dramatic soprano of the 1920's and 1930's whose career was cut short by MS. Sutherland also was inspired by Austral before she became a singer. She has been denied the fame she should have had, as proven by her recordings. She was more than favourably compared with Frida Leider, with whom she shared Brunnhilde on the first complete recording of The Ring, and Kirsten Flagstad.Listen to her "Ocean thou mighty monster" with its great plunge downwards which other sopranos fudge. The Inflammatus has a driving energy and high notes which make your hair stand on end. Austral also sang less dramatic music, with fine legato.A soprano who should have been an international star."

A GREAT SINGER-Underapprciated

John Ruggeri | Philadelphia, PA USA | 07/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reviewer from Australia is quite right. Ms. Austral had a large warm voice with a great top register and wonderful musicality in music from Mozart through Verdi to Wagner and songs. Her High C at the end of the Gotterdamerung is defiantly easy, some other great Wgnerian sopranos either avoid the note or have a rough time with it. It is though she opens her mouth and the note appears- no slipping and sliding to it.



No better version of the Oberon aria has passed my ears. The Inflammtus will give you goose bumps. The songs are sung with great sensitivity and line.





ANOTHER GREAT AUSSIE SINGER"