Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Pietro Mascagni, Amilcare Ponchielli :: Lebendige Vergangenheit: Giannina Arangi Lombardi

Incredibly Facilitated Soprano!

Impostazione | New York City Area | 03/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Madame Arangi-Lombardi was a great singer with a rich recorded legacy. Her virtues are so amazing as a singer that it is difficult to know where to start but perhaps with the fact that she began as a mezzo and never lost that significantly rich sound throughout her range. The piano tones are very strong and her diminuendi are unrivalled perhaps in the history of recorded song. Her legato is unique and flawless.



Her portrayals of Verdi roles were said to be "unforgettable" and a "model of style." You only need listen to Aida, Ernani, Forza, Trovatore, and I Lombardi with score in hand to observe how obediant she was without losing individuality or expression. She is perfect in Verdi. Her Vissi d'arte is quite similar stylistically to that of Caballe.



She finished comparatively early and reports are that the once glorified high notes became quite strained leaving many to believe that she was always a mezzo, but mezzo or soprano this woman had skills!



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