Search - Susan Anthony :: Portrait

A Portrait of a Sensation Soon to be Realized

mzeglevski | Brighton, MI USA | 06/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A most impressive recording by Michigan-born and trained (WMU/UM) American soprano with the unlikely name of Susan B. Anthony, who has had a considerable European career including performances at La Scala, the Berlin State opera, Vienna State Opera, Opéra de Bastille and the Rome Opera to name but a few.  In the U.S. she has sung Chrysothemis in Strauss's Elektra in Santa Fe; it seems odd that she has yet to appear at the Metropolitan - particularly when her ability is so obvious.  Anthony's roles include Wagner's Elsa, Elizabeth, Senta and Brünnhilde, Strauss's Maria (Friedenstag), Chrysothemis, Empress, Ariadne and Salome, as well as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Leonora in Il trovatore and Genièvre in Chausson's Le Roi Arthus.  Ms. Anthony's enormous range and versatility allow her to command an unusually wide repertoire. Her voice is pure, secure and voluminous.  She is fearless on those Straussian high notes, dependably accurate, interpretively strong.  The dramatic Chausson aria whets the appetite for her complete recording.  Her recording of "To This We've Come" from Menotti's The Consul comes close to the finest ever done.  One can understand why her Chrysothemis in Santa Fe was so successful based on this performance of "Ich kann nicht sitzen."  In this brief excerpt from Die Frau ohne Schatten Anthony's Empress compares favorably with that of Rysanek's.  The Salome finale is the prize of this disk, and magnificently sung; Anthony's flexible but powerful voice vividly suggests the depraved young princess.  Even though her obvious talent overshadows the orchestra and conductor and the engineering isn't very flattering this is a fascinating release showcasing a major singer of our time, and highly recommended.  U.S. purchasers, until recently, have found this recording difficult to find, but now thanks to Amazon.com we have the privilege of experiencing this most brilliant and sensational performer - home at last."