Angela Gheorghiu Traces the Footsteps of Callas
Thursday, December 01, 2011
The Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu is known for her lustrous voice and big personality to match. On her latest album, "Homage to Maria Callas," she connects herself to the late, legendary soprano, who would have turned 88 on Friday. Gheorghiu takes on arias by Puccini, Verdi, Gounod, Massenet and others associated with Callas and even sings a "virtual duet" with La Divina on the Habanera from Bizet's Carmen, using concert footage from 1961.
In this wide-ranging interview with Naomi Lewin, Gheorghiu talks about Callas, and the duet, which she calls "pioneering."
Never far from controversy, Gheorghiu also shares her strong views on modern opera productions and explains why she cancelled her appearances in the Metropolitan Opera's new staging of Faust (the term "fiasco" comes up). Other subjects include her avoidance of voice teachers, her high-profile marriage to tenor Roberto Alagna and her feelings about strong-willed directors.
Tune in on Saturday after the Metropolitan Opera broadcast to hear more of the interview with Ms. Gheorghiu and tracks from her new album.
Comments [12]
angie at her best!
great interview
It comes across quite clearly that for Angela, going on stage is not just "a job," but something she throws herself entirely into.
I suppose that this intense passion is the reason why she cancels so often, as she simply cannot go on stage unless she is entirely psyched and confident.
She was brilliant in the two Operaincinema offerings in HD; Adriana and Tosca both with Jonas Kaufman. These would rival the Met's productions and both from ROH, London - both were stylish, beautiful, traditional productions.
I didn't hear all of the interview (which I will read on the WQXR site. But what I heard, especially Ms. Gheorghiu's remarks concerning the gimmicky updates that are swamping the operatic world, made me realize that indeed she is now one of the very few (the only?) reigning divas. This 'Callas' disc, from what I heard, will be one of the opera recitals of the century (including the last 88 years of the 20th). May she return to the stage of the Metropolitan in a production to her taste, and our satisfaction. Thank you for this superb interview program.
A wonderful performer. Cast at recent Carnegie 'Adriana' to a one said AG was wonderful to work with. She knows she does not have a large voice. She works hard to keep it over the orchestra. She knows how to get support from conductors. And she is smart. She threw her voice off the right stage wall at Carnegie. Too bad the Met does not know how to help her be her very best.
I have been wondering what ever happened to Angela Gheorghiu. I have always loved her voice and was so disappointed when on several occasions, and when I had tickets for the Met opera she had cancelled. I hope she will consider coming back and I look forward to hearing her interview. She is a great opera singer and hopefully, we will see much more of her.
The duet with Callas would be pioneering if Natalie Cole hadn't already dueted with her father. And quite a while ago at that.
She is most famous for her cancellations. She sings the same five roles, hates trying anything new, plays herself in each role and is despised by a hugh raft of intendants who will never hire her again. Otherwise....
I have always admired Angela for her artistry. She takes her "work" seriously and enjoys it, and that enables her audience to recognize her as a true diva. Best wishes to her and I´ll keep looking forwards to enjoy her performances and albums.
Bravo Angelica. You always make us proud. Now you can say that you speak four languages fluently. You are beautiful and you have a tremendous education in music, that's why you reached so high level in Opera as soprano. We hope that you soon came back to MET and let your fans enjoy your performances on one of thr most famous Opera stage in the world.
You don't need it but "Good Luck!"
Thank you for this interview. Angela is TOO SINCERE as she always was.
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