Tag Archives: soprano

Zinka Milanov’s Birthday

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 17th May 2013

Today is the 107th anniversary of the greatest Verdi soprano I ever heard – Zinka Milanov (1906-1989). Milanov was the Queen of the Met where she sang 449 performances between 1937 and 1966. In the core Verdi roles I have never heard her equal. She was a unique artist. The only words that can do…


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Liudmyla Monastyrska

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 12th December 2012

Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska made her Met debut last month in the title role of Verdi’s Aida. She is scheduled to repeat the role in Saturday’s telecast from the Met. Though only 37, she has been singing for 16 years mostly in her native Ukraine. Last minute appearances in Berlin and London brought her to international acclaim…


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D’amor sull’ali rosee

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 2nd January 2012

If a knowledgeable opera goer were asked to name the most demanding and beautiful bel canto aria written for the soprano voice “Casta diva” from Bellini’s Norma or “Bel raggio lusinghier” from Rossini’s Semiramide or perhaps “Regnava nel silenzio” from Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor might head the list. But to my ears nothing is as beautiful and…


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Margaret Price – RIP

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 31st January 2011

Welsh soprano Margaret Price (1941-2011) died suddenly on January 28 at her home in the village of Moylegrove. Best known for her interpretation of Mozart and Verdi roles she had a luminous voice tied to a placid persona or perhaps it was shyness. I heard her sing in both New York and Chicago. At the…


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Zinka Milanov – The Most Beautiful Voice in the World

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 10th December 2007

“I have the most beautiful voice in the world.” That was Zinka’s appraisal of her own voice. Who am I to argue with such a source? Besides, she did. A great opera singer does what lesser singers do, only better. I can think of just two exceptions to the rule – Zinka Milanov and Giuseppe…


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