I am writing this blog as yet another tribute to a great. I had not intended to write anything but pedagogical and vocal pathology wisdom for this blog, but I cannot fight the spontaneous momentum when I feel it. Magda Olivero died at 104 in Milan, Italy last week. She was one of the last, great opera singers of her time. Maybe of all time. She had a uniquely fast vibrato reminiscent of the old black and white movie singers, yet sang with such depth, such immense passion that one couldn't help but be totally taken in. Listening to an NPR story, it turns out she was one of my favorite opera singers....Renèe Fleming...favorite opera singers. She even took a few voice lessons from Magda. What thrills and inspires me about this legendary diva is that she made her Metropolitan Opera debut at age 65 Yes...no typo there. 6-5. So maybe there's still hope for me! Ha! I digress. She was still performing concerts in her 90s. I just love it! And do you know what this opera great attested to her vocal longevity? Iron-clad technique! So, all you students of mine who roll your eyes as I teach you about your instrument, the biomechanics behind it, and spend years on breath management, pure vowels, resonance and the like. It is worth it! Sing on, diva, sing on. May we all take the time to get to know you through your recordings and honor you through diligent, disciplined technical work and, in my opinion, passionate, visceral and genuine performances.
Washington Post article (click to go to article)
