Absolutely OUTSTANDING performance!! Bumbry isn't the first singer who comes to mind when I think of Floria Tosca, but she uses the "soprano" part of mezzo-soprano very well here in the service of the role. Corelli: WOW!!! Well-sung and passionate as Cavaradossi - as always! Thank you very much for sharing this gem with us!!!! If I'm not mistaken, this was also Levine's Met debut.
I agree with you both. Both moved from being legendary mezzos to 2nd rate sopranos. Bumbry's soprano always had problems at the very top (she gets away with murder as Abigaile here on YT) and Verrett although a lot more secure with her tops, ended up sacrifing the middle register which developed a rough break. Of course its always fun hearing the women in no matter what they sing - their timbres are really unique.
Absolutely OUTSTANDING performance!! Bumbry isn't the first singer who comes to mind when I think of Floria Tosca, but she uses the "soprano" part of mezzo-soprano very well here in the service of the role. Corelli: WOW!!! Well-sung and passionate as Cavaradossi - as always! Thank you very much for sharing this gem with us!!!! If I'm not mistaken, this was also Levine's Met debut.
I agree with you both. Both moved from being legendary mezzos to 2nd rate sopranos. Bumbry's soprano always had problems at the very top (she gets away with murder as Abigaile here on YT) and Verrett although a lot more secure with her tops, ended up sacrifing the middle register which developed a rough break. Of course its always fun hearing the women in no matter what they sing - their timbres are really unique.
This a thrilling performance like to listen to the whole thing? Anybody know?
Who was scarpia in this performance?
I was at these performances and Bumbry was a first rate Tosca. This was her first of her career. Peter Glossop was the Scarpia.
whaaaaaa? Maybe not Bumbry, but Verret's Normas sound amazing and natural to me! lol