Just today I was listening to the entire 1953 London Aida with Callas and I was so amazed at Simionatto’s amazing proweful voice. So much bronze and a real mezzo.
The ideal Amneris-voice. Perfect integration of the three registers; firm, seamless emission with no hint of forcing or wobble; a chest register that is strong yet has an attractive sheen that prevents it from becoming crude or harsh, and a top register that would be the envy of any soprano. In addition, her insistence on conveying the desperate princess' variety of moods through vocal means alone ensures that her physical acting does not go over the top, but retains the dignity and restraint suitable to the character. An aristocratic portrayal, as is apt, and one for the ages. Thank you, Manoli!
She was my absolute favorite when I started listening to opera singers in the 80s as a voice major at the U of Illinois. I had the most amazing gift of being able to tell her what an inspiration she was to me and to hug her!! She was being honored at a gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago when I was a supplementary chorus member - I couldn't let the chance pass me by! She patted my cheek and said "Bambina" - I'll never forget it!!
She is so passionate, and yet, she never lets you forget that she is a princess and not a fishwife. And this was recorded near the very end of her performing career, and there still isn’t anyone today who can hold a candle to her.
Absolutely sang this like it's easy. Many singers sound spent by the end of the curses, but she sounds like she could and would go longer 😅 I don't know the correct terminology probably, but compared to mezzos of today, her sound is so... "true"? Rich chest voice that is almost masculine, then full and open sound in her stentorian upper register. Truly an ideal Amneris❗️
I have the von Karajan recording of Aida with Tebaldi, Bergonzi and Simionatto which I have played endless times and Miss Simionatto remains the standard for playing Amneris, with Dolora Zajick coming close
What a great mezzo.. I first heard Simionato on her 1959 recording with Tebaldi/Karajan Though very young I was immediately captivated by this amazing voice.
Just today I was listening to the entire 1953 London Aida with Callas and I was so amazed at Simionatto’s amazing proweful voice. So much bronze and a real mezzo.
The ideal Amneris-voice. Perfect integration of the three registers; firm, seamless emission with no hint of forcing or wobble; a chest register that is strong yet has an attractive sheen that prevents it from becoming crude or harsh, and a top register that would be the envy of any soprano. In addition, her insistence on conveying the desperate princess' variety of moods through vocal means alone ensures that her physical acting does not go over the top, but retains the dignity and restraint suitable to the character. An aristocratic portrayal, as is apt, and one for the ages. Thank you, Manoli!
She was my absolute favorite when I started listening to opera singers in the 80s as a voice major at the U of Illinois. I had the most amazing gift of being able to tell her what an inspiration she was to me and to hug her!! She was being honored at a gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago when I was a supplementary chorus member - I couldn't let the chance pass me by! She patted my cheek and said "Bambina" - I'll never forget it!!
She is so passionate, and yet, she never lets you forget that she is a princess and not a fishwife. And this was recorded near the very end of her performing career, and there still isn’t anyone today who can hold a candle to her.
The music. 😮 Verdi was a dramatic genius. That ending. The ominous sound of those repeated bars. 🤯
When singers could sing. Magnificent.
The best mezzo there ever was! This is the bar that every mezzo should try to reach.
Truly one of the greats. I could listen to her sing the phone book and I'd be riveted.
Absolutely sang this like it's easy. Many singers sound spent by the end of the curses, but she sounds like she could and would go longer 😅 I don't know the correct terminology probably, but compared to mezzos of today, her sound is so... "true"? Rich chest voice that is almost masculine, then full and open sound in her stentorian upper register. Truly an ideal Amneris❗️
I have the von Karajan recording of Aida with Tebaldi, Bergonzi and Simionatto which I have played endless times and Miss Simionatto remains the standard for playing Amneris, with Dolora Zajick coming close
10:06
Yes, she was very great.... magnificent....incredible temperament..
La más grande mezzo italiana de los 50 y 60. Maravillosa voz, este antiguo video la capta en todo su esplendor.
I loved her in La Scala singing Ohime morir mi sento .It was 1956 and she was still lavigny beautiful.Dramatic mezzo or soprano.Metallic.Who cares.
The best Amneris ever!!! Power registre!!
100000000000 keer hartelijk dank... we love youtube❤❤❤❤❤
This woman was simply mind blowing.
Whether a mezzo-soprano, or a Falcon one, she was/is wonderful. A true legend in the history of the opera.
Spectacular singing brava!
What a great mezzo.. I first heard Simionato on her 1959 recording with Tebaldi/Karajan Though very young I was immediately captivated by this amazing voice.