I agree with the above comments--Ms. Swenson's voice is rich and light at the same time--the musical equivalent of a souffle. I can't think of another singer who has that delicous quality. She is always a pleasure to listen to--its like she is channeling a higher form of energy.
I don't think I ever heard a voice so rich and light and the same time. Agile is a better word than light but it also has a light airy quality that is fascinating. It has sweetness too and the pitch is also excellent. This has to be one of the most fascinating voices I've heard ever. Thank you.
I've seen Ruth Ann Swenson many times at the SF Opera. The quality of singing in her Handel soprano roles is second only to Joan Sutherland. Swenson is a consummate artist and a wonderful person!
BRAVA!!! I am so lucky I could see Ruth Ann Swenson in Giulio Cesare in SanFrancisco, I hope to see her soon again!! I love her voice. She was born to sing Cleopatra's Aria. Thank you for posting this angelic music with angelic voice.
What happened to the marvelous Ruth Ann Swenson. I heard that she was ill and then was dismissed from the metropolitan opera. With a such a beautiful voice and technique she had a great career for a number of years. Where is she today. I Swenson still singing? Her Cleopatra is unsurpassed
I saw a production of Giulio Cesare at the Met in 1999. Instead of casting Miss Swenson as Cleopatra, the Met employed Sylvia McNair. What a disaster! She must have been going through a vocal crisis because her voice was off pitch with screechy, sharp high notes and very unpleasant sounding. It was so bad that it effectively ended McNair's opera career. It was very unfortunate because the rest of the cast was outstanding: Jennifer Larmore as Guilio Cesare (spectacular!); David Daniels as Sesto (superb in Met debut); Brian Asawa as Tolomeo (very good) and Stephanie Blyth as Cornelia.
Kri Benalcázar oh my god. I love Renee as well but she is a disaster singing Handel. She can’t sing melismas with any clarity. She is best sticking to the romantic lit.
I agree with the above comments--Ms. Swenson's voice is rich and light at the same time--the musical equivalent of a souffle. I can't think of another singer who has that delicous quality. She is always a pleasure to listen to--its like she is channeling a higher form of energy.
I don't think I ever heard a voice so rich and light and the same time. Agile is a better word than light but it also has a light airy quality that is fascinating. It has sweetness too and the pitch is also excellent. This has to be one of the most fascinating voices I've heard ever. Thank you.
One of the most beautiful voices in the world!
Long island’s own ruth ann Swenson! One of the mos under appreciated singers of all time. New Yorkers love you Ruth!
I like how it's not the usual manic interpretation. It sounds like a Queen who is in complete control and utterly delighted in her supremacy.
I've seen Ruth Ann Swenson many times at the SF Opera. The quality of singing in her Handel soprano roles is second only to Joan Sutherland. Swenson is a consummate artist and a wonderful person!
What a lovely and picture perfect performance! I am surprised that more people don't look to this as the best on youtube.
Yes, Yes, gorgeous! And hey there singers -- she's teaching in NYC!
BRAVA!!! I am so lucky I could see Ruth Ann Swenson in Giulio Cesare in SanFrancisco, I hope to see her soon again!! I love her voice. She was born to sing Cleopatra's Aria. Thank you for posting this angelic music with angelic voice.
Really beautiful. Her voice has a velvet-like quality to it. Brava!
Beautiful, she has it all!
I saw her perform this role in SF, with David Daniels as Caesar, in the gorgeous sets from the Met. Wonderful!
Oh what a delight, pinnacle 🌹
Merveilleuse chanteuse. Comme on aimerait la voir aussi. Bravo
Does anyone have her singing the other arias from this opera? Especially Se pieta di me non senti and Piangero?
What happened to the marvelous Ruth Ann Swenson.
I heard that she was ill and then was dismissed from the metropolitan opera. With a such a beautiful voice and technique she had a great career for a number of years. Where is she today. I Swenson still singing? Her Cleopatra is unsurpassed
My understanding is she beat breast cancer and is now teaching music in a college in northern California. She was/is one of the finest!
She's living and teaching in NY
Happy birthday Ms Swenson
Is there any recording available of her Lucia??? If so, I'd love to have it!
Does everybody do the staccato ting at 3"15? Sounds marvellous.
I think only she does
Few if any can.
I miss Ruth Ann! Where is she now? I wish she didn't move into Puccini rep cause she was meant to sing this music.
When was this recorded?
Oh YES! Bubbles still reigns as queen of this role, but she would enjoy this performance for sure.
Miss Swenson sings baroque quite well. I enjoy her version of the role very much.
I saw a production of Giulio Cesare at the Met in 1999. Instead of casting Miss Swenson as Cleopatra, the Met employed Sylvia McNair. What a disaster! She must have been going through a vocal crisis because her voice was off pitch with screechy, sharp high notes and very unpleasant sounding. It was so bad that it effectively ended McNair's opera career. It was very unfortunate because the rest of the cast was outstanding: Jennifer Larmore as Guilio Cesare (spectacular!); David Daniels as Sesto (superb in Met debut); Brian Asawa as Tolomeo (very good) and Stephanie Blyth as Cornelia.
wonderful, but still and my favorite will always be Renée Fleming *.*
love her sooo muuuch
Kri Benalcázar oh my god. I love Renee as well but she is a disaster singing Handel. She can’t sing melismas with any clarity. She is best sticking to the romantic lit.
very good but i love cecilia bartoli on this!