Glass Shatterers! Glenda Raymond tops the field with a High F

~The "Glass Shatterers!" series focuses on sopranos who sustain High F, or sing higher.
THE SONGBIRD: Melbourne-born Glenda Raymond (1922 - 2003) is best remembered as the singing voice of Nellie Melba in the 78-episode radio serial "The Melba Story," which aired weekly in Australia and other countries. She was cast in the role at age 24 and ended up marrying the producer Hector Crawford in 1950. Her Melba notoriety led to operatic and concert engagements across Australia and in London including Rosina, Gilda, Queen of the Night, and Countess Adele. Her operatic farewell was as Despina in 1971.
THE MUSIC: Donizetti is an Italian composer through and through, yet "La fille du régiment" (or the Daughter of the Regiment) falls in the national stylistic cracks as it was composed for the Opera-Comique and premiered there in 1840. Donizetti lived in Paris for two years and wrote "Fille" while there -- his first opera written to a French text. Despite a weak premiere and some negative reviews, the opera became a world-wide hit and a favorite of star coloratura sopranos who want to have fun. When we are first introduced to the title character Marie, an orphan who was adopted by a military regiment, she sings their ebullient regimental song.

[@georgemeiser3231]

Delightful voice quality! Her intonation is right on target.

[@bobbywinters7892]

I like hearing how the older generation of singers approached high notes. This one is so lilting. High notes don't always have to blow the ceiling off the house. Not every high note has to be a "Sutherland" high note, although I certainly don't mind hearing those as well. Thank you for continuing to expose me to music I would NEVER have heard otherwise... I love your channel, please keep doing what you do !!!

[@BartBosman-abc]

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