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Contralto Update: Elisaveta Antonova

23/7/2013

Today's contralto is the Russian Elisaveta Antonova.

Elisaveta Antonova is a fine example of the wonderful tradition of the powerful Russian contralto. Her voice is pure, strong, and rock solid throughout all the registers, while never becoming crude or harsh. Antonova's Dramatic contralto sound is instantly recognisable, both distinctive and majestic.

Check out her pages, and the video below.

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Aria of the Week 12#: Bedniy kon' v polye pal (The poor horse fell in the field)

22/7/2013

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Today's Aria of the Week is from Glinka's A Life for the Tsar (or the Soviet name Ivan Susanin). It is performed by the Soviet Era contralto Elisaveta Antonova, who is truly a Dramatic contralto. The compass is from Ab3 (exposed, A Capella) to F5, with many fantastic leaps between the Head and Chest registers. I will be adding Antonova to the Contralto Profiles over the next couple of days.

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Contralto Update: Candida Guida

20/7/2013

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Today's contralto is Italian Candida Guida.

The beautiful, dark voice of Italian contralto Candida Guida is a perfect vehicle for both comic and romantic roles. The strength of her lower register lends itself to the heroic and storming roles of Handel and Vivaldi. Yet she also has the musical presence to sing the religious works of Pergolesi and Leo, and the flexibility and range to sing Rossini.

Check out her pages, and also the video below.

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Aria of the Week 11#: Scene from Ciro in Babilonia

15/7/2013

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The lastest Aria of the Week is the grand scene for contralto in Rossini's Ciro in Babilonia. Ewa Podles is the contralto taking on the trouser role, and truly making it her own. Take a listen in particular to the low notes from 6:30 - 6:50, and the fierce note high in the chest register at the end of the scene.

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Reader Feature: Daniel Rodriguez suggests Wiebke Lehmkhul

11/7/2013

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Our latest "Reader Feature" here at the Contralto Corner comes courtesy of Daniel Rodriguez. He has suggested the German contralto Wiebke Lehmkhul.

The serene, velvety voice of German contralto Wiebke Lehmkhul is the perfect vehicle for the music of the Oratorio. The great religious works are full of meaning and pathos in her hands. Yet she also excels in the operatic world, with convincing performances that speak with honesty and integrity.

Check our her profile, and her performance of Hasse's Benedictus below.

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Contralto Update: Marga Höffgen

9/7/2013

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Today's contralto is the German Marga Höffgen.

German contralto Marga Höffgen had a deep, sepulchral sound which was perfect for the low-lying alto cantata Widerstehe doch der Sünde. She was also perfect in Wagner, creating an imposing Erda.

Höffgen worked with many of the leading Bach conductors of her period, and recorded all of the major cantatas for the alto voice.

Below is a video of Höffgen singing the Brahms Alto Rhapsody.

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Aria of the Week #10: "Widerstehe doch der Sünde"

7/7/2013

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This weeks Aria of the Week is J.S. Bach's "Widerstehe doch der Sünde" from the cantata of the same name. In fact, contralto Marga Höffgen sings the whole cantata in this video. She has a wonderfully rich, dark and powerful contralto voice. There are numerous F3's scattered throughout the aria, so lots of wonderful "true contralto" notes for you all to enjoy!

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Contralto Update: Jennifer Hines

4/7/2013

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Today's contralto is the American Jennifer Hines.

With her distinctive timbre, her powerful voice, and her versatility, Jennifer Hines is as convincing as the gypsy Carmen as she is as Bertarido. She has performed many opera roles to critical acclaim, and has also excelled as an oratorio singer. She is one half of the Darling Divas, and is currently involved in an interesting project combining Spanish, Opera and Broadway music.
Check out her videos and info.

Below is a video of Hines performing as half of the Darling Divas duo.

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Contralto Update: Elisaveta Antonova

Aria of the Week 12#: Bedniy kon' v polye pal (The poor horse fell in the field)

Contralto Update: Candida Guida

Aria of the Week 11#: Scene from Ciro in Babilonia

Reader Feature: Daniel Rodriguez suggests Wiebke Lehmkhul

Contralto Update: Marga Höffgen

Aria of the Week #10: "Widerstehe doch der Sünde"

Contralto Update: Jennifer Hines

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