Search - Victoria De Los Angeles on DVD

THE FABULOUS VICTORIA DE LOS ANGELES

Operaman! | Chicago, IL United States | 03/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD of rare footage, shot entirely overseas, offers a glimpse into the late Spanish soprano's career. Items culled from BBC archives and other parts of Europe have hitherto only been seen in fragments, and it is a pleasure to see these more complete excerpts of songs with Gerald Moore at the piano. The BBC "Programme" of Profiles in Music offers wonderful opera excerpts as well as a Spanish song, and a charming interview. This dignified lady kept her artistic persona on the opera stage and recital platform, and her home life very private (in the interview we do learn that she miscarried her first child). A versatile artist, she did not limit her musical life to opera alone. Her manner with a Spanish, French or German song was completely authentic and lovely. As a vocalist her technique was accomplished, but this listener never felt that she was "grandly operatic", her singing was completely honest and natural. It's true that later in her career she "lost" some of her high range that curtailed her live opera performances, but left her open for recordings, concerts and recitals (this also afforded her more time with her family at home). Today's singers could learn a LOT from this video and Madame Victoria's artistry. The DVD includes optional subtitles in a variety of languages. I only wish there was a little more information about the "bonus" Mompou selection with the composer at the piano."