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NY Times Post: “Looks” in Opera

February 1, 2009 By Ian Sidden

The New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini wrote an article about singer’s looks in the opera. It compared and contrasted the leading ladies of Orfeo et Euridice and Lucia di Lammermoor Stephanie Blythe and Anna Netrbko respectively.

It’s broader point is that looks and a pretty voice are not what makes a performance great but rather the ability to take and own the stage. Along the way, you will find a long sound sample of Stephanie Blythe singing “Che faro senza Euridice” followed by some recit an instrumental portion and then a rousing final chorus.

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Filed Under: Craft Tagged With: New York Times, Stephanie Blythe

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About Ian

Ian Sidden is currently a bass member of the Theater Dortmund Opera chorus. Read More…

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