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Which opera singer do YOU think has the most beautiful vocal tone/color?
I'm simply asking about the VOICE (the tone and color of the voice) itself, not so much about the technique or skill etc. Just purely about the VOICE.
Just curious to know others' opinion here. I personally like the timbre of Kathleen Battle's voice, but there may be many other vocally-gifted opera singers out there I haven't heard about yet. How about you?
Btw, when I say opera singer, I meant that as in REAL opera singers, NOT popera (pop classical) or classical crossover artists like Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins, Paul Potts, Hayley Westenra etc. Those people are NOT real opera singers so please DO NOT mention their names. Learn to differentiate both genres. Opera is NOT the same as popera or classical crossover. Thanx in advance.
Again, please read my Q's carefully. I only meant the VOICE and just the VOICE alone, not the technique/skill, nor power, nor artistry, nor diction, nor phrasing, nor feeling/soul etc. But simply the VOICE itself. It doesn't matter if the singer has a great technique/artistry/musicianship or is able to sing many different genres, that's not what I expect. I only talk about the singer's VOICE. Which opera singer do you think has the most beautiful vocal TONE or COLOR or TIMBRE? Thanx!
Hey I love Joan too =D I also love Leontyne Price and Jessye Norman.
Another fave of mine is Sumi Jo, but I adore her rather for technique and amazing skill, but NOT necessarily for her vocal tone. Don't get me wrong, I love Sumi Jo and I basically like coloratura voices. Coloratura singers can demonstrate flawless technique and skill. But sometimes coloratura singers' vocal tone tends to lack of warmth (but not always) and breathiness might get in the way.
Ms. Chick, I totally agree with you. There are so many talented singers/performers out there who never got big. These people SHOULD be famous instead of some of the singers we see these days.
I really hate it when the industry tries to force it into our mind that great artists are only the ones who have recording deals or still able to maintain their existence in the industry. That is so NOT true! So many great artists out there don't get the chance they deserve because they don't have the right look or story for the industry. They are like falling trees in the wood. They're extremely good, but no one knows them.
You & I both know that regardless of talent, those recording artists can make it in the industry because of many other factors. Not to say that they aren't talented at all, but there must be more than just talent that excells their way to the top. Supposedly they're fat, ugly or have no sob story to back their image, would they still manage to get the record deal? Exactly!
And opera is supposed to be not akin with pop music/industry, but unfortunately, the reality is that many great opera singers are getting passed by over some less-talented but more attractive singers. The modern opera world is now becoming more and more like its pop counterpart, although it's still much better than the superficial pop scene/industry.
Btw I'm surprised that no one mentions about Rosa Ponselle. Is there anybody who likes her here? I think she had one of the richest voice in opera. I really like her voice.
8 Answers
- Ms. ChickLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
If we are just talking about the instrument itself, ignoring technique....grrrrrr....this is a hard one. Let me just give you a few I can think of off the top of my head.
Well, I would say Placido Domingo, because his tenor quality is so rich. Leontyne Price because her timbre is even throughout, and she has a wonderful way of changing the color when needed, so her instrument itself has so much variety. Ana Moffo's instrument's top was rediculous (in a good way). Kiri Te Kanawa's instrument is extremely unique and gorgeous. And of course Marilyn. I don't know anyone with more of a rich instrument than hers. Oh and Paul Robeson. Renee too, but she's a Leontyne mini me. But thats a good thing. LOL!
Overall, I think one of the best instruments ever was my voice teacher in college and a good friend of mine. My old voice teacher's teaching methods were mixed in review, but his voice sounded just like velvet...and I have never heard anyone who's instrument could compare. He never became famous, because he was intent on having a stable family lifestyle. He didn't want to travel around. I admire him for that, because if you thought Ben was good, you would have passed out if you heard him.
My friend, who is also a baritone, started pretty late. At 25. Took a another long break, and came back in his late 30's. I have never heard anyone who sounds like him. It is the richest baritone sound I've ever heard. I'm not saying that b/c he is my friend. Its true. The first time I heard him chillbumps came on my arm. But in a way, it bites him because teachers are scared to work with him, either because he sings better than them, or they don't know all he needs is coaching and rhythmis help. Sure, his presentation might need a little more excitement, but no one instrument wise can touch him. No one. He SHOULD be famous.
That just goes to show you incredible singers are everywhere, and not all of them are famous. I've performed with people who sing circles around a few famed ones, but because of their life decisions (and this doesn't always mean bad decisions) they didn't get there. Fame is a pursuit and a choice, not a coincidence.I know that was a little of the subject, but its relevant if we are speaking about instruments and opinions of who's the best.
- 5 years ago
I don't think I can really tell you who is the best, because that would be purely down to individual preference. But for me, I love: Kiri Te Kanawa - especially at the height of her vocal abilities. Listen to her 1979 recording of Strauss's "4 Last Songs". The sheer warmth and purity of tone took my breath away. And of course her Countess Almaviva in Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. and Placido Domingo. I always think these two were the best operatic pair ever. Their numerous performances of Verdi's Otello easily testify to that. I also like Kathleen Battle's voice...but not as much as Dame Kiri's :)
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- cantilena91Lv 71 decade ago
For me it's a tie between Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Bryn Terfel. Just because they are not only having opera in their repertoires but also other songs! Though then again I'm much more into countertenors and bass-baritones than those far too loud tenors!!!
- BirdgirlLv 75 years ago
I honestly don't have one. I appreciate the beauty of different voices. One of my all time favorite compositions is Mozart's soprano motet, "Exsultate Jubilate". At one time, I own at least 8 different recordings of it by different operatic sopranos.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
I haven't seen too much of her lately but I absolutely love Kathleen Battle. She has an absolutely beautiful soprano voice.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Well, you asked only for the VOICE, my favorites are:
1.Diana Damrau
2.Edita Gruberova
3.Kiri te Kanawa
4.Natalie Dessay
5.Luciano Pavarotti
*Hope this helps a bit. Please note, like the question asked, I'm voting for the pure voice of these singers; voting for the overall result of their singing will change the places a bit :))
Thanks.
