> > > This afternoon on UK radio there were two recordings of Rosa Ponselle, > singing Voi Che Sapete and An Die Musik. Since I don't recall ever > really listening to her before (though I have probably heard her, not > quite the same thing!) I was wondering what other Vocalisters thought of > her sound and her style.
I was under the impression that it is her voice, more than her style that set Ponselle apart from just about everyone. Rosa Ponselle is the youngest singer (21) that I can name that sang a substantial role in a major opera house (Verdi's La Forza Del Destino at the Met.) She had relatively little formal training, but she had this naturally very rich, dark , large voice. Many professionals were in awe of her voice. I remember reading (on Opera-L?) about a poll given to other contemporary operatic sopranos about which soprano they most admire, and Ponselle was the clear winner.
Barbara Roberts Miami, FL
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