There is indeed no other way to sing love in its most self-contained expression…that aria has everything in it, it is now a classic in itself. And I am really abstaining myself from giving the name of the diva that now sings it in my head as I write this!

Thank you for your comment, it is not “mesquin” at all. I would even say that, these days, it describes pretty much the intensity of a recent love I had, and I must now let go. Again, nothing like the French to put the plight of love to music…

Best regards,

W.

How nice to have you around again! It is really a pleasure, so welcome back. I think your choices in the French territory of opera are really a “must”. You see, I even used to sing one of those arias you listed and, to be honest, French opera feels wonderful in the voice. Now, as to the full opera you mention, it is one of my favorites too, and I have what I believe to be a particular version, with Von Stade (yes, I have a weak spot for the woman, I confess) and Carreras when he was still in his prime. It is really a very good version of the opera, and I never even felt tempted to buy another one. You should definitely listen to it.

Les pêcheurs…only if Jussi Björling is singing…nothing like his exquisite technique and delicate voice to put the opera in the right tone.

I’m glad you liked this posting. See you around soon, I hope.

Regards,

W.

I agree with you. Passion is everywhere in French opera, and I enjoy that. There`s no other way to sing: “ainsi qu’on voit des blés les épis onduler, sous la brise légère, ainsi frémit mon cœur, prêt à se consoler, à ta voix qui m’est chère! La flèche est moins rapide à porter le trépas, que ne l’est ton amante à voler dans tes bras!”. My apologies, such a mesquin comment for your great text.

Kind regards,

Manon

Debería decir que, si debo elegir una ópera completa para escuchar, Werther ocupará el primer lugar. Y de terner que sólo escuchar un aria, “Mon coeur…” se llevará el laurel y mi escucha atenta. “Les pêcheurs de perles” también sería una buena marienda… para “pecadores”.
Me gustó leerte. Un beso

I think you can give your opinion on all discussions. Music is, after all, about passion and feeling. Therefore, your categories are more than adequate.

I take the opportunity to thank you again for the Borges quote you posted on your website. As to the coffee that is pending between us, you only have to set a time and place, and I’ll be there to meet you and your significant other, whom I would also like to thank for the time devoted to the “friendship” endeavor.

See you around.

Regards,

W.