Amira Willighagen - "Ave Amira" documentary - Requested reaction

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• Amira Willighagen "Ave...
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[@jorgechavesfilho]

Great reaction! What Amira did in the car at 13:58 is out of this world. Not only can super sopranos easily project long high notes with vibrato, but they can also slide from a high note to a lower one without stopping the vibrato and without needing to breathe. This is called portamento (“sliding”) and it's super difficult. Sopranos who attend BMus at university struggle to learn portamento. In this scene in the car, Amira hears Maria Callas singing Casta Diva and, out of thin air, Amira projects a long Bb5 and does a portamento to a Bb4 note, one octave lower, using vibrato the whole time, without pausing for breath and, along the way, changing from head voice to chest voice. It's astonishing. Even Amira, at the end, turns away and makes an expression of “Oh my God, how did I do that?”.

[@cmlarose50]

As usual Jorge, thank you so much for your musical prowess; i thought portamento was a mushroom.

[@AndyClayton-f5x]

I've watched this doc a few times, it's a favorite of mine. It captures the actuality of her life so well, including the less glamorous side of performing. It also shows how hard she works. I think there may be different versions posted as I noticed the subtitles were missing in a few places, such as when her mother was speaking. I know I've seen them before. You are right about her humility. She is very modest about her qualities, it increases her lustre. I think she abandoned the notion of becoming a lawyer when she opted to study music at uni. Earlier she wanted a backup plan in case her voice failed and she couldn't pursue singing as a career. She has more confidence in it now, but is studying conducting, just in case. Thank you for being brave enough to tackle a long video. Its great to watch it again.

[@dafyddllewellyn6636]

So, you have now met Marijke Hoksbergen (Amira's teacher). Amira remained in contact with her, via Skype, after she emigrated to South Africa. (For all I know, she may still be in contact with her). This is a superb documentary - one of several made by Gelderland TV.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

She a special young lady

[@christopherosborne2453]

Thanks Paul you did a great job, I've watched this docu. many times and it's good to see it again. What comes across strongly is the dedication and self motivation of this young woman, the hard work done results in her ability to touch the hearts of listeners with her beautiful spirit.

[@Susan-ge7mw]

Amazing

[@williamdunphe-bh2pu]

She is awesome princess Amira is wonderful thank you wild bill

[@cmlarose50]

Those that have met her are taken aback by her personality, her genuineness, her sweetness, her kindness, her caring, her love and on and on. She is truly remarkable and i totally agree with your feelings about her. People will say her voice is a gift from God but i like to say she (soul & voice) is His gift to this hurting, nasty world. She is on a mission from God and doesn't know it yet. Those of us who have discovered her are immensely blessed; i just want to share her to all. Sadly, most of the world is attracted or one could say distracted by the glitter and fame of stuff i wouldn't even call music. "Already she belongs to the world." (Amira's grandmother before dying) “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the Glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” & "I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music." (Johann S. Bach) Angela Gheorghiu said, "Pop music is for the body, but opera is for the soul." “Listening to Amira Willighagen sing is like listening to God.” (me) May Amira never stop bringing us to God and Heaven!

[@bsirta5824]

to @cmlarose50 : You picked the best quotes! Considering Amira's vocal perfection, even when she's singing at home for her turtles, I would add this one : "Music is the hidden arithmetical exercise of a mind unconscious that it is calculating" (Leibniz).