Diana Damrau "Queen of the Night" from The Magic Flute ANALYSIS by Opera Singer

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@TeylaDex]

For me personally Damrau shares first place with Deutekom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4LThXqBjaarp6M everything is SO clear, it's haunting.

[@Walter_Arrecis_Letona]

They have told you that you are very beautiful and have divine eyes. And you are very talented, you can see that you know what you are talking about, I am not very knowledgeable about opera, but I learn with you. Greetings from Guatemala City in Central America. Perdón si el inglés no se entiende, usé el traductor de Google.

[@davidgarciasanchez1090]

Hi in the spirit of the Met Opera reviews and in aims to bring more relevance of Opera to people of color, would you be so kind to review Mimi from La Boheme by Puccini performed by Angel Blue? She is maybe one of two great African American soprano I've encountered and I would love to hear what you have to say on her take on the role of Mimi. I personally love Puccini and this opera but I think Ms Blue brings such a mesmerizing take on Mimi. Attached link to the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpLGpKN7gcRmkM0

[@davecoffield7893]

@@davidgarciasanchez1090 you mean besides Denyce Graves, Leontyne Price, Jesse Norman, Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, WIlliam Warfield, and Kathleen Battle, to name a few?

[@arsinoitherium]

Personally, I'd choose Sumi Jo as my favourite performer of the Der Hölle Rache aria.

[@HansJoachimMaier]

German here. What impresses me is, that I actually can understand most what she is singing. That‘s rare to sing so clearly in that range.

[@Fernando31611]

When I was younger I thought I should learn German so I can understand the master works of opera... jetzt weiss ich, dass fast kein Deutscher versteht das...

[@FighterofGD]

I'm german as well and I don't understand a single word ^^"

[@r.b.8061]

Diana Darmau is german. Sometimes a foreign singer is a little bit off.

[@Aurich55]

Not German here and as long as I may not know the meaning (without translation) I can understand the words. Perfect singing.

[@markiangooley]

I still remember a performance of an unfamiliar modern opera in English (based on the movie The Fly) I heard live on the radio because the lead singer was completely understandable. Every word.

[@paulwagner688]

She's the only one I've ever heard to be able to weaponize those arpeggios and not just sing them as technical exercises.

[@YDVDNVRR]

Edda Moser does ti too.

[@coloraturaElise]

@@YDVDNVRR Yes, I was about to suggest that Paul check out Edda Moser, a true dramatic coloratura soprano, with her natural big dark sound. She does not have to artificially darken it.

[@YDVDNVRR]

@@coloraturaElise actually, she always lightened it when she was singing Mozart.

[@Ryan_K535]

I would really suggest looking into Christina D.’s version of this. The most technical and precise version of the aria for sure

[@coloraturaElise]

@@Ryan_K535 I love Deutekom's version...huge voice and so clean....wonderful!

[@billydepap5457]

Diana Damrau does not just sing or exercise herself on the aria: she is the aria, she lives it. It's so absolutely fabulous!!!!

[@GIAMI180]

Listen to Luciana Serra. She’ s the BEST

[@shineayandrews1869]

She has the music IN her. She’s probably the closest thing to song incarnate.

[@1guitarlover]

My favourite colature soprano was Lucia Popp (RIP) and she truly nails the Queen of the night.

[@Maskabor]

I disagree, the best is Edda Moser ;)

[@joshdaniels2363]

Another thing I think bears mention: Damrau is incredible and clearly understood the assignment, but the costume and makeup artists were also integral to making the portrayal of this character such a smashing success in this production. They're often unsung heroes of the stage world, but they're just as important to bringing the characters to life and telling the audience who these people are through visual storytelling.

[@smartmagis]

indeed! when i was fortunate to see my first operas, as much as the amazing music, it was the lavish, insane set design, costuming and overall production quality that blew me away. Even the floors of the stage were beautiful and opulent! And I'd never seen so many people on stage at one time, nor seen stages and sets so large. And I'd been to a number of "big broadway shows". Not even close!! The first opera I saw had a scene with 50-70 singers/performers on stage, two or three people on twenty foot stilts, and a twenty-to-thirty foot papier mache looking puppet, all at once. It was mind blowing. And the lead singer was sitting down on the ground just calmly bellowing out the most beautiful sounds. And I was in the cheap seats four stories up and could hear everything clearly. I didn't understand how that was possible. Been obsessed with the opera ever since.

[@Darvit_Nu]

Yes! Especially for these singers! To make such beautiful costumes and tailor fit them in a way that is form-fitting yet allows them enough space for their ability of proper breath control is amazing and so talented! 👏

[@TeylaDex]

true, there was another performance by a different director, and that green dress thing is just ridiculous.

[@helenchelmicka3028]

Def!

[@Muck006]

The costume seems to be part of the production ... because there is another version where the queen of the night wears the same dress, but Pamina runs around in a modern cocktail dress ... which doesnt fit the production at all. tl;dr Costumes can be hit or miss ... and not necessarily because of the costume designers ... sometimes a singer rejects them and fails to fit in.

[@spiderdude2099]

It’s cliche as hell, but there’s a reason why this recording of this piece will FOREVER be the gold standard way to perform this aria. Absolutely flawless, her acting is on point and she EATS that scenery. Also, can we just talk about the costuming? Breathtaking.

[@jameshudson3651]

Yes, the costuming and staging are mesmerizing.

[@ericmatteson8888]

The costumes remind me of the Bene Geserit in the David Lynch version of Dune

[@jenniferdawson5738]

I love the floral. duet....Llakmae? Not sure of spelling here..My grandma was a collaratura soprano but I never heard her voice...😢😢

[@FedericoB.]

Just take a moment to appreciate Elisabeth perfect mix of extensive knowledge of the art and her ability to explain it the clearest possible, but paired with the pure and almost "childish" capacity to amaze so much at the music and trasmit the passion to us. :) Diana Damrau was mind-boggling. As simple as that.

[@imikec]

🙄

[@XaviRonaldo0]

She does so well to explain the technicalities. Even a musical ignoramus like me can understand most of what she's talking about.

[@billritch3988]

I posted links the original video and this episode of The Charismatic Voice with this comment: "And then the fan-girl squee (and very good analysis) of why this version is so great. " Great work, #ElizabethZharoff!

[@virginiakelly1678]

Agreed! And the comment about this being, in effect, a "custody battle" is brilliant.

[@mastermichaeldunchok]

Was? Did she retire?

[@felixlapointe5442]

What I love the most about this performance is that it does not feel rushed or hysterical, it’s pure rage and terrible, focused hatred!

[@furygeist]

Seriously! The bitter, self centeredness, the desire to see the husband's death is just dripping from her voice. Like, I wouldn't have to be watching to know hate is the emotion being conveyed here.

[@aureliancosma3807]

But feeling rushed, hysterical and conflicted may be part of the character of the Königin der Nacht.

[@beckydoesit9331]

One time I performed this but I we moved it to E minor instead of the lower D minor version and it sounds so much better. I absolutely killed it. Also, I performed it totally naked. Just a last minute decision I made. Hilarious! I'm pretty good at songs and doing performances, but I don't ever record it so don't go trying to look for it because you won't find it. I gotta go now.

[@m1la4]

​@@beckydoesit9331 u have commented this 2 times, stop tootin ur own horn jeez becky

[@SimoraCheeks1]

​@@beckydoesit9331😂

[@LednacekZ]

Diana Damrau IS the queen of the night. Seen her live a few times. She looks like she is not even trying hard most of the time. She is so good. But when she switches it on she takes over the stage immediately.

[@virgola2126]

You are very lucky, I wish I could see her in the Magic Flute.

[@josephthompson607]

Frieda Hempel, Frieda Hempel, Frieda Hempel

[@r.b.8061]

Yes! She performed this role in a wheel-Chair as well. The best since Edda Moser.

[@JenniferWilson-j7e]

Diana not only owns this role and a number of others, she is a physical double for Meryl Streep, albeit in a slightly more petite package.

[@billklemm7284]

Her staccato is so flute-like and controlled with just the perfect attack. I'm in awe.

[@cheyennadennison375]

Well yes it is the magic flute lol

[@igittevonbingen5572]

Just a tiny thing: in the opera Pamina has to kill Sarastro. But he is NOT her father. He is the man, Paminas' father gave all his power to when he was dying. The Queen of the nights claims this powers to be hers. So she wants her enemy to be killed and undone the transfer of powes her former husband did.

[@marquita.richardson]

Exactly! Thank you!

[@eEdselEdsel]

I've seen thos at Lyric in Chicago and watched videos of full productions a few times and hadn't remembered just what her beef with Sarastro was. Thanks for clearing it up for me!

[@igittevonbingen5572]

@@eEdselEdsel The problem is: this tiny information you get in a spoken dialogue between arias. So if you only listen to he music you miss this information.

Yes I came to say this glad you said earlier...

[@DanielCurti]

Thanks! I understood the same, even went to Wikipedia to check and in some translation is written Sarastro is her father. But it isn't.

[@escapistwishmaster2273]

Diana Damrau will always be my Queen of the night, she got the voice, she got the acting, she got the pronunciation (she is a german mother tongue), she just kicks it off!

[@yana1955]

I watch a compilation of performances of this aria. So many were off rhythm on the staccato notes. Not Diana.

[@Royalorgans]

Joan Sutherland and Edda Moser is 10 times better.

[@escapistwishmaster2273]

@@Royalorgans This is your opinion

[@yana1955]

@@Royalorgans Edda at least got the rhythm correct but she was shouting a bit too much, particularly at the beginnibg. Dame Joan has a great voice but she pitched it lower. I am going by examples I watched on Mister Golightly's KZbin channel.

[@Royalorgans]

@@yana1955 The problem is that with you young singers, you often confuse Drama or Impurities of the voice that make it unique with being incorrect. Edda shoutiness is Drama for thr music not incorrectness.

[@Little-Dude]

I know it's all about the singing (and bravo Diana Damrau!) but can we give it up for the costume and set designers for this show? This is honestly the most gorgeous rendition of the Queen of the Night Aria I've seen footage of. Dress, staging, blocking, lighting, props, sets, costume, hair, make-up - everything on point!

[@tonil6757]

Friend: " I don't like opera, opera is for fancy ppl!" Me: "Get dressed! We are going to the Opera! Die Zauberflöte!" Friend: "wtf?!" Queen of the night caught every friend.

[@lirieleth]

Keep up the good work!! ☺

[@tonil6757]

@@lirieleth I try.... great musicians deserv the utmost curtesy. If you are playing in an orchestra I have to bow for you. Not the other way round.

[@lirieleth]

@@tonil6757 Yup

[@justusundjuno6786]

Next Opera try Richard Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" 🙂

[@DeltaSilver88]

I saw the Magic Flute when I was 9 (incidentally my first opera), but in my case I'd already fallen for classical music through Disney's Fantasia and _wanted_ to go. :D I was apparently still singing the music to myself in bed later that night. It's now been 24 years and my mom and I still go see a new opera every now and then - my favorite is still that first Magic Flute since I found out _years_ later that the tenor playing Tamino was the Finnish voice actor of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White's princes. He still sings today... this voice is such a nostalgia bomb for me (and so beautiful ffff-). kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Wwlnieo6Zgbrs

[@alembess9129]

I agree that Diana Damrau is the best performer of the Queen of the Night.

[@Turboy65]

She put so much raw power into her aria that you feel like you'd get your ribs broken, teeth knocked out, and two black eyes if you were standing in front of her while she was singing it. A weaponized yet beautiful voice.

[@islandbirdw]

Exactly as Mozart intended. He would appreciate her performance 🎭

[@valo2909]

She is stabbing little Pamina's heart with each staccato. Just incredible. My favourite Queen of the Night performance ❤️

[@myheartwillstopinjoy8142]

Not only she's singing those crazy notes, but she's also acting her role perfectly. Like is she even real wow!

[@padlmulli2040]

Side fact: the part where she has to hit the high f's, the character "queen of the night" actually laughs at tamina

[@natibuddel]

kind of... it's more like maniacsl laughter. The Queen of the night loses it in this aria. She sends her (very beloved) daughter to kill her arch nemesis, knowing full well how dangerous this is and that Sarastro is the guy who abducted Pamina beforehand. While the Queen of the night is painted as the "Villain" in the Opera, at a second glance that's not so clear anymore

[@staubicfall7406]

@@natibuddel so Sarastro is a husband of the Queen of the night?

[@natibuddel]

@@staubicfall7406 actually in the original Source material he isn‘t, but there might be productions where he is portrayed as such.

[@Quirderph]

@@natibuddel One of them being Ingmar Bergman's movie adaptation, which some consider to be one of the best opera movies out there. And it *is* very good, but don't take it as gospel if you want to analyse the original libretto.

[@sadrevolution]

Huh. I need to up my laugh game.

[@pianoman551000]

It's not just a high F, it's an extremely difficult-to-achieve F6. Very few sopranos can achieve this tone and keep the pitch value consistent. Damrau does it so effortlessly!

[@jiaunmew878]

I agree. In the older version most just stood still like a log and command the deed must be done. And they didn’t give out much emotion. Diana Damrau’s version, she force the deed must be done. You can feel that intense aura around her. Not only her note runs and tones also her emotions and movements. Everything was a masterpiece. She’s haughty and angry when she sing high, loving switched to angry when she sing low to high. It’s crazy. Most scary was that she made it seems so easy. It’s kind like hey this is easy to sing, let’s sing this. Diana Damrau are truly one of the most unique genius opera singer.

[@Necroherz]

AT LEAST, FINALLY THE TEACHERS AND VOCAL COACHES ARE REACTING TO THIS PIECE OF ART. I HOPE THIS INSPIRE MORE PROFESSIONALS TO TEACH US IN A REACT LIKE THIS!!! 🤩

[@giuseppesavaglio8136]

Watching you watch Diana, is like watching a small child being scolded by her mother. You flinch as if you were actually there. You are awesome.😍

[@DavidClark-es1ww]

Agreed👍❤️

[@sacerdote4327]

The aria in German is also Diana's native language. She can go straight to evil mother mode. Two arias only...highest paid cast member. Repeated high F is the money. " Park and Bark"...I love it!!!

[@onechopbuddy3849]

I was lucky enough to see this opera live at the Royal Opera House in London my first opera and I was surprised there was no amplification (I wasn’t expecting it) the power of the opera singers and the orchestra blew me away. A fantastic experience that I would highly recommend

[@Mahlercougar]

I wish I wish I wish I could have seen her perform there or anywhere.!

[@ddehggial9932]

@@Mahlercougar for the record, she's great in other roles, as well so try to catch her somewhere and you won't regret it. I've seen her in Traviata at ROH and she was great. Not just an amazing singer, but a great actress as well. It's quite amazing these days how much opera singers have to do (hit all those notes, act convincingly, infuse the performance with emotional meaning) and most of them that I've met have been down to earth, too.

[@kxra0624]

My parents took me to a children’s version of the magic flute when I was about 3 or 4 years old. I simply loved it, and that was the first time I asked them for violin lessons because I loved the orchestra just as much as the vocals. Now I’m 14 years old. I’ve been playing the violin for about 8 years and I love it even more now than back then. During the homeschooling time this year, Lindsey Stirling’s music saved me from my depressions and I love playing her songs so much. So basically this “Queen of the Night” (“Königin der Nacht” in German ) is the reason I got back my life joy and play in my school’s sinfonia orchestra now ❤️

[@reedthompson8365]

@kxra06 Thank you for sharing that wonderful story! It's great to hear how therapeutic music can be. By the way, you might like to look up the story of Christoph Koncz performing recently with Mozart's own violin.

[@dparer]

I’m not an opera aficionado, but I instinctively understood that her version is superior. As a performer, I could discern between someone who sings the notes correctly and Diana who delivers technicality and emotion. Thank you for giving me a newfound and deeper appreciation for her performance.

[@freyasslain2203]

This is the best reaction , by far . It's great to see someone who is actually qualified to break the performance down. Very professional . Kudos!

[@PlugInKali]

Yes, Diana has a great voice but, to me, what makes this such an outstanding performance is her portrayal of the character. "The Queen of the Night Aria" makes makes it sound magical and fairylike and I don't like it. I much prefer its actual name "Der Hölle Rache koch in meinem Herzen" (Hell's vengence boils in my heart). It's so much more descriptive and powerful. The Queen of Night is the villain of the story and in this aria she is telling her daughter that if she doesn't kill Sarastro, she will no longer be her daughter. Diana perfectly brings the words to life with her voice and her expressions and even if you don't speak German you can tell what's going on. She puts Malefica and The Evil Queen to shame :P

[@magnusbergqvist2123]

Well, she is obviously from the Unseelie court if fae. And remember even the Seelie court are scary and dangerous.. ;)

[@ant16232]

Review him and ask for his story his. He has over come so much and just loves music and has suffered most of his life with schizophrenia.

[@رزيئة]

And let's not forget she was the only normal character in the entire opera lol

[@virgola2126]

Totally agree! Well said.

[@rayres1074]

hell's vengeance boils in my heart sounds dope as fuck

[@ImInLoveWithBulla]

I can imagine the first singer bursting into laughter when she received the sheet music for this. “You want me to sing WHAT?!”

[@shineayandrews1869]

The song was originally written for Mozart’s sister in law that could absolutely kill anything she sung.

[@christineburnett5066]

@@shineayandrews1869 he also didn’t like his sister in law so he made it hard on purpose 😂

[@bullymaguire5838]

@@christineburnett5066 most comment say this but another commenter told another thing. He said mozart actually wanted to show off her sister in law's vocal abilities. There was another woman he hated so he made a song for her with very quickly change of ranges so that she would look like a nodding chicken while singing it

[@seraphik]

​@@christineburnett5066 even if that's true, she earned his respect with this. delirious with fever, he spoke of her performance admiringly on his deathbed.

[@Lwena]

Look at the 2 minutes prior this aria, even without understanding German this is wonderful, Diana's acting is outsanding !

[@markberky5576]

When I was a young man I was in the US Army and stationed in Europe from 1972 to 1975. A very wise woman convinced my friends and I to go see a performance of "The Magic Flute" at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. It was a very special kind of performance -- none of the performers were human beings. They were all marionettes, including all the animals and a very large dragon that breathed actual fire. I remember how amazed I was when the Queen of Night marionette cast a spell to silence Papageno and a lock flew from her hand across the stage to lock through his beak. I remember the speakers used in the small theater. Giant Altec-Lansing cabinets and the sound crew ran them LOUD. The first time I ever rocked out to music that was most certainly not rock. I have no idea who were the recorded actual performers.

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

Wow, thanks for sharing ! What an amazing, magical moment you lived through🌈

[@MissCaraMint]

That does sound magical.

[@donnasheridan6449]

Diana Damrau is one of the artists with the best interpretation of each of her characters. Not only does she masterfully interpret the arias, she puts her heart and soul into it. I love her interpretation of Olympia too.

[@leedsuza1]

Diana is the whole package. Those super high notes, the evil demeanor, the expressions, the acting. The best queen of night, even though Luciana Serra and many of the older sopranos have more technical perfection. Diana is pure electricity in this role. Just like how Mozart would have intended it to be.

[@luketurley2837]

Doesn’t matter how many times I hear Diana’s performance of this it always sends shivers down my spine. The best of the best!

[@tanyapowell8577]

Her range is tremendous. I love watching rehearsal videos of her working on different pieces. So fluid, so effortless in her performance.

[@richard_n]

It is so great to hear a professional talk so glowingly about another professional. Most people would be jealous of the other artist.

[@Tom33070]

I first became aware of this aria while watching the movie “Amadeus” in 1984 and I became enchanted by it. It have never left me. I am excited to watch Elizabeth’s take on it!

[@jas1049]

Exactly the same with me. I remember being amazed by it when I heard it in Amadeus.

[@ekaterinaekaterina6668]

Щедевр, восхищаюсь👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹

[@i8fish]

Diana isn’t only the best opera singer I’ve ever heard I think she is the best technical musician I’ve ever heard. Incredibly accurate and articulate.

[@steveguest2003]

I went to National English Opera to watch the Magic Flute, I was absolutely captivated by this aria, it was sung in English, but watching the German version with Deana Demrau and I have been addicted since. Her voice is beautiful and so absolutely pristinely perfect. When she reaches the top F it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end! Absolutely perfect!

[@jimmyggs91]

Another proof classical music and metal aren't so far from each other. The lyrics, the composition, tons of dissonance, the portrayal of an evil character, it's all so metal, in a way. Amazing performance by Diana!

[@suzetteemberton4368]

Totally! Early death metal - Queen of the Night is fierce. There are lots of opera loving metal heads, by the way :-)

[@ClaireRobinsonAyres]

Couldn't agree with you more

[@JacobMinger]

@@suzetteemberton4368 i am one of those metal heads that love opera 😁 I blame a combination of Nightwish, and lately Ayreon for introducing me to the “Operatic” side of metal and then Mozart and Wagner haha

[@crhu319]

@@suzetteemberton4368 yup Mozart resurrected would be hanging out with Babymetal or Rammstein. He would love the crowd involvement.

[@garricksmalley1733]

classical was the metal of it's day.

[@Dextline]

This was already one of my favorite performances. Hearing how challenging it was to actually pull off just made me appreciate it soooo much more!

[@imokin86]

Yes! Looking forward to this. This is the musical equivalent of a Darth Vader force choke, both in the intimidating gesturing of the character and in the general vibe. The lyrics are basically "join me, and we will rule the world together", she is inciting her daughter to kill an enemy in revenge, and this means they will take all power to themselves.

[@bachpfeifer7926]

I am a male from USA aged 68 years old. I am also a whistler. I have whistled this aria since I was in high school. I listened to as many versions as were available before the internet and many more since then. This aria is a favorite amongst whistlers as it fits into the whistling range for most whistlers. Great video!

[@seasmacfarlane6418]

I haven't heard ANYONE sing this aria with more beauty, passion, fire and integrity. There may be others who perhaps are technically perfect, but no-one can capture this character the way she can. I LOVE hearing and watching this brilliant, brilliant woman!❤❤❤❤

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Elizabeth, I loved this performance. Diana's voice was clear, perfectly focused, powerful, and simply amazing. Her make-up, hair, and costume were also excellent, and her facial expressions were incredible, especially her eyes. Put everything all together, and you have vocal/theatrical perfection. Thank you, Elizabeth!!! 💙

[@Chronologo]

The characterization is just out of this world. The portrayal of the character, the mannerisms, body language is just top notch. Add the outstanding vocal performance, I can see why this is regarded as one of if not the best performance of this piece

[@DonByronDukeoftheArctic]

One of the best pieces of music ever written. A piece that very few voices and handle. Definitely a gift from the heavens

[@TheSwiftFalcon]

I don't know much about opera, but I've watched this performance in amazed disbelief many times.

[@tommiller3017]

I'm amazed that this voice expert can point out such details of expert singing. I've never seen anyone like her.

[@DomIstKrieg]

Diana Damrau has presence. There is a definite intimidation factor that makes that performance better. She looks like she is gonna kick that girl's ass. Edit: Love that wide shot at 17:26. Its entirely this one woman as the physical embodiment of ultimate power influencing this one young innocent girl to do her bidding. Awesome shot. LOOK. AT. THAT. SHIT.

[@bambam144]

Yep, very well played from both actors. The funny thing is Dorothea Röschmann (Pamina) is older than Diana. :D

[@DreamsInWild]

I've seen the Diana Damrau video before and it gives me shivers every time. I loved watching it again through you though, because I learned a lot of things I never knew. She sings the Aria beautifully of course, but having the technique behind it all explained makes it all the more impressive!

[@susanmartin2807]

What impresses me is she is doing so much at once, and every single thing she is doing is challenging and takes talent and skill on enormous levels, and she is doing all the things at once. Not only is it an INSANELY technically on point performance of an extremely difficult aria. But she is also acting, not only physically but with her voice. It's just insane.

[@franciscorodriguezcarambot2687]

Such a great privilege for you to share stage with Diana Damrau. There’s no one that can interpret that aria (vocally and dramatically) better than her! My dream is to see her perform this opera live, I don’t care where I have to fly into in the world, I’ll do it!

[@beaub2409]

LOVE THIS VOCAL COACH! HER ear and way of explaining things is spot on

[@jerrybird9365]

Love Diana Damrau. Such an incredible voice, and I think the best ever performer of this aria. Comes across as being a lovely lady in all of the interviews that I've seen of her. Super choice, thank you.

[@magdahearne497]

I always gets chills when I hear Diana sing this, I've heard loads of singers perform this over the years, but none have ever nailed it like Diane. Thanks for sharing with us 💖💖💖

[@zamplify]

I have watched her sing this a hundred times. It's stunning every time.

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

I agree with you 100000% the first time I saw her perform this I was flat on the floor TOTALLY floored and had to be mopped up! She made the queen COME ALIVE LIKE NOBODY ELSE DID OR COULD

[@davidbales8393]

I got a dear friend (a coloratura soprano) from my high school Choraliers to absolutely *melt* when I told her I'd hoped to hear her sing this aria. She told me it was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

[@safespacebear]

I think we found our girl's girl crush. Can't blame her, that woman is a force of nature, an instrument of the gods

[@LednacekZ]

This was a performance made for the ROH ( Royal Opera House ) live. Just like MET, ROH started to roll out live performances for people all over the world in cinemas. They prepare a lot for these special performances. Thanks to these i can be in NY or London opera every month of the season. I miss this so much during the pandemic.

[@brandonstott96]

“Park and Bark”. LMFAO. It’s such a a perfect description of some of the singers I’ve been on stage with!

[@2eleven48]

And you are who? Not trolling. Just curious.

[@vlw4165]

I have adored this aria performance for so long! The voice beyond every voice, and her dramatic delivery--staggering!

[@gothmamasylvia462]

I totally agree with you! Diana Damrau OWNS this role! I watched a video of 'who did the staccatos best', and she was the only one who made it looks effortless. And the menace she puts into the role! There's one point she makes eye contact with the audience. and I get chills!

[@Noble4Truths]

Vocal folds goes wacka-wacka-wacka My new favorite phrase 7:05

[@JoeFrazierGeek]

Great breakdown of the aria. Thanks. And yes, those eyes.

[@mafelix]

A little correction: Pamina os supposed to kill her mother's enemy (Sarastro), not her father. Her father is already dead. The queen of the night mentions it in her first dialogue with Pamina.

[@gmcmurry]

Elizabeth, you are brilliant. I wish I had a mentor like you when I was singing... You are right, Diana is the best Queen!

[@ma-ma-mamary3946]

Gaaaaaaaahhhhhh! Every time I hear & watch her, I get goosebumps & teary-eyed. Did anyone else go & binge watch a bunch of her performances afterwards? 🙋‍♀️

[@marviosantos]

Oh man! Diana is so good! I found her about 12 years ago when looking for this aria to soothe my then 2 year old son. I was completely taken by her performance, I had heard many different soprano's sing this before, had seen many live performances of the Magic Flute, but this, this was just something else! I was in tears by the end! PS> It worked a treat on my son too! :)

[@aurorafranck2114]

One small tweak to the story. Sarastro is NOT her father. When Pamina’s father died he gave to sun disk and Pamina’s welfare into Sarastro’s care.

[@brunobisio2406]

In that producction the queen says before the aria "...my dearest daughter, your mother can no longer protect you! My power dissapeared when your father died. Your father gave the sun disk to the iniciated! He told me: Woman, my time has come. I leave all my richness to you and my daughter, but Sarastro will irrevocably be the master of the sun disk. Don't try to accomplish what's beyond a woman's reach, it is your duty that you let yourself and your daughter be guided by wiser men" and pamina goes like "then I've lost that young man forever" (The hot prince the queen sent to infiltrate Sarastro's cult and rescue her, but ended up joining it instead). So the queen looses her shit (very understandably, in my oppinion) at how her daughter is more concerned about not seeing a guy she just met than to having heard they where deprived of their rights and inheritance, just because they're women, and basicly tell her to get her ass back to the cult she just escaped from, kill their leader and get what's rightfully theirs or she won't be her daughter anymore.

[@lacdirk]

@@brunobisio2406 I don't like to dig in that part of the Magic Flute. It is still a pretty misogynistic piece.

[@brunobisio2406]

@@lacdirk @Dirk Lac I agree, but I don't think we can expect much more from an opera written 230 years ago. I think it's interesting though, how badly the plot can age over time to the point it doesnt make sense for the queen to be the bad guy anymore. Maybe that's why they changed the plot in the production Elizabeth was in

[@cb1503]

@@lacdirk if you don't like that part you probably hate when the arab dude tries to rape pamina, yea things have changed since Mozart's time.

[@lacdirk]

​@@cb1503 Well, there is the suspicion of racism there, but at least we're not supposed to root for him ...

[@franciscodesdeecuador6294]

Everything in Diana Damrau's singing, powerful voice and acting is extraordinary!!!

[@cosmicvagabond]

I just watched this after watching the aria video a couple of times and you helped me understand better exactly how special and difficult it is that Ms. Damrau is doing with her voice. I know NOTHING about opera but have always loved Mozart, and when I stumbled upon this video of the aria I was captivated by her presentation! Her voice and presence is magical! Thank you for the analysis, and an even better understanding of how truly special this performance was.

[@hughdanielson5436]

Its not just the singing. Her stage presence while singing and emoting just blow me away. She dominates the entire stage and uses the lighting and to a great advantage. Her high staccati are so good its practically inhuman but the entire performance including a melodic slide through the notes and a full sustained note also done flawlessly all while utilizing the entire stage.

[@sulosky]

I'd love to say FINALLY!!! Diana Damrau is such an amazing artist and singer. Thank you for making this reaction!

[@bikershark9]

I've watched a bunch of your metal reactions (your first Devin video brought me here) but this is the first opera one I've watched and I need to go back and watch ALL THE THINGS. This is awesome.

[@jayestahnke9917]

I adore this performance. I must have watched it a hundred times in the last couple of years. Watching it along with your expert analysis makes me appreciate it even more. Thank you!

[@gibadias1637]

I agree... It's a very difficult aria and Diana Damrau's mesmerizing interpretation has the most perfect pace and energy among all sopranos who ever sung The Queen of The Night... Völlig Wunderbar!

[@MrGent-er3pk]

Diana is probably in greatest coloratura soprano ever. Your analysis was really great to watch.

[@natalieoramas527]

I've listened to several sopranos sing this amazing aria and by far my all time favorite version is that of Diana Damrau. She makes it look so easy and delivers a very convincing dominating Queen who is not to be reckoned with! Love Her voice and deliverance.

[@charlesthela9327]

15:35 So cool that Elizabeth has worked with Diana Damrau and can provide the insight on working with her and what a great person she is! Another example of Elizabeth's serious opera cred.

[@adamgromnica639]

I also love her "o, zittre nicht". She is absolutely mind-blowing

[@kevinramsey417]

Diana's performance is absolutely sublime. It's not just the voice, it's the way she moves. That's why she's the best.

[@spgtenor]

Diana is a superb singer actress. She actually acts the role, most sopranos stand and sing, especially this beast of an aria. But her vocal delivery is beyond belief here. Every arpeggiated note, including the high F is perfectly in pitch, and I've never heard another soprano accomplish this, certainly not live. Despite the fact this is usually sung by a more dramatic soprano, nobody, and I mean nobody can touch Diana - she owns this role. (Her Pamina is spectacular too).

[@GrunkleBearnison]

Omg. This aria is my first love, I was OBSESSED with the magic flute when I was really little (4!) I'm so excited.

[@rosegranger2872]

So funny, same here!!! I loved this aria eversince, and when I first saw this opera live, I tried to sing this (with no vocal abilities and no technique and just being a little kid xD) and my aunt kicked me really hard to stop me because I was both really bad and really loud xD

[@razalirazali8623]

Haha same here

[@alanclarke8117]

The Gold standard of portrayals in this hard-as-nails Coloratura aria. Diana shows her Dark Side, looking and feeling this part. Kill Sarastro and gimme my Sun Circle back, daughter, or you are disowned and cursed!. A most metal performance. A definitive gateway drug to all who want to learn opera; worked for me!

[@robfromcanada5075]

I love metal. And now thanks to Elizabeth, I love opera, too. I can't wait to see a live performance by the local opera company once we get covid out of the way.

[@rosbrughj]

She definitely nails it. This aria is SO HARD that most sopranos won't (or shouldn't) attempt it. One of the best renditions I've ever heard was by Edita Gruberova, although she is a little guilty of the "park and bark" you mentioned. (I love that description, BTW.) Damrau definitely has the edge when it comes to acting and moving while singing such an incredibly difficult piece.

[@shortpam]

Thank you for this truly enlightening breakdown of Ms. Damrau's performance. I learned a lot and gained even more respect for the lovely Diana. How lucky were those who saw this live in person!?!!

[@carloswagner6895]

The way you explain her performance is exactly my reaction each time watching her performing this aria. Some sopranos singing this aria can be a bit stiff in their body language despite sounding good, but Diana here is just impeccable. Her expressions, her body language, her sounds, her hands, her twist and turns, everything just went so well.

[@ladygloria9494]

Thank you for this amazing analysis! Diana Damrau is my favorite too! Her technique, her pronunciation and her acting are just flawless! The way she lives the role of the Queen of the Night is so impressive and so real! She lives every role and she really is an adorable person in real life. I love her!

[@schneevongestern9898]

my favourite rendition of this role and aria is by another german soprano: Edda Moser. She was outstandingly dramatic and fierce, while having such a splendid voice. (She is also the one who recorded this aria which then was placed on one of the voyager probes that are in interstellar space now.)

[@jacquelineholts4801]

Nah she's IT! ❤❤ She's my favorite for this aria as well! Just like YOU are MY favorite reactor to music videos❤❤❤❤❤

[@lms1132]

I’ve learned so much from your explanation. I’ve watcher DD sing this aria so many times and without understanding, now you have made it so clear why she truly is the “Queen” of the night!

[@davidjohnston6105]

This is my favorite version I have even more respect for it now.

[@fraumanold3607]

Lakmé - Duo des fleurs by Sabine Devieilhe & Marianne Crebassa It is never boring to hear this piece sung by them.

[@yvonnevanwaegeningh-tiggel4577]

Great idea! I was watching it just yesterday. One of my favorites really. Would love to hear the reaction to that!

[@KcLee1990]

Agreed! I love their rendition of of that piece!

[@silverfeigner]

That is an absolutely beautiful duet .

[@dpol123]

They sing with such effortless beauty. I totally agree.

[@janiheikkinen2668]

I saw the Magic flute opera as kid, my mom took us to opera. It was in a medieval castle in Savonlinna. Actually it's the only time I've ever seen a live opera performance! I appreciate the singers even more after Elizabeth's analysis. Maybe time to go check some opera live once the waves of pandemic settle!

[@annette2326]

I just realized that to some people performing opera is a job and this lady was singing this aria--her job, and did so in your company 50 times. She sang those impossible notes at full volume and control 50 times. I can't imagine what stamina....what whatever it takes to do that. I'm watching her and I'm exhausted. Facinating. Wonderful. Brava!

[@dycorty9182]

I always come back to Diana's performace, the absolute POWER behind her voice, crystal clarity, and absolute pitch perfection are almost too much 😭😭 Her performance of Numi Respiro Ah Lo sento is another one of my personal favorite performances from her