Kathleen Battle - Ach, ich fühl's (live)

Zauberflöte Series:
Bored, can't sleep...its 2:23 in the morning. Suffering from my periodic insomnia again. I'm going to post some more from the 1991 Met production of Zauberflöte.
'Ach, ich fühl's', scooped by the famous Kathleen Battle...haha, had to say that. Beautiful voice on the record, in the house it is rather tiny and not all that.
Please note that this is for informative purposes only and that copyright belongs to original owner. If you liked this, do me a favor and purchase the complete performance.

[@garydubois7674]

Its almost like she has no throat. I have never heard anyone else float the voice so gently on a cushion of air. She is sublime. She may or may not have been crazy off stage but who cares. Beethoven was an emotional wreak but no one can deny his musical gift was pure genius.

[@smurf902]

And she's a FABULOUS musician. Listen to how she rides every musical line, making it different and with rubato in just the right sweet spot and never ever any strain or notes sticking out. Completely smooth.. like she could literally do whatever she wanted with her voice in that tessitura.

[@tanyadixon3479]

What a gift!

[@valettabrinson8647]

tone, vibrato, dynamics, portamenti, perfecto! brava!

[@smurf902]

I just went back and relistened. With about 25 more years experience studying music, technique, scores, all kinds of music. There is nothing to describe Battle here expect she's the ONLY singer I've heard singing this who sounds literally like a woodwind instrument expressing herself musically and with fine diction and everything else to boot. The way she rides every single line so legato and musically is beyond me. Really go back and listen, people. It is stellar. And it's not cold. The expression. I can think of an analogy. She's kinda the FERRERO ROCHER of leggiero sopranos. Wrapped up neatly and beautiful and so unique. A little burst of perfection and deliciousness. I know I sound ridiculous..but it's true.

[@Victoria-qk3mu]

Well said ❤

[@kwameholmes3256]

Facts

[@ezmepetersen2503]

So good to hear Ms Battle again, she is supremely wonderful

[@holldoll924]

Kathleen Battle has the most perfect voice. Chills.

[@jessewarner7962]

Still my favorite version, ever. There were so many criticisms of her technique, and her behavior, but I really don’t care. This is sublime singing, and I believe Mozart would have loved her interpretation.

[@ajessm]

I totally agree.

[@TheMozart79]

I agree as well!

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Why would anyone negatively criticize this singer's singing?

[@cliffgaither]

Jesse Warner :: When von Karajan wants you to sing for him, the critics don't matter ! Her voice was radiantly beautiful.

[@cliffgaither]

Yeah ! Mozart would have loved the sound of her voice and would have written Concert Arias for her voice !

[@stephenfletcher6801]

The best marriage of aria and voice possible. Sheer beauty, musicality, and ease of emission. Perfection!

[@antoniowatts956]

Beautifully stated.

[@tanyadixon3479]

Once in a lifetime voice.🎶❤️🌹 The lightness and flexible shine combine to make a miraculous sound. Wish it could go on and on.

[@superchaserbr]

Achingly beautiful. It moved me to tears. As Tchaikovsky once said: "Mozart is the highest, the culminating point that beauty has attained in the sphere of music."

[@ernlwjr2]

Everything about this performance was absolutely sublime!!!

[@LinkIsOurChampion]

Such a pure tone for pure Pamina... probably the best Pamina I've ever listened :'(

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Most definitely! and I have been a classical singing teacher from 1994 to 2016 and 79 per cent of my pupils won First Prize and achieved Distinction in ABRSM.

[@castodivo]

She just breaks my heart. And listen how she just lands right on top of those notes -- like a bowie on the water. It doesn't get any better than this.

[@mariposamarshall9773]

A truly amazing artist- Ms. Battle taught me that a voice of any size can achieve great artistry. Thanks for posting!!!!!

[@danielcabreraloa5191]

Exactly!

[@Umbracaseus]

It's been said that her voice is 'like spinning diamonds in mid-air" I couldn't agree more. Her tone is just.... AH! I can't even put it into words. It pulls my heart!!! Wonderful wonderful. I hope one day my voice develops a similar colour to it.

[@timrpbrown]

Not often music can move me to tears.

[@Rosangela161]

Thank you. She is a magnificent interpreter of Mozart.

[@danielungermann7055]

I don't think so: It's too heavy. Listen to Barbara Bonney or Sophie Karthäuser - and you will see this aria in a other light !

[@elenmarym]

Dear Katlleen i love so much your heavenly voice!!

[@TheWriterWalker]

OK. A great dramatic stage actress. A phenomenal singer--one of the best in the world. Multilingual. My goodness, this woman!

[@ajessm]

Those top notes have the power to carry you off into the stratosphere. Sublime singing!

[@Schoolgirl325]

Yes, I agree. This is one of the best renditions of Ach ich Fuhl's that I've heard. I love the angelic purity of Kathleen Battle's voice. Her voice is one that is fit for one of the angels of heaven!

[@batshiz]

She is just a great great singer with a rare quality of voice. method or no method of tongue or whatever, what she has in her voice, interpretation, musicality and feelings very few others can do if they can at all. i just listened over here to few other very celbrated singers to the same aria, nobody touched my heart as much as she does.

[@4piglite]

Pretty friggin awesome. A truly great American soprano.

[@Schoolgirl325]

Kathleen Battle sounds so beautiful! I love this song, and Kathleen Battle suits the role of Pamina perfectly!

[@danielungermann7055]

Too much in direction Verdi. Listen Barbara Bonney or Sophie Karthäuser!

[@cliffgaither]

@@danielungermann7055 :: Battle's voice was not in the "direction" of Verdi ( except for _Oscar_ which was written for Battle's voice-type ). The singers you mentioned may have been good, but none had Battle's pristine & translucent tones. Her _Sophie_ was a phenomenal vocal-demonstration.

[@danielungermann7055]

@@cliffgaither Sorry, but she is never a Mozart singer. What you mean, is a bad tradition in the 20. century, nohing else. But this tradition is over. Mozart doesn't need this kind of singing pushed by gigantic concert halls.

[@cliffgaither]

@@danielungermann7055 :: The music scores of Mozart's compositions obliviously are still hangin' around. Music Scholars / Conductors / Critics / Singers / Vocal Teachers / Historians ... have all studied Mozart's music like no other composer. They have studied & discussed him & his music ; his letters to almost over-studying ; over-intellectualizing this man, that they have equally almost drained the soul of his music. Battle is known for her perfectionism. She has studied Mozart ! She has worked w / musicians & conductors who are proficient in "understanding" Mozart. von Karajan, one of the greatest conductors in our time, born in Salzburg as Mozart, would surely comphrend his compatriot ; and, in turn, von Karajan's admiration for Battle's voice negates her critics. As for Mozart's music not being intended to be "pushed" by "this" kind of singing in gigantic concert halls ... 1. This video was not in a "gigantic concert" hall ... it's from an actual, complete opera performance. 2. Mozart would be completely, graciously happy that his music is still being performed --- No Matter ! what the platform !

[@danielungermann7055]

@@cliffgaither You forget one thing: All these musicians have studied Mozart in the view of the 20 century, with instruments and vocal techniques of the 20th century, in the tradition of the 20th century. Karajan had absolutly no idea of the real sound of Mozarts orchestra, the technical and musical tools Mozart has written for. They all have studied Mozart their own way, not Mozarts way. You will see, all this big modern orchestras will die in the next 20, 30 years. The only right way is to play and to sing Mozart with historical instruments, with historical techniques and historical moods, without to add the own feelings whitch are not the feelings of Mozarts music. Karajan was playing himsels, using Mozarts scores. This time is over !

[@susans1fan]

@dugbran may I suggest you just close your eyes and LISTEN. Her singing is exquisite! She can do whatever she likes with her mouth .. It really is unimportant. It's the sound that she produces that matters and in this instance it is sublime. Well done Kathleen!

[@philewisnh]

The most beautiful singing I have heard

[@lbcandide]

Sick! Her soprano with Mozart in German is the best thing that ever existed!

[@Karl4242]

Sheer perfection... How can some people not like it?

[@jpritcha]

There is a bg difference between a "scoop" and the beautiful "portamento", which Battle does here.

[@zippybogard]

Sorry folks, but if you don't realise it then you need to! This is the voice that Mozart would have chosen for this role probably out of all the Soprano's in the history of humanity. While Kyrie's and all the rest are very good , they dont match this performance. I'm not taking any commission off kathleen for saying this, and neither am I saying that Kathleen can sing all the other soprano roles better than her peers, but on this role she is the Goddess of "Ach ich fuhls" ! This is as clear as the fact that the sun rises each Morning ! !

[@lyndonjames5]

Well, I know "rather tiny and not all that" are the first words that come to mind hearing that performance in the house. NOT! Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous!

[@michellekempfsu]

She and Sumi Jo had a great teacher. Simply amazing. Perfection in one package.

[@susans1fan]

Wow this is such a beautiful and moving performance. I really like the way Kathleen's acting is subtle and understated so as not to overshadow the music which is so poignantly beautiful. I shall certainly try and buy this recording. Thankyou for sharing this recording. 

[@gokcenozen8797]

This aria just for her wondeful voice

[@susans1fan]

Wow this is such a beautiful and moving performance.

[@tatianairizarrypr]

Such a sweet voice!!!! Great interpretation indeed!!

[@lizzilyz]

omg... i really liked this performance... she's amazing! made me cry!

[@jordipanadesribera6890]

Una de les millors Pamina.

[@electrocuteanna]

absolutely captivating

[@christophsauer2857]

5:54 whoever dared to cough in this moment of agony and beauty...anyway, thanks for sharing. astonishing interpretation.

[@ChagoWilson]

Happy 72nd Life Anniversary Thursday, August 13, 2020 Our Dearest Soprano, Kathleen Battle

[@dramaturge231]

Have you heard her live? I have. She sounds glorious live. I’m not sure what your standards for “all that” are.

[@danielcabreraloa5191]

You did?? 😍😍😍😍 Im jealous!!! 😩😩😩

[@want2knowU2]

I've heard her many times over 35 years... I've met her about 10 times.. she's BEAUTIFUL

[@twfsk]

Nearly started crying... her amazing singing causes me sympathy

[@ernlwjr2]

GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!

[@kierrahogan4759]

Weeping!!! JESUS! STUNNING

[@anadealba9618]

El tenor Francisco Araiza mi paisano!!! Que orgullo!!!

[@antoinette5770]

angelic voice 😧

[@samplumbmusic270]

One of the GOATs

[@SopranoLeggero]

Wonderful Pamina!

[@kinddude9555]

Wunderschöne und himmlische Stimme. Thank you for sharing...

[@msaartitnia]

But then I heard this version. wow.

[@user-xu7rd9wz2v]

Unbelievable voice...

[@diefledermichael801]

There's a serious omission here, folks - Anna Moffo's version on youtube!

[@Bahia82]

If you think this was beautiful you should have heard her in the early 80's perform this, just amazing

[@cutierae7]

have u heard anna moffo's rendition? simply beautiful. that's all there is 2 describe it!!! sigh...kathleen is AMAZING though!!!

[@deee3950]

AMAZING. CHILLS. THE chills

[@mariannezschunke5983]

Eine einmalig wunderbare Papagena!

[@dulCISSIMA1]

she is the only Pamina for me!!!!

[@aquarely]

BRAVISIMO!!!!!!!

[@notes731]

Oh my gosh! Gorgeous!

[@EduardoSisi]

¡Què preciosa voz tiene al cantar esta linda señorita! Las actuaciones, tambièn, ¡geniales!

[@SopranoLeggero]

I loved!

[@StoryMing]

Nice acting / responses on the part of Tamino

[@PAMELACRUZSOTO]

Maravilhosa!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Schoolgirl325]

Not every voice has to be huge to be impressive in opera. My vocal range and fach is similar to opera singers like Kathleen Battle, the late Rita Streich, and Reri Grist. My biggest fear when singing is that I'll sound too soft and girlish. I sometimes wish that I could have a larger more mature sound like the great Renee Fleming or even the amazing Dame Joan Sutherland, but then I remind myself that though their voice types have the advantage of vocal weight and power to add to an aria, my voice type has the advantage of clarity and sweetness.

[@vettegaddia6234]

Schoolgirl325 Joan had an enormous voice of great beauty. Although Renee also had a very beautiful voice, but it is not a large instrument. I heard Renee's "Casta Diva" and loved it. But she didn't do justice to it as only Joan can. Battle can never sing Casta Diva because the choral part would overpower her. She did have a lovely sound though.

[@baritonebynight]

Vette gaddia. Please speak of Ms. Battle in the present tense as she is still active as a singer at this writing.

[@orion8835]

Schoolgirl325 yes don’t worry Fleming does not have a huge voice at all . She lightened it a bit as she got older and the density changed. Soubrette just need to focus and not put too much air into the sound and over blow it , yet have strong head tones .

[@stephenfletcher6801]

Sublime vocal quality for this aria. However, my favorite recording is with Natalie Dessay.

[@Jochytenor]

Bravo 😢

[@TheDaisycler]

somptueux non?Je reste éblouie par la très belle interprétation de Katleen BATTLE.

[@Erickfrancois12]

Bravo

[@bedenerexhepaj293]

Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Mozart's The Best composer!!!

[@msaartitnia]

I loved Edith Mathis

[@tikitak9132]

아 가버린 사랑이여 타미노의 사랑이 변했다고 오해하고 슬픔을 담아 부르는 파미나의 아리아 2:05

[@Aniretak205]

I'm not really hearing 'scooping' per se. Then again, I think of scooping being a really ugly, messy sound, which I'm not sure Ms. Battle is capable of. Perhaps the director wanted more pathos, so it sounds kind of 'scoopy'/emotional? Nevertheless, this is probably the most lovely rendition of this aria on record.

[@Anitakahashi]

Diosa!!

[@hayerwhophtow6700]

Magnifique legato, brava. Et c’est mimi son l’allemand parlé…

[@kalinaket]

ФАНТАСТИКА!!

[@abigalejackson]

Ach, ich fühl's, es ist verschwunden, Ah, I feel it, it has disappeared Ewig hin der Liebe Glück! Forever gone love¹s happiness! Nimmer kommt ihr Wonnestunde Nevermore will come the hour of bliss Meinem Herzen mehr zurück! Back to my heart! Sieh', Tamino, diese Tränen, See, Tamino, these tears, Fließen, Trauter, dir allein! Flowing, beloved, for you alone! Fühlst du nicht der Liebe Sehnen, If you don't feel the longing of love So wird Ruh' im Tode sein! Then there will be peace in death!

[@FoggyRoad81]

it's wierd right? I can't think of an explanation for it either. But here we are listening to a beautiful performance. I have wondered though if this way of singing (which she developed after she became a big star) hindered her coloratura. Check out vids of her from the mid 80s or before, no wierd mouth shapes.

[@MrSkylark1]

@urgrad03 That is because the average individual is not possessed of any knowledge to the Golden Period of Singing, no longer existent.

[@fossilkid4life]

@pedrofribeiro Well they used to mic her back in the day and the sound just sounds so very present. So I was just wondering...i think she is..lol

[@Bahia82]

@dugbran LOL, what are u talking about, she still sings, no opera voices are "small" thats always been a myth. Kathleen battle has had issues with her "attitude" but never her "voice" that has always been in fine shape

[@fuyuhan4299]

prima！！！！！

[@lucamaxco]

IMHO the best "Ach, ich fühl's" is performed by Krista Adams Santilli, take a look at her website and you will agree with me

[@walterwynn3562]

Omg

[@falstocat]

Aria @2:03

[@MrSkylark1]

@TheCandiva Perhaps, the odd mouth positions are due to an affectation. Oddly enough, her idol after whom she patterned herself, Reri Grist, did not do this. Note the last flat note Llistening to LOTTE SCHOENE sing this, is worthwhile

[@fossilkid4life]

.....is she mic'ed? =/

[@user-cb4ct1dy8n]

2:00

[@StoryMing]

@Babs22h Okay, maybe I have seen better acting; but he's better than a lot of the other Tamino's I'm finding here on KZbin. At least you can tell that he's responding to what she's singing; some of them, he really doesn't seem to care.

[@mrportobello]

haha. i'm singing a lot of mozart lately and my coaches kill me when i scoop at all.... i guess when you're a superstar you can do what you like!

[@helenespierman151]

Portamento style has changed over the years. You can hear the differences if you listen to older recordings. The older style could be described as scooping, because it is a slide; another style is to sing the connecting individual individually -- a "roulade." IMO.

[@clairearabatzi9666]

2016

[@corvinon240hz9]

Hallo

[@chonaV]

Beautiful voice, but somehow it does not sound like a typical opera singer's voice. Weird, but again, so heavenly beautiful.

[@thefingerofgod69]

I have always thought the same thing. The only way I can describe it is that her voice sounds very musical (rather than "operatic") to me.

[@lilalola33]

Mozart hätte geweint nach ihrer Tamina .Warum hat sie plötzlich nicht mehr gesungen. Was für ein Verlust !!!

[@joseanfigueroa8785]

exquisite singing, lamentable acting...

[@dutchcub]

Absolutely not convincing... little to the old Janowith recording here on KZbin... Then you know how this should be sung.

[@dugbran]

All those contortions and odd tongue positions ultimately didn't work for her. Her voice got smaller and smaller, and eventually nearly disappeared. I don't even know whether she's still singing. This does sound gorgeous, but it's hard to watch.

[@ScarlettLime]

Doug Brandt she is still singing and the voice is in great shape

[@elainenagano9829]

Doug Brandt listen to her sing Lovers from the Chinese Movie called House of flying Daggers

[@fluorite1971]

Beautiful but shallow.Try Elizabeth Grummer.

[@Mennismervice]

she has a good voice but this song is not for her, she is a coloratura, this is for a dramatic, spinto the highest. I can barely here the d and e flat above middle c it sounds too light like a little girl trying to sing billie holiday

[@danielcabreraloa5191]

Mennismervice you are so fucking ignorant

[@liedersanger1]

Wrong. Pamina is written for a lyric soprano, which Battle exactly was. Coloratura is a way of singing, not a kind of soprano. A point Joan Sutherland often made.

[@jessewarner7962]

Are there *any* Mozart roles written for spinto??? I don’t think so.

[@orion8835]

Mennismervice haha Battle is not a coloratura soprano . She is a lyric soubrette soprano who did some coloratura in her roles .

[@elmagnifico5822]

2:03