Maureen Forrester - Urlicht (Mahler)

Des Knaben Wunderhorn
Vienna Symphony - Felix Prohaska, 1963

[@michaelvaughn169]

Many years ago I was privileged to hear Ms. Forrester (in what was to be one of her last public performances) sing this with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Abbado. From the first note she was in total command of the music and the audience; she drew me into this sublime movement like no one before or since. At the conclusion of Urlicht, almost everyone seated nearby was in tears. She was inspired and inspiring. It's been almost 30 years and I've never forgotten that marvelous evening spent in the presence of greatness.

[@malamati007]

I've been listening to many recordings of "urlicht," and have come to appreciate the importance of the orchestra's deftness, the director's sensitivity and timing, and the technical acuity of the recording engineers--all vital to support and convey the vocal artist's rendering. Miss Forrester's sublime performance here floats in, is sustained by, and drifts out on impeccable orchestral accompaniment.

[@Operafiend22]

Bruno Walter saught her out after hearing her qualities

[@garyboratto7742]

I heard Maureen Forester sing this with the Toronto Symphony under Sir Andrew Davis in 1988. It was a striking moment in the Symphony, a true highlight, when she stood and sang. I have heard the piece live a few times since, and have a number of recordings, but none quite have the depth of meaning and the beauty that she gave Mahler's composition.

[@dreioktaven]

That is one of the most touching version of "Urlicht" i've ever heard in my life! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@perfectblue8443]

Astonishing performance

[@chaiter1]

Great performance. Rich voice, just naturally pouring out and a wonderful line.

[@helgeevju]

If you have forgotten what a real contralto sounds like, listen to this! I am totally transported by Forrester's singing in this solo!

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

Maravillosa música, la interpretación de Maureen Forrester espléndida..!!

[@alainniay4668]

J aime sa voix de violoncelle, quelle splendeur vocale

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

Maravillosa, exquisita voz..¡¡¡

[@patrickbridelance5815]

Somptueux..inégalé et inégalable.

[@dhogwen1318]

Sublime.

[@engelaleroux4899]

With out a doubt Beautiful !Also great that we have varied opinions !

Gran Maureen Forrester.

[@Operafiend22]

@7inga7 You are most welcome!

[@Phaedragon]

I understand that she suffered for many years with Alzheimer's Disease. I wonder if that contributed to her disposition in later years? It's such a wonderful performance, though. I was in the chorus when she sang Klytemnestra atTanglewood back in the mid 80s, Behrens was Elektra. I remember Forrester, in an awful mesh dress, cackling away (laughing at Elektra), all the way up the stairs.... quite impressive, really.

[@gliteranbigai]

CELESTIAL

[@englishservices]

She was one of the most charming women I've ever met. I can not confirm that she had a nasty, narcisistic side. She may have appeared artificial to those she didn't know well. All stars have to preserve their personality somehow.

[@jameswelwood4386]

I had the priviledge of meeting her and working on a production with her in the 1980s. She was the most unpretentious and generous of ladies. Add to that this glorious voice and you have a legend. We would all live in a better place if there were more Mo Forresters in our lives.

[@dgbx6]

She was a generous and wonderful woman. Period. She was a Canadian icon. She promoted Canadian artists, was often on the media, and was praised as being not only a dedicated artist, but a tremendous person. Nowhere, nowhere, have I heard anything negative about her. She was a national and world treasure both as an artist and as a person.