The Greatest Operatic Soprano of All Time

[@Tahino-nabbuco-12345]

The greatest soprano of all time is truly Luisa Tetrazzini. However, Rosa Ponselle is an incredibly captivating and richly expressive soprano, with a voice that’s both powerful and velvety. Her sound was absolutely massive even more so than Callas! 💖💖💖

[@petergraham8681]

I have a CD of this marvelous performance & unless one takes issue with Ponselle’s transpositions in Act 1, which others like Tebaldi have taken in this role as well, then her performance here is up to her high standards. Not her greatest role perhaps but dramatically & vocally a masterful accomplishment nevertheless. Tibbett, in his prime here, is one of the great Germonts, IMO. When Warren later took on the role he added some of Tibbett‘s vocal style especially in using his remarkable mezza voce. The only weak link here, for me, is Jagel whose instrument is rough & unpolished for a role like this, IMO. He improved considerably as his MET career progressed but in a heavier repertoire which suited him better.

[@bradycall1889]

Yeah I love Lawrence Tibbett.

[@Patatteke1]

Hello! KZbin offered me this post about Rosa Ponselle of whom you might be the biggest fan. I started collecting opera records from a young age (from e.a, Farrar, Galli-Curci who sent me both - very friendly - their photograph with signature when they were already quite old), also followed the discussions about singers and I found out that my taste and appreciation was not always mainstream. Rosa Ponselle was special. Of course she was great as an opera singer but I had problems. To me she sounded always a bit nasal and with a lack of nuances.Not the right vibration number for me. Also in this Violetta, who is more standing on the barricades of the Commune de Paris 1870 than in a salon in Paris as demi-mondaine during the Troisième Empire... That's why I have a little objection against the title "The Greatest Operatic Soprano of All Time". The Germans say it like this: "Geschmack ist eine Geschmacksache" or "Taste is a matter of taste". Meanwhile I wish you lots of hours of enjoyment listening to the beautiful voices from yesterday (Claudia Muzio just to mention one) and today.

[@cristianionita8359]

One could not find enough positive adjectives for Ponselle-she was marvelous!-, but I think you would encourage constructive discussions more by avoiding absolute/dogmatic titles. There is no single "greatest soprano". I find Callas, Jeritza, Tebaldi, Destinn, Caniglia & co. equally fascinating, and they are all quite different. Don't hesitate to include what specifically you like about the artist in the title.

[@bradycall1889]

You've got a point!

[@voilosapete4731]

Kirsten flagstad sounds better

[@bradycall1889]

Oh well lmao

[@KajiVocals]

Different repertoire entirely.

[@photo161]

...Flagstad would certainly not sound better singing Violetta than the estimable Rosa Ponselle does in this marvelous performance.

[@morevideos2C55]

What the F you talking about, this soprano is probably average or bellow average,.the greatest are on a different level..

[@bradycall1889]

Rosa Ponselle "average" is silly.

[@KajiVocals]

Mental. Ponselle... average??

[@macksawyer6221]

You just announced to the whole world that you have no idea what you are talking about.

[@bradycall1889]

@@macksawyer6221 Exactly lmao

[@Tahino-nabbuco-12345]

@@bradycall1889 Fr

[@MicheleVanDalen]

BS

[@bradycall1889]

If you think she's bad then it's your problem.