Sharp is one of our finest classical singers. And underrated, perhaps because he hasn't pursued an international career. But this is a beautiful voice, at the service of an excellent artist.
Sharp's voice is very much like that of Thomas Hampson. But unlike TH, WS has sung relatively little opera. Therefore he has never imposed excessive weight and darkness on his voice, as Hampson has. I don't mean to criticize Hampson excessively. A fine artist, and bless him for encouraging and promoting the art song repertoire. And yet, and yet ... I wish he'd leave most dramatic operatic roles alone. He's not a dramatic baritone. Much less a Verdi such singer. I heard him in recital some 24 years ago. He was excellent overall. Wide-ranging in compass and technical prowess; a sensitive and frequently powerful interpreter. But he darkened the voice almost unto throatiness. Have never heard Sharp do likewise.
Beautiful performance! Bravo to you all! The E major slow movement of that trio is something special, isn't it? I find it to be one of the most moving things Beethoven ever wrote, a sustained outpouring of personal, intimate gorgeousness almost without equal. I suspect from the way you all played it, you feel the same. Thanks for sharing it with us-we need that kind of beauty in our lives!
Mozart, Piano Trio in B flat major Debussy, Syrinx for Solo Flute (played backstage) Dvorak, American String Quartet, Op. 96 in F major Featuring: Kobi Malkin & Carmit Zori, violin; Daniel Phillips, viola; Sophie Shao, cello; Amalia Rinehart, piano; Tara Helen O'Connor, flute.
Not sure how I've not discovered this before. I find this to be a very beautiful rendition of this most emotional of Shostakovitch's quartets, well paced (i.e not too fast) and great tonal quality from the players. Well done.
