The amazing thing about this recording, is that Sills attempts vocally to convey the emotions of a teenage girl, gone mad by her affection for the troubled Prince. Her voice is more childlike, less 'mature' in her recitative-lke sections. That was due to her desire to 'act' vocally, as much as sing beautifully. (Having worked with Sills in the San Diego Opera Chorus, she always sought to convey the drama inherent in each role. (When SDO did Hamlet with Milnes, it was the young Ashley Putnam who paired with Milnes in our production. But to hear Sills here, is to 'hear' Ophelia, if you know what I mean.
Thank you for posting this! I never knew that Sills ever recorded this aria! She is amazing in it!!! I had only ever heard Sutherland and Callas in this, both of which I LOVE! But after listening to Sills' recording, I think THIS performance of this aria is now my new favorite! IMHO, her voice is even more suited to this aria than either Callas or Sutherland! (Although their performances are also phenomenal! These 3 women have been my favorite sopranos of all time, for the last 50 years, and still are!)
She is wonderful...I find Mady Mesple in this aria other worldly..... this aria is to me the mad scene of all mad scenes...at the end she totally loses it and you can tell....
I still prefer Sutherland's recording form her "Art of the Prima Donna" masterpiece, but Sills is incredible here. Absolutely glorious singing, beautiful tone.
