I agree with the above comments--Ms. Swenson's voice is rich and light at the same time--the musical equivalent of a souffle. I can't think of another singer who has that delicous quality. She is always a pleasure to listen to--its like she is channeling a higher form of energy.
I don't think I ever heard a voice so rich and light and the same time. Agile is a better word than light but it also has a light airy quality that is fascinating. It has sweetness too and the pitch is also excellent. This has to be one of the most fascinating voices I've heard ever. Thank you.
BRAVA!!! I am so lucky I could see Ruth Ann Swenson in Giulio Cesare in SanFrancisco, I hope to see her soon again!! I love her voice. She was born to sing Cleopatra's Aria. Thank you for posting this angelic music with angelic voice.
I've seen Ruth Ann Swenson many times at the SF Opera. The quality of singing in her Handel soprano roles is second only to Joan Sutherland. Swenson is a consummate artist and a wonderful person!
What happened to the marvelous Ruth Ann Swenson. I heard that she was ill and then was dismissed from the metropolitan opera. With a such a beautiful voice and technique she had a great career for a number of years. Where is she today. I Swenson still singing? Her Cleopatra is unsurpassed
I saw a production of Giulio Cesare at the Met in 1999. Instead of casting Miss Swenson as Cleopatra, the Met employed Sylvia McNair. What a disaster! She must have been going through a vocal crisis because her voice was off pitch with screechy, sharp high notes and very unpleasant sounding. It was so bad that it effectively ended McNair's opera career. It was very unfortunate because the rest of the cast was outstanding: Jennifer Larmore as Guilio Cesare (spectacular!); David Daniels as Sesto (superb in Met debut); Brian Asawa as Tolomeo (very good) and Stephanie Blyth as Cornelia.
Kri Benalcázar oh my god. I love Renee as well but she is a disaster singing Handel. She can’t sing melismas with any clarity. She is best sticking to the romantic lit.