Superb! My choir had the privilege to sing Brahms' Requiem with her several years ago in Winchester Cathedral. She's a lovely woman and definitely no demanding diva. She stood quietly at one side, dressed casually in trousers shirt and jacket (not diamonds and furs), listening to us rehearsing. She sang with us for an hour or so for sound checks and to give us a chance to adjust and get used to her and then signed autographs after the rehearsal (I treasure my signed score!). Then she gave a fantastic performance in the evening and carried us along with her. It was a stupendous and unforgettable experience for a non-professional choir like ours!
I had the pleasure of meeting her several times in the 1970s and early 80s when I worked at the New Zealand High Commission in London. You couldn't meet a nicer person. No demands or hysteria. A real lady. When meeting her 30 years later she still remembered me. Absolutely one of my favourite people.
One criticism of Te Kanawa from contemporaries and coaches is that her pronunciation is random. Her singing is superb, but she gets the lyrics wrong. Those who don't know, won't notice. Those who do know find it difficult to enjoy her performance.
te kanawa is unrivalled in this role and in 1973 she was in top form- no not freni, janowitz can take that crown- beautiful stage presence, tone, legato, intonation- what more can one ask for...this the contessa of mozart's dreams
I saw this performance live in 1973 on a black and white TV and loved the whole production. Watching this part brings me back to the wonder of her voice, acting, the whole production. Utter perfection - and yes, I've heard Freni and Popp who are also queens of voice - this is just my favorite. I am now, in December 2022 feeling the warmth of that performance and can sleep happy tonight.
the way she shows a sadness in the falling intervals , especially near the end of the opening phrase (note 'fa' falling down to 're') is just heartbreaking...i think if Mozart heard her voice - he would have cried at the beauty and what HE could have done to teach her his music...
The supreme elegance of Kiri's interpretation, gorgeous vibrato (being a violinist this is important to me), but the sweet yet rich timber of her voice is magical to me.
She is so magnificent at singing this piece with such a softness yet such a strength (something easier said than done). She is one of the great voices no doubt.
Other singers applaud her ss she makes it look so easy! Mozart is so vulnerable as there is no where to hide with the music! Only the best sing mozart this good!
I can never listen to this rendition of "Dove Sono” by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa without my eyes tearing from sadness at the lyrics and rapture from the absolute perfection of the music and the performance.
It's almost mesmerizing to watch how easy she makes it look. She is one of those rare one-in-a-million treasures, and unique in every sense of the word. Hats off to you, Dame Kiri!
A critique of this stellar performance is a few light-years above my pay-grade. I can say, quite honestly, that after dozens of auditions I still sit with tears of wonder and joy in my eyes when Kiri Te Kanawa allows the last note to fade away. I love this addiction as much as I love the perfection that has introduced it to me.
She's not just perfection, she´s so pretty, and Wow! She's such an ethnic beauty.... Then she is a Maori from New Zealand..... Wow! Ethnic and beautiful, and a so beautiful wonderful voice.... Congratulations, Dame Kiri..!
Kiri's tone is unbearable!?!?!?!?! Her tone is probably one of the best of the 20th century! It's so clear and dark and beautiful! I can understand if you don't like her, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but her voice surpasses all other singers I've heard. I would at least expect you to think she has a beautiful voice and tone at least, even if you do not like her (which I could not at all understand)
Such rapturous sound and beautiful sound. I don't know how people do not hear it. She is marvelous. Her dynamics are just perfect. Decrescendos and the portamento. Thank you for sharing this.
@@Ernesto7608 Each to his own; however, her stellar performance at Glyndebourne in 1972 astonished audiences and launched Dame Kiri te Kanawa's career like a rocket.
Exquisite in every way. I have to marvel at the phrasing, breath control, and characterization of longing. But at the end, perhaps there is reason for optimism.
What brought her to my attention is she played Donna Elvira to Edda Moser's Donna Anna in the film version of "Don Giovanni." She was absolutely lovely.
Te Kanawa takes on this piece I love (and thought I knew...) like a dangerous and frighteningly smart wildcat - and, thanks to her not-of-this-earth expressive palette, makes something completely new out of it. Overwhelming. THANKS FOR THIS GREAT POST !!!
some gals owned roles...sills is Manon, Price is aida and both Leonoras, and Kiri is the countess.and just look at her! at 29..beauty, vulnerability...her performance is so thoughtful and moving!
Such luscious sound. The most gorgeous instrument to listen to. She is beautiful and just exquisite in all ways. I could listen to her all night. Get hold of her Otello with Pavarotti. IT'S LIVE!!!!!!
Great singing from a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice and a great stage presence! What's not to like? Oh, 24 dislikes? The clueless! Brava Dame Kiri!
Having come up on the great interpretation of Ms Fleming... I can say There is definitely room in my list of fav dove Sonos for Dame Kiri too... they’re sooo different and both sooo incredibly spectacular.
such a perfect voice for mozart's version of "dramatic soprano"..whew! just beautiful. her voice and singing in mozart has that rare combination of power and suppleness with rich creamy tone and really beautiful legato..unbelievable.
@12harby well if you don't want her, we'd be happy to keep her here in Iceland. I have met her on more than one occasion and she is the most humble lady and so kind
Te Kanawa is at her most amazing shape here! The voice is very luscious and delicate, and she has absolute control. But, even so, nothing here sounds mechanical. Her Mozartean taste is ideal, as well as her subtle but attentive phrasing. Now as for the greatest Contessas, people always forget Della Casa, who's just as great as Schwarzkopf and Te Kanawa and perhaps even more charming. Fleming is also one of the best.
