One of the those perfect marriages of singer and music. I feel so fortunate to have heard her sing this role live at the Met in 1988. One of those nights when you knew you were witnessing and hearing history.
Coming back to watch this again. As I get older I look back and remember the truly special things I’ve experienced. Kathleen Battle in “Giulio Cesare” was one of them. Especially as opera deteriorates into a bunch of fat screaming people. They don’t sing like this anymore. Lise Davidsen being a notable exception even though she’s a very different kind of singer.
Kathleen Battle has a delicate, sweet voice. She is simply stunning in this gift. One might also want to watch Joyce DiDonato perform this famous piece. There is also a wonderful video of the beautiful and talented Natalie Dessay performing this on stage (in Lyons?)
Donato's transposed version is indeed lovely, but nobody sings this like Battle. She is not my favorite singer, but I believe she was the greatest Cleopatra in history.
E pur così in un giorno perdo fasti e grandezze? Ahi fato rio! Cesare, il mio bel nume, è forse estinto; Cornelia e Sesto inermi son, né sanno darmi soccorso. O dio! Non resta alcuna speme al viver mio. Piangerò la sorte mia, sì crudele e tanto ria, finché vita in petto avrò. Ma poi morta d'ogn'intorno il tiranno e notte e giorno fatta spettro agiterò.
Can't touch Arleen Auger!!! Battle doesn't convince me; Auger does! Auger grabs your guts and makes you feel her pain. Battle skims over it. No comparison!!!
