Once, in the early 1970s, high school choruses in the Atlanta area had 5 or 10 kids from each participate in a massive Chichester Psalms performance. I was very fortunate to have been chosen, and all these years later, recall what a fantastic experience it was.
Bernstein stated explicitly in his writing that the part for countertenor may be sung by either a countertenor or a boy soprano, but never by a woman. Not respecting the master's will is barbaric.
Jesus Christ, they probably simply couldn't find a boy soprano nor afford a counter tenor. They don't grow on trees. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have anything to do with "respecting Bernstein's will". Art is performed in the real world and sometimes, you have to compromise in order to be able to perform a piece at all. Also - did Bernstein give any reason why it shouldn't be sung by a girl or woman?
peaceblossom8 the solo is supposed to be David. Thus his explicit reasoning for it never be sung by a woman. I do understand that compromise is a part of art, but finding a boy soloist (or a countertenor) is not particularly hard. That said, this was a fine performance. I prefer with the full orchestra, but Bernstein arranged this version with organ, harp, and percussion so that is still keeping true to his vision.
Si. ¿Porque une nina ? Interprétation terne et sans émotion. Sofi Jeannin malgré le sourire de façade est à côté de la plaque. ET ne parvient pas à tirer le Chœur de Radio-France de son ennui. Voyez plutôt Lenny : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7Yhnml4DW9g.html
@@elisabettamaccanti3349 Non è. Bernstein dice o una voce bianca da maschile o controtenore. Non voleva una voce di ragazza. A l'età della ragazza qui il suono è totalmente diverso di quello che voleva. Non ho un problema con le voci di ragazze ma dopo la pubertà il suono cambia.