Buzz
Opera is often misunderstood as just singing. In truth, it's a blend of orchestral music, acting, stage presence, and the unique interpretation of the music that sets a diva apart from other performers. The voices in opera are typically categorized into sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, tenors, baritones, and basses. You'll notice that sopranos and tenors dominate most lists. After all, it's only truly finished when the 'fat lady' sings.
10. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (1915-2006) Lyric Soprano
Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was one of the most celebrated opera singers of her time. She made her operatic debut in 'Orfeo ed Euridice' at the age of 13 in Germany. In an ironic twist of fate, her father's censorship by the Nazis prevented her from pursuing a medical career. Her beautifully lyrical voice made her an ideal fit for classical operas, including those of Mozart and the operettas of Johann Strauss Jr. and Jacques Offenbach. She was also renowned for her performances of German Lieder, notably works by Schubert and Hugo Wolf.
9. Nicolai Gedda (1925- ) Lyric Tenor
Nicolai Gedda, a Swedish tenor, first gained attention after performing Mussorgsky’s 'Boris Godunov'. Initially experiencing modest success, his breakthrough came with the challenging aria 'Mes amis, écoutez l’histoire' by Adolphe Adam. This notoriously difficult aria requires a remarkable high D, far surpassing the top C that many tenors consider the limit of their range. With a broad repertoire of operas, Gedda's extraordinary longevity has kept him performing into his later years. In 2003, at the age of 78, he recorded Mozart’s 'Idomeneo'.
8. Leontyne Price (1927- ) Spinto Soprano
Leontyne Price was one of the first African-American sopranos to be recognized as a true opera star, though her association with the American opera (controversially) Porgy and Bess still lingers. While that opera undoubtedly suited her talents, her impressive range of performances in other operas should not be overlooked. Her powerful and dramatic voice is particularly suited to the intense roles found in the works of Verdi and Puccini. Her rendition of 'Summertime' from 'Porgy and Bess' remains a standout piece in the entire operatic canon.
7. Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966) Lyric Tenor
Fritz Wunderlich is renowned for possessing one of the sweetest, most lyrical tenorial voices. His voice’s purity and clarity made him a sensation early in his career. Unlike the heavier Wagnerian voices that were preferred in Germany at the time, his light tenor voice allowed him to excel in the Italian operas of Mozart and Verdi. Though many of his recordings feature German translations of operatic texts, reflecting the era’s norm of performing in the local language, his contributions to German Lieder are often considered second only to the very greatest.
6. Kirsten Flagstad (1895-1962) Dramatic/Wagnerian Soprano
Wagner’s operas were designed to break away from the Italian and French traditions, creating a genre entirely of his own. The singers required for his works are also a different breed—almost all fall under the dramatic category of the Fach (voice types), making them bold and powerful (sometimes referred to as possessing the 'Wagnerian Bark'). These qualities are typically not associated with sopranos, yet Flagstad's rough yet beautiful delivery perfectly captured the dramatization of Wagner's fairytales while retaining the dignity and grace of a diva.
5. Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) Lyric Tenor
Arguably the most famous of all, Luciano Pavarotti transcended the opera world to become a global superstar. His early performance of the aria 'Pour mon âme', which featured an astonishing 9 high Cs, earned him the title 'King of the High Cs'. His early repertoire spanned a wide range of works, from Donizetti's bel canto operas to Richard Strauss's modern compositions. However, it was in 1990 that his career reached new heights. That year, with the FIFA World Cup in Italy, Pavarotti’s rendition of 'Nessun Dorma!' became the official theme song for the tournament's news coverage, instantly capturing the hearts of millions and making the aria a global cultural phenomenon.
4. Joan Sutherland (1926-2010) Coloratura Soprano
Sutherland, renowned for bringing Pavarotti to prominence, is undoubtedly one of the most significant sopranos of our era. Her early success was due to her remarkable high notes, effortlessly reaching soaring pitches. While most coloraturas are loud and bright, Sutherland’s ability to inject lyricism into her coloratura arias, when necessary, set her apart. A minor critique of her work was her unclear diction, prompting her to study Italian and German to refine her pronunciation. She frequently expanded her repertoire with a wide variety of operas, with her renditions of bel canto works being especially notable. Her legacy, aptly represented by the nickname 'La Stupenda,' is well-deserved.
3. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (1925- ) Baritone (Lyric)
This is my personal favorite, and many others would naturally rank him at number one. Fischer-Dieskau’s allure lies in his detailed interpretations of every role he takes on. His renditions of Lied, particularly, are unparalleled (Check out 'Der Erlkönig' on Youtube; no one has matched his performance). He tends to gravitate towards lighter roles in Lieds, Mozart operas, and sacred works like Masses. Despite this, his voice is also capable of carrying the weight needed for more dramatic operatic parts, such as Wolfram in 'Tannhäuser' and Scarpia in 'Tosca.' With an expansive repertoire, he spans from Bach to 19th-century compositions and contemporary works. While best known for his Lied performances, his operatic contributions are equally impressive.
2. Maria Callas (1923-1977) Soprano (Lyric)
Her voice, with its roughness and unique imperfection, is not typically considered ideal by conventional standards. Yet, it is this very quality that imbues her singing with a magical, soulful character, drawing generations of listeners to adore her voice. Her vocal tone, described as grainy and strained, stands out as something singular. It’s precisely this ‘flaw’ that gives her performance a depth that no other singer can replicate. Callas mainly excelled in the bel canto operas but also mastered the standard Italian repertoire, making significant contributions to early opera recordings during the rise of commercial classical CDs. Despite her controversial personal life, she remains celebrated for her extraordinary voice, earning her the moniker 'La Divina.'
1. Plácido Domingo (1941- ) Tenor (Spinto)
Domingo has performed more roles than any other tenor, having tackled 136 as of July 2011. He is considered a godfather to modern tenors. His bold choice to take on the title role of Verdi’s 'Otello' was met with skepticism from his management, who doubted that his voice was strong enough for the demanding, dramatic character of Othello. However, the performance proved to be iconic, with his short opening aria, 'Esultate!' becoming one of the defining moments of his career. Domingo’s diverse voice allows him to seamlessly perform a wide range of roles, from Wagner’s 'Die Walküre' to Verdi’s 'Rigoletto,' as well as the operettas of Lehár and Mahler’s song-cycles.
