Mezzosoprano Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died yesterday. The only opera singer who’s ever really moved me deeply. She had an beautiful dark voice and was an amazing musician (she started out as a violist).
She took her own career path as a singer (she was called the anti-Diva). One of the great musicians of our time. It’s especially sad because she died so young. I’m usually not effected by the deaths of people I both personally know, but for some reason this has me devastated.
If you don’t know her work listen to her recording of Bach Cantatas. It will change the way you listen to opera, and it may change your life.
Some people might be interested in this profile of her in The New Yorker a couple of years ago.
I am not familiar with her singing, but I well remember reading this article and being struck by what an unusual and extremely talented person she seemed to be. I think I will try to get the Bach Cantatas recording.
When I enquired about singing lessons at the “old” age of 20, it was learning about her that put my fears to rest, that it really wasn’t an old age to begin to sing (she didn’t sing until in her mid 20s). I had no idea she had breast cancer. Poor woman. May she rest in peace.