6. Jessye NormanGurrelieder
As I was getting back into proper opera study, I fell into a fervent search for eccentric ladies within the contemporary opera world. I couldn’t rest until I was sure there were some sopranos out there dodging the normal repertoire of La Boheme and La Traviata for something a little more underplayed. Finally Jessye came along. Through Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder I was able to discover this impressive, inspiring voice. Her voice stretches in all directions. Like a cavern of sound it feels bottomless, yet smooth and controlled. Not only is her voice something of a wonder, but her curatorial spirit is the exact thing I was looking for. Mostly drawn to German operas and late romantic works, she seems to only sing what she truly loves, regardless of opportunity. A true artist, she gives me hope in the modern opera world!Â
