Diva

In this series of interviews with leading contemporary female opera singers, the author discusses all aspects of the art. Exploring the relationship between singer and role, analyzing both vocal and dramatic approach, she asks these artists to explain the stylistic demands of various composers and how they can be mastered: what are the main vocal difficulties in Wagnerian roles? What makes a perfect Strauss or Verdi or Mozart soprano? What extra ingredients does maturity contribute to roles like Norma or the Marschallin? On a general level, she asks whether the dramatic strides made by opera today - becoming believable theatre, enjoying unprecedented popularity on stage, screen, television and disc - have been achieved at the expensive of vocal excellence. In addition, she draws from each singer reminiscences and anecdotes of their life and training, and their views on how their personal lives have contributed to a successful career. The 28 artists include Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballe, Gwyneth Jones, Jessye Norman, Kiri te Kanawa, Mirella Freni, Hildegard Behrens, Agnes Baltsa, Teresa Berganza and Frederica von Stade who all provide refreshingly different viewpoints.