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RE: "opera singers last longer than most popular singers"

Posted by Pat D (A) on July 19, 2011 at 15:31:34

In Reply to: "opera singers last longer than most popular singers" posted by rbolaw on July 19, 2011 at 13:10:37:

Some singers last a long time. Some don't, for a variety of reasons. Jerome Hines and Jan Peerce sang well into old age (like me!). Gigli sang well at age 65, died a couple of years later. Jussi Bjoerling and Leonard Warren died in their prime. George London and Richard Crooks developed health problems. You never know.

I've linked below to a recording Beniamino Gigli made at around age 61 (born 1890, concert in 1951 in Buenos Aires). Past his prime, but still darn good.

I can't say I found Beethoven's 9th easy to learn, as I seldom have to hold a high F and say words on it, but once I had it in my voice, it was relatively easy. And it doesn't require great endurance, for the chorus parts only add up to about 12-13 minute. A number of our sopranos dropped out or defected to the altos, and the director brought in a few ringers for the performance who could help out the sopranos particularly on that long high A. But for a professional chorus, particularly and opera chorus, no, I don't think Beethoven's 9th is vocally all that difficult (though I heard that the sopranos complained to Beethoven).


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