Joyce DiDonato
I enjoy Ms. DiDonato’s singing not only because of her excellent voice and musical interpretation. For me, she brings to each role a level of professionalism and positive attitude which contributes to the success of any performance.
In this case, we see her in a performance of:
- Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia
The cast includes Juan Diego Florez (Count Almaviva), Joyce DiDonato (Rosina), Pietro Spagnoli (Figaro), Alessandro Corbelli (Doctor Bartolo), Ferruccio Furlanetto (Don Basilio), Jennifer Rhys-Davies (Berta), Changhan Lim (Fiorello), Bryan Secombe (Ambrogio), Christoper Lackner (Officer), Andrew Macnair (Notary)
Supported by the Orchestra & Chorus of the Royal Opera House, conducted by Antonio Pappano
This DVD is the version in which Joyce DiDonato performs her role in a wheelchair – a story which has occupied international headlines last year – and definitely a DVD which will stand out. The DVD includes bonus features like an interview with Joyce on her stage accident and subsequent wheelchair performances.
This recording features amazing casting in every role, and all the singers deliver memorable performances in different ways. DiDonato, in this her second Barbiere video, possessing a technique that is both reliable and adaptable to any situation, again demonstrates some stunning fireworks as well as musicality. Her intelligence shines through every moment she is on the stage.
Juan Florez is his usual “bel” canto self, elegant, stylish, a beacon to all lyric tenors everywhere.
The Daily Telegraph wrote:
“The Royal Opera’s cheerful and colorful new production of Rossini’s most popular work is a copper- bottomed hit.”
This was how The Guardian reported the story:
“There is a moment … when Rosina complains that she has cramp in her foot – and the line has never seemed more appropriate than this week at Covent Garden”. Joyce DiDonato would have achieved wonderful reviews for her voice alone: luscious and clear, with a freshness that filled the theatre. It was as good a performance as anyone could remember … but the event that made it extraordinary occurred during the first act on the opening night. DiDonato slipped, hurting her ankle, and sang for the next three hours supported by a crutch. It turned out to be a fracture, but rather than withdrawing from the show she pressed on, singing and acting largely from a wheelchair.
The DVD also includes a bonus interview with Juan Diego Flórez, Antonio Pappano, Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier and Joyce DiDonato, talking about her role as Rosina and about her career.
Here is a video of Joyce DiDonato in Rossini – Le Comte Ory – 2011
And now, here’s Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato singing Cenerentola’s final aria from Rossini’s famous opera, at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, 12 February 2012.
Finally, here’s Ms. DiDonato, talking about this performance of Rossini’s Barber of Seville
Tags: Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano, Rossini