how it was; how it should have been

It's happened again. Tragedy has struck the airwaves. Another "opera singer" has been "discovered" as the result of a televised "talent show". Sorry for all of the quotations, folks, but I can't help but cringe whenever a new popera star surfaces. This time it's ten-year old angelfaced Jackie Evancho. The poor thing, no doubt another victim of stage parenting, was skyrocketed to fame this week on America's Got Talent. She is adorable, I will give her that. But no ten year old should be singing Puccini. Who decided this was a good idea ? She has a couple nice notes, but for the most part, the actual singing is marred by inconsistent breathing, the fact that she has already developed a sizeable wobble, and no technique to speak of. One could argue that since she is only 10, she hasn't had time to learn proper technique--but then what is she doing singing opera in the first place?

This shining example of what happens when supposed opera singers are judged by people who know nothing about singing, and by a public looking for the next heartwarming story, has inspired a new segment on my blog. We will call it how it was; how it should have been. I will show you first a video or two of unfortunate popera singers trying to interpret a classic aria, then I will show a video or two of how, in my opinion, the piece was meant to be sung.

Edition #1: O Mio Babbino Caro.

Jackie Evancho (how it was)




Haley Westenra (how it was)



Kiri Te Kanawa (how it should have been)



and of course, Maria Callas, how it always should be