The sudden death of Edita Gruberova at the age of 74 was announced on October 18th. The Slovakian soprano, whose retirement was precipitated by the pandemic in 2020, leaves behind a formidable recorded legacy that spans her 50 year career. This week, Oliver pays tribute to the legendary artist who captivated audiences with a dazzling coloratura technique and generosity of spirit.
Edita Gruberova, Queen of Coloratura
Playlist
Camille Saint-Saëns: “Le Rossignol et la Rose” from Parysatis
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Friedrich Haider, conductor
from The Anniversary Concert — 25 Years on Stage
Nightingale Classics (NC090560-2)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concert aria, “Popoli di Tessaglia!,” K. 316
Mozarteum-Orchester Salzburg
Leopold Hager, conductor
from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Konzert-Arien
Deutsche Grammophon (4532882)
Gaetano Donizetti: “Quando rapito in estasi” from Lucia di Lamermoor
London Symphony Orchestra
Richard Bonynge, conductor
Teldec Classics (9031-72306-2)
Donizetti: “Di gioia bramata” from La figlia del reggimento
Munich Radio Orchestra
Kurt Eichhorn, conductor
from Edita Gruberova Virtuoso Arias
EMI (CDC 7 47434 2)
Donizetti: “Al dolce guidami” from Anna Bolena
Munich Radio Orchestra
Fabio Luisi, conductor
from Edita Gruberova Festival: Two Live Concerts
Serenissima (C 360.145-46)
Richard Strauss: “Großmächtige Prinzessin” from Ariadne auf Naxos
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Kurt Masur, conductor
Philips (422 084-2)
Special thanks to Robbie Ellis for engineering this episode of Listening to Singers.