Diva

In this series of interviews with 26 leading 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 the 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. She also draws from the singers reminiscences and anecdotes of their lives and training, and their views on how their personal lives have contributed to the success of their careers.