Podle? is one of those singers whose versatile instrument is as comfortable singing Tancredi, in the opera by the same name, Isabella (LíItaliana in Algieri), Rosina (Barbiere di Siviglia), Adalgisa (Norma), Eboli (Don Carlo), or La Haine in Gluckís Armida. In fact, this singer can tackle any role she desires, and do it successfully. Her voice is dramatic, and she possesses an extraordinary technique which enables her to show off an impressive range spanning three octaves. She is a remarkable artist whose effortless singing comes through in her emotionally charged performances.
The timbre in her voice is warm, bronzed and pleasant to the ear; her ability to switch registers with great ease is well demonstrated, as in Arsaceís aria,ì A quel giorno,î springing from the depths of her being, and ending with crystal clear soprano-like high note; and the reverse is also true as in the finale of ìNon temer díun basso affettoî from Maometto II. She displays a firm, secure, staccato with short, rapidly sung notes, which Bernard Holland (New York Times, May 5, 2005) has likened to ìbayonet charges.î When listening to this CD, other singers come to mind, not as a point of comparison, but as a compliment to her artistry and her ability to convey the drama, emotions, and the ìBel Cantoî of what she is singing. Podle? delivers a rock solid performanceóclose to sixty minutes of non-stop singing, in what must have been an electrifying concert.
Podle?í is clearly not one to please every listenerólike any other singer she has her ìownî mannerisms, some which are more noticeable in live performances; but the qualities of her instrument and her artistry cannot be denied. The contralto was in powerful form for this concert, and after listening to this CD her detractors will also come out her most ardent fans.
The Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra, under conductor Wojciech Michniewski, is very effective in accompanying Podle?. This CD also includes one solo selection for the orchestra, the overture to Rossiniís Il Babiere di Siviglia.
Daniel Pardo 2005
image=http://www.operatoday.com/content/podles_rossini.jpg
image_description=Ewa Podle? ó Rossini gala
product=yes
product_title=Ewa Podle? ó Rossini gala
product_by=Ewa Podle?, Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra and musicians of National Philharmonic, Wojciech Michniewsk (cond.)
product_id=Dux 0124 [CD]