DAME JOAN SUTHERLAND VOICE OF THE CENTURY

In October 2010, opera lovers began mourning the death of the great Joan Sutherland, the soprano often called “the voice of the century,“ nicknamed “La Stupenda.“ Here’s what people are remembering as the obituaries and tributes pour in: Seemingly Flawless Voice “Her singing,“ writes The New York Times’ Anthony Tommasini, “was founded on astonishing technique. Her voice was evenly produced throughout an enormous range, from a low G to effortless flights above high C. She could spin lyrical phrases with elegant legato, subtle colourings and expressive nuances. Her sound was warm, vibrant and resonant, without any forcing.“ Her “vocal charisma,“ he notes, made up for what some noticed as a dearth of “dramatic intensity.“ One of the anecdotes he includes: Though she knew who she was, she was quick to poke fun at her prima donna persona. “I love all those demented old dames of the old operas,“ she said in a 1961 Times profile. “All right, so they’re loony. The music’s wonderful.“