Diva Thursdays: Monserrat Caballe

Born in 1933 in Barcelona, this legendary Spanish soprano is known for her amazing interpretations of the bel canto literature, particularly Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. Like my friend Margaret says... "Big girl, big voice." But in contrast to that axiom, Ms. Caballe showed amazing ability to control her enormous instrument to create stunningly intimacy as well. Like Pavarotti, she has performed with popular music stars in the past (including, most notably, Queen's Freddie Mercury in his final public performance), and continues to perform well into her 70s.

In this clip, Caballe sings "Lasciami, non t'ascolto" from Rossini's Tancrediwith previous Thursday diva, mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. You'll notice that when the score requires very close and precise timing, Horne and Caballe maintain physical contact throughout. It's a great trick. I don't know what physically touching your duet partner does, but it really makes it easier to stay together.