BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves

Subject: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:43 PM

This isn't about folk, but definitely about music: Was anyone else so struck by Denyce Graves' voice on the two songs she sang at the National Cathedral prayer service in Washington DC yesterday?

I know they say that the violin is the instrument that most closely emulates the human voice. Yesterday, when she sang, I heard violins.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: DougR
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:46 PM

Yes, I agree, Ebbie, and I so noted on the other thread about the prayer service.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:58 PM

Oops. I'll now go check the prayer service thread...

But 'tis a glorious voice, indeed.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: GUEST,ron edwards
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 10:12 PM

does she have any recordings out

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 11:10 PM

http://w1.523.telia.com/~u52305192/graves.html

"Voce di Donna"

Denyce Graves

This isn't Denyce Graves's first solo disc (she has previously released a compilation of romantic opera heroines), but it's definitely her most impressive. Like many beginning recording artists, Graves hasn't always been able to project her stage electricity into the microphone, but with such a sumptuous voice, one doesn't always mind. Here, though, there's not a dull moment in two choice arias each from roles Denyce Graves has sung often onstage: her signature role of Carmen and her almost-as-famous Dalila. The aria in which Graves sounds most emotionally present is, oddly enough, "Must the Winter Come So Soon" from Barber's Vanessa. Her vivid reading reminds you of what happens onstage with her and hopefully what's to come on recordings. --David Patrick Stearns

She's a new singer, to me, but I want to hear more of her.

DougR, do you happen to know which 'prayer service' thread her voice was discussed? I haven't found it. Thanks.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Margaret V
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 01:20 PM

I had the good fortune of living down the hall from Denyce my freshman year at Oberlin. Besides being a lovely neighbor, it was a treat to hear her practicing in the shower. That was a rather long time ago, of course... Margaret

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Don Firth
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 03:03 PM

Beautiful rich-sounding mezzo-soprano. She's been singing with the Metropolitan Opera since her debut as Carmen in the 1995-96 season.

Her guitar accompanist during the prayer service was her husband, David Perry, a concert guitarist who also has a business importing high-quality classic guitars. The guitar he used to accompany Denyce Graves in America the Beautiful was an eight-string classic made for him by David Rubio.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Don Firth
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 03:10 PM

Denyce Graves

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Robby
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 10:14 AM

A number of years ago, Denyce Graves appeared on a PBS Speical Christmas Concert broadcast from the National Cathedral. I was lucky to have my VCR running at the time, and have been a fan ever since.
Robby

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 10:41 AM

I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with her. Beautiful voice, exciting performer, and fun to work with.

Mimosa/Matt

Subject: RE: BS: A Beautiful Voice- Denyce Graves
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 12:38 PM

Wow.