Anna Netrebko, continued

Reader Penelope Farthing takes me to task for my dismissive report of last night’s Netrebko/Villazon London gig – “Anna is the best female singer alive today…”, she claims…

Well, Pen, you’re welcome to your received opinion. I don’t rate Netrebko quite that highly: yes, she has a beautiful tone, enviable range, and great control. And yes, I’ll book to see her whenever she’s cast at Covent Garden.

But, compared with my faves, particularly Cecilia Bartoli and Renee Fleming, on last night’s evidence, Netrebko lacks presence, she doesn’t engage as much with the material, and I found her diction, especially in French, difficult to follow.

A top soprano, but by no means THE top soprano.



Gerry Smith