Search - Georges Bizet, Gustave Charpentier, Claude Debussy :: Valerie Masterson in French Opera

A great artist recorded towards the end of her career

Ralph Moore | Bishop's Stortford, UK | 12/30/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1970's and 80's, opera-lovers had a little glimpse of heaven when Valerie Masterson performed one of her signature roles from French opera, her Violetta (see my review) or, another speciality, Handel - especially if, as in the case of "Julius Caesar", she was teamed with Dame Janet Baker. She had the most silvery, fluting tone, fleet coloratura, excellent diction and personal beauty; these qualities made her immensely popular and in demand worldwide but especially in France - where her sung French was deemed superior to that of many a native speaker - and at the English National Opera, where impecunious opera fans could here international standard singing at a bargain price. As ever, the record companies were slow to harness her immense talent and this disc is her one solo recital album, sadly made when she was just a little past her best (1991 and 1993/4), already well into her fifties. Still, the slight wear and occasional impurity of tone in her voice are noticeable only in comparison with earlier recordings; this is still a lovely instrument, capable of beautiful things. The choice of programming is interesting, including an aria from Debussy's "L'Enfant Prodigue", a wonderful performance of Thais' "Dis-moi que je suis belle" and the French version of Elisabeth's farewell aria from "Don Carlos".(In truth, the requirements of the latter - an ample, Verdian spinto - are beyond her voice but it is attractively sung, nonetheless.) This CD is a valuable souvenir of a major singer who still awaits the Damehood she deserves (although she was made a CBE in 1988)."