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Another great voice leaves us: Shirley Verrett (1931-2010)
by David NiceMonday, 8 November 2010

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The great American mezzo has died aged 79. As with every loss this year, it's been an opportunity to rediscover a legacy on CDs and on YouTube. The Verdi tigresses were Verrett's core stamping ground, and I've already posted on my blog a film of her Eboli in Don Carlo - a role which shows off her redoubtable chest voice to perfection - as well as a surprise appearance when Trevor Nunn's production of Carousel went to America. This, which I've come across thanks to fellow opera-loving bloggers, is another dose of sunshine to celebrate a remarkable singer.

  • Find Shirley Verrett's recordings and autobiography on Amazon

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