I don't know where I'd be as a coloratura soprano were it not for Joan Sutherland - more importantly, her discography. I never had the pleasure of seeing or hearing her live, but I've certainly collected and listened to her CDs.
I learned, today, that she died. She was 83 years old, had a magnificently successful career, so I'm happy about that, but I am deeply saddened to know that she has left this earth. When great singers like her die - particularly ones to whom I can relate, vocally - it just leaves a profound emptiness in my artistic soul.
She is a benchmark for vocal excellence for me. I listen to her CDs many times for the technique and artistry that she mastered, so well. One of my late coaches told me, often, how genuinely warm Ms.Sutherland was, how, despite her extraordinary voice and talent, she was so self-less and unassuming. My coach said that if Ms. Sutherland were in a room you wouldn't know she was there unless you turned around and saw her. In other words, she had an ego that was definitely in check.
Thank you, God, for Joan Sutherland!
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