Carmen: A Timeless Opera
Carmen is a timeless opera and, like other timeless works, is a standard piece of repertoire and consequently has been subjected to numerous interpretations. Likewise, the eponymous title role has had its fair share of singers attempting to portray, in their own way, the character– some good, some bad, some excellent; some a sweet victim, some raunchy. Each Carmen has her own merit. Still, here are a few of the more noteworthy Carmens performing the famous aria “L’amour est un oiseaux rebelle”, or the Habanera aria:
1. Elīna Garanča, Latvian mezzo-soprano, in concert and at the Metropolitan Opera. I love Elina Garanca as Carmen, because her voice is very deep and rich. Moreover, she just owns the stage, and her acting is just so natural. She embodies the Carmen that we all know.
2. Nana Mouskouri, who is not an opera singer, does her take of the ‘Habanera’- I like Nana Mouskouri in general, so I may be a little biased. However, she does a really good job of portraying a sultrier Carmen. (Also, her diction is pretty good.)
3. Julia Migenes-Johnson in the film Carmen. In this clip Julia interprets Carmen in the usual way; that is, she portrayed the character as flirty and with a commanding presence. Still, I enjoy how light and beautiful this Carmen is. These qualities of voice add a little innocence.
- Krystal