Angelic voices uplift me in these times of peril in Daydreaming on the Porch
- Feb. 3, 2021, 12:53 a.m.
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- Public
One thing about this seemingly endless and surreal quarantining during the pandemic for those of us over 65 such as myself, is that we are spending much more time indoors doing the things we’d ordinarily do in the evenings, and in my case, late at night. The days used to be filled with running here and there when the weather was nice because it’s just not good to spend a beautiful day indoors when you don’t have to. But now, and for most of the past year, I only go out for walks late each afternoon, or to the beach town 10 miles away where my brother lives. And even though we generally have beautiful weather here in winter, I don’t feel guilty staying in so much. I get a lot done, and one of those things is listening to music, including getting hooked on the YouTube craze of people reacting to all kinds of music. Or else, those clever algorithms pick out songs I was destined to watch, or listen to again when I had never really appreciated them before.
One good example of this is my discovery of the magnificent and angelic voice of opera legend Maria Callas. She was one of the most famous singers in the world in the 1950s and 1960s. There is an extensive entry on her in Wikipedia. As with my great musical discovery of 2020, Dimash Kudaibergen, it’s the music and the voice that count. It’s really always been that way for me. Music first, and lyrics peripherally. It matters not at all that I can’t understand the words in whatever language Dimash or Callas is singing in: French, Italian, Kazakh. The pure emotion in their facial expressions, as well as the sheer charisma they exude, absolutely mesmerize me. Dimash is only 26 m, but many consider him to have the finest singing voice in the world now, spanning six octaves. I have listened to his live performances countless times, and never do I get the least bit tired of them
I never was a huge fan of opera, but Maria Callas changed that. I’ve been familiar with her name all my life. But I never heard her sing, as far as I know. But I found a YouTube video of her performing “Casta Diva,” that mI can assure you I will be returning to it again and again. The songs of Dimash and Maria Callas have helped get me through the pandemic. They uplift me and help take my mind off this world of troubles.
Maria Callas, Casta Diva
Dimash Kudaibergen, Love is Like a Dream
My September entry on Dimash
https://www.prosebox.net/entry/1124255/
Last updated February 03, 2021
Marg ⋅ February 03, 2021
Two amazing and very different voices. I’m struck by how Maria Callas stands with her arms crossed over - you’d think that would impede her singing somewhat but it certainly doesn’t seem to!
Marg ⋅ February 03, 2021
Did some further reading on her and apparently those in the know think she stood like that because it gave her more strength in her solar plexus after her weight loss diminished some of the strength and stamina needed for the performances she undertook. Fascinating stuff!
Oswego Marg ⋅ February 03, 2021
It is all fascinating. I got quite absorbed in the Wikipedia entry on her. What a mesmerizing voice, but she had a lot of difficulties. By her demeanor in that performance, she was a beautiful soul whose magnificent voice astonished and gave pleasure to so many, just as Dimash does today. He can sing opera beautifully, as well as every other kind of music. I’m so grateful to him for bringing so much happiness to so many people, myself among them. 😌.
Marg Oswego ⋅ February 03, 2021
I can imagine it must be both a blessing and a curse to have a talent like that. Dimash has an amazing range though!
ConnieK ⋅ February 03, 2021
You might enjoy Beverly Sills, as well.
Sabrina-Belle ⋅ February 04, 2021
You took me back to my childhood. Maria Calls was one of my father's favourite singers. He loved opera. He and my mother kept a pub. He often used to listen to opera in the late afternoons when it was closed. Caruso was another favourite of his. He died when I was 15 and I have often wished he had lived to see me work at the Royal Opera House. Though maybe he did know, because once when I was watching a rehearsal during my coffee break I had the distinct feeling that he was standing next to me.
I enjoyed both videos.I haven't heard Dimash before, what a lot of feeling he puts into his music.
Oswego Sabrina-Belle ⋅ February 04, 2021 (edited February 04, 2021)
Edited
What a very moving comment! I really want to listen to Caruso now.
I hope you will further explore the multi-dimensional singing world of Dimash. Recommended first listening songs are: SOS, Olympico, Sinful Passion, Love is Like a Dream, and Across Endless Dimensions.
Jinn ⋅ February 05, 2021
Maria Callas was involved for many years with Onassis until he married Jackie . When their marriage bombed he returned to Callas. Jackie just wanted his money :-( .
Newzlady ⋅ February 06, 2021
I'm not an opera enthusiast but I love that it's so moving to others. Those voices! I had to find a different link for Dimish.
Oswego Newzlady ⋅ February 06, 2021
Andrea Bocelli is inspiring!
This song by Dimash is what made him famous and shows the whole range of his voice.
https://youtu.be/JEz1qGS0T1Q