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Nicole Cabell, Andrew Davis, The London Philharmonic Orchestra – SopranoNicole Cabell, the winner of the 2005 Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, is a full-voiced lyric soprano with ease of production, a free top, and a basically lovely sound. This ambitious recital–we get chestnuts (Musetta’s Waltz, O mio babbino caro, Je veux vivre, Summertime) as well as rarities (the selections from The Old Maid and the Thief and Tippett’s A Child of our Time as well as Teresa’s big aria from Benvenuto Cellini)–shows a curious mind and versatility. While there’s a great deal to admire here, I must admit that a full hour with Cabell draws diminishing returns
On the technical side, her prominent vibrato occasionally sounds like the start of a beat in the voice that could cause trouble, and her diction can be mushy. In addition, as of now she isn’t much of an interpreter: “Les filles de Cadix” exhibits a strange lack of either Latin flavor or flirtatiousness; Musetta’s Waltz is straightforward and lacks an individual stamp. On the plus side, as mentioned, the sound of her voice itself is very appealing. “Depuis le jour” and Doretta’s dream (from Rondine) are beautifully floated, even if they don’t erase memories of Price, Fleming, or several other singers. The Menotti aria is well-articulated and makes its point. Conversely, “O mio babbino caro” is simply boring, lacking in girlish charm. “Summertime” is deliciously sung and Norina’s aria from Don Pasquale has plenty of flavor. It will be interesting to see how she develops; at the moment some troublesome traits are mixed in with great promise. Andrew Davis offers fine support
MediaAlbum Title: NICOLE CABELL--SOPRANO Track Listings1 Quando M'en Vo Discogs release: Nicole Cabell Andrew Davis LPO - Soprano |
