Grace Bumbry, “O don Fatale,“ Don Carlos

The great American mezzo (1937-) has enjoyed a long and successful career, singing first as a mezzo, later as a soprano (many more available roles) and then back to mezzo, as circumstance and volition would dictate. She has a fiery temperament, and that reflects in both her acting and in her vocal production. This brings some controversy with it, especially in the upper register which can, at least sometimes, get a bit shrill. However, the occasional pushed note, in a career so brilliant, is a matter of little consequence indeed!