Cristina Deutekom (b.1931)

I have been asked on a number of occasions to post a favorite recording by a non-Slavic soprano. Now I've finally gotten around to doing so! Just a few weeks ago I came across a delightful 1973 recording by Dutch coloratura Cristina Deutekom: 'D'amore al dolce impero' from Rossini's "Armida". Deutekom is a well-known quantity to most opera lovers, especially for her nimble Queen of the Night (the role of her Netherlands Opera and Met debuts, in 1963 and '69, respectively), which has been preserved for posterity in the acclaimed Solti recording of Zauberflöte, as well as Sir Peter Ustinov's film of the opera.

As for Armida's formidable second act aria, it is Callas' 1952 recording from Florence that is often considered the "ne plus ultra" when it comes to sheer dramatic fire. Although Deutekom may fall a bit short in that regard, she is certainly no slouch either, and she articulates her way through the Rossinian thicket of triplets with more agility and clarity than her predecessor. Furthermore, Deutekom's fresh, youthful, pert, and thoroughly unique timbre is utterly captivating, with none of the edginess that occasionally crept into the voice in later years. Indeed, this version can proudly stand alongside the aforementioned Callas, as well as Caballe, Larmore, and Fleming.

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