Original image by There Stands the Glass.
Witnessing Lise Davidsen’s mesmerizing turn in the title role of the Royal Opera’s production of Beethoven’s gender-bending “Fidelio” was crucial in fostering my nascent love of the form during my virtual opera binge last year. I pegged the 34-year-old Norwegian as a contemporary artist I’d faithfully follow for the remainder of my life. In spite of its lackluster title, Davidsen’s new album Beethoven Wagner Verdi doesn’t disappoint. Her commanding voice on pieces including Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder affirm my devotion to the 6’2” soprano. On a vacation in 2011, I spent a glorious hour basking in the sun on the lawn of The Concertgebouw. With kids in tow and a train to catch, I didn’t bother to see what was playing that evening. Watching Davidsen promote Beethoven Wagner Verdi at the site in Amsterdam deepens my resolve to wheel a trek to famous European opera houses and concert halls around an appearance by Davidsen before I die.