Je dans l’amour avec l’opéra! (; More specifically, the voices of the opera divas of the 20th century – we’re talking Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi. Oh and Angelina Gheorghiu and Renee Fleming are not bad too, though I wouldn’t classify them as divas yet.

It is absolutely intriguing to listen to the stylistic differences and the way each singer (Soprano?) phrases her music. The same piece of music sounds so different when sung by two different divas; each infusing the music with her own breath of life. It’s joy to listen the intense voice of Maria Callas, with all its different timbres; and compare it with Renata Tebaldi’s clearer, crisper version. I am definately no expert in vocal music, yet listening to these arias sung by the different opera singers sparked off an interest in the human voice.
I think, this is why instrumental music came after vocal music in many cultures, because the human voice came first before all the instruments in the world. It’s why we could sing before we could play. An afternoon with the opera divas has made me realised that the human voice is the only instrument that allows one to personalise his/her music to the maximum, and the one where individual style shines out the most. Off course, technique and proper training do play important roles, but ultimately every portamento, gameka made, is truly your own.
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& you know, this is what God has given us – a voice. It doesn’t matter if its’ big or small, rich or bland; perfect pitch or not, our voice represents a part of us. It’s in this that I see the power of our God, and how we can never compare to his greatness. Yet, He loves us so much and is willing to do so much for us; listening to our prayers, forgiving us for the countless times we have hurt him with our sins. Its a reminder to me, to cherish the voice God has given me, not only to continue to praise him in worship, but to spread His love to the people around me. It has shown me again, that I am only a seed in his palm, and it is alright to just submit everything into His hands, because God will take care of everything. Although I still have questions and my heart aches, I’ll wait until I find the chance to share this personally, to voice everything out.