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Billie or Ella? Maria or Renata? Technique or feeling?

I stand back to no one in my admiration for Ella Fitzgerald's technique but all the vocal fireworks make for precious little emotion. Billie Holiday on the other hand makes you feel she's singing just for you.

Technique vs emotion also goes in listening to Renata Tebaldi (superb technique) and Maria Callas who like Lady Day makes you feel she's singing just for you.

David Oistrakh was a violinist who combined flawless technique with raw emotion. Sviatoslav Richter was his counterpart on piano. Their modern day successors are Julia Fischer on violin and Daniil Trifonov on piano.

chowkwan

Showing 4 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,994 posts
 

Ella's best years are the Decca and early Verve. Particularly with minimal accompaniment.  

"vocal fireworks make for precious little emotion." Maybe you're referring to the later 60's and forward schmaltzy, overproduced "pop" Ella that many think of when she's mentioned?

Billie's work up  thru the 50's is where she peaked.

Billie vs. Ella? You can't go there....you just can't!

 

tablejockey
3,994 posts
 

frogmans link for those who don't care to subscribe to NYTimes

 

tablejockey
3,994 posts
 

skyscraper-If  you just want to hear Ella in one of her best settings  that's only with piano or simple Jazz ensemble. Check out here Decca and early Verve output for some of her finest. The songbook/orchestra settings is what most people remember her for. 

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tablejockey
3,994 posts
 

Ella -straight ahead "Jazz"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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