Photo from the August 8 recital in Reims, France.
(Many thanks from YANN in France for sending me the photo)

I had the most rare treat of listening to the concert from the Reims Cathedral, and am still quite ecstatic about the whole thing! Caballe is a constant source of surprise, sounding still magnificent at this time in her career. At a point when most singers would have retired, Caballe still maintains a very active schedule of performances, sometimes alone, but increasingly with her daughter Montserrat Marti.

And what concerts they are! The recitals with Montsita add more dimension to the programs, as together mother and daughter create such beautiful harmony, like in the popular duet from Delibes' "Lakme" or the Bolero from Barbieri's "Los Diamantes de la Corona". More specifically, the Habanera from Penella's "Don Gil de Alcala" is a piece that showcase the glorious voices of both Montserrats.

Montserrat Marti has increasingly grown in stature and magnificence as a singer. Possessing a bright lyric voice, she sails through the songs and arias with ease and confidence. Best pieces were "Convient partir" from Donizetti's La Fille du Regiment, "Yo quiero a un hombre" from the zarzuela El Cabo Primero (quite the showstopper at this concert) and the familiar Puccini "Musetta's Waltz" from La Boheme.

Photos and video of concerts show Montserrat Marti a very elegant and poised young woman. It is quite heartening to hear from people who have met and talked to her that she, like her mother, is gracious and kind to her admirers. Certainly a rising star to watch, it is wonderful to know that the beautiful voices of the Marti-Caballes will go on still for quite some time.

Closing this beautiful recital were two pieces by the composer Vangelis: Caballe's singing of the piece "Like a Dream" makes me yearn to hear her other collaborations with this composer. The other piece, "La priere du monde" was another chance to hear the glorious blending of the two Montserrats' gorgeous voices.

E-mail me at:
nitto@unbeldi.com