WSNC Grant Winner Releases a CD

[Flosshilde]

WSNC Grant Winner and rising Wagnerian super star, helden tenor Simon O'Neill has released a CD of Wagner scenes. Titled Wagner Father and Son: scenes and arias, the CD is yet to be released in the US, but is available in European markets.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_nos ... &x=38&y=26

O'Neill recently sang the title role in Lohengrin at Houston Grand Opera - garnering critical acclaim.

Perhaps the book kiosk at an upcoming WSNC meeting will have a supply . . . . .
Best,
Flosshilde

P.S. O'Neill was also a graduate of the San Francisco Opera Center Merola Program, which led him to the attention of the Wagner Society Grant Committee

[Flosshilde]

O.K.,
Flosshilde got her flippers on a copy of this CD. While I wouldn't call it a CD for the ages, there are certainly a lot of things to recommend it.
First of all, Simon O'Neill's voice has really developed over the past 4-5 years. The top of his vocal range has very free and unrestrained quality with a bright and silvery tone. Also, he shamelessly and thrillingly holds on to his cries of "Walse, Walse" for what seems like eternity.
In terms of his diction, and this is a studio recording, he is reminiscent of Ben Heppner with lots of rolled r's. The diction is clear and passionate.
If I were to suggest who he most reminds me of - presently singing - I would say he sounds quite similar to Torsten Kerl, who I happen to really like.
Also on the CD briefly are John Tomlinson and Susan Bullock - both sounding much less youthful than Mr. O'Neill.
The New Zealand Orchestra plays well but the tempi are far too sluggish for me.

So if you'd like a nice CD of Wagner tenor scenes and don't have one now - I would recommend it.

Best,
Flosshilde