Countertenor or counterterror? Do you prefer men or women?

[Guest]

What do you prefer to hear on an alto line?

[ardcarp]

Slightly loaded question?

[bull-scheidt]

In what way?

[ostuni]

Define 'an alto line'!

[ardcarp]

In what way?

OK, that was a slightly rude and abrupt post on my part. I'm a bit thick, so perhaps if you'll explain the subtleties of your question ('counterteero?) I'll weigh in with my own prejudices!

[Chris Newman]

What do you prefer to hear on an alto line?

I think it largely depends on the music. I prefer male altos in Baroque and Renaissance music. I would not, however, expect Jarousssky to sing the Verdi Requiem. I know a few lady-tenors...just as controversial??

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Generally I prefer a women's alto voice - a sound I've always appreciated. But the bottom line is just how good the individual singers happen to be.

[Vile Consort]

I don't care as long as it doesn't wobble - oh, wait ...

[doversoul1]

Do Ives and Barber go with countertenor? After all, Berlioz has been ‘done’.

http://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/productions/lawrence-zazzo-countertenor-simon-lepper-piano-26582

I was quite intrigued by Ensemble Clement Janequin on Sunday’s Early Music Show. Both by the songs and the voice.
(This should really be on Early Music Board)

[ardcarp]

I was quite intrigued by Ensemble Clement Janequin on Sunday’s Early Music Show. Both by the songs and the voice.
(This should really be on Early Music Board)

Yes, me too. Not 'English' voices and not a wobble in sight,

[doversoul1]

And here goes (from today’s Breakfast). What do the members think? Tenor or Terror?

When I am laid in Earth (Dido & Aeneas)
Performer: Andreas Scholl (countertenor) Performer: Accademia Bizantina Performer: Stefano Montanari (Conductor)

ardcarp
Is that what it is (re: English and wobbles)? I wouldn’t have spotted that the highest voice was a countertenor.

P.S. I am still interested in hearing the members’ thoughts about Ives and Barber.

[ardcarp]

My son-in-law is a professional countertenor, so at this point I'm ducking out! Bye.

[Finzi4ever]

Counter tenor everytime! I'm from the same stable that produced Bowman & Perrin and was convinced by Nick Clapton's Schubert Lieder performance as well as his take on Somervell's "Garden Maud" so from the sublime to the gor-blimey I'm hooked & Bach cantatas just aren't the same without Scholl.