An Unamplified Voice posted recently about the idea of the "Teflon Diva". At some point, singers reach a level of notoriety that it ceases to matter how the actually sound. Their actual performance doesn't affect the public perception of their singing - ie it doesn't "stick". Renee Fleming is given as the example:
That's not to say that she's always or even often below par, but that it simply does not matter to her career and public perception.
One might say that this is a matter of the reputation of a lifetime outweighing the performance of a single evening. Ms. Fleming's reputation as "Renee" is strong enough to take whatever beating she may care to throw at it. This is as it should be: one bad night should not be enough to ruin a reputation built on years of good singing.
On the other hand, perhaps the teflon coating is too strong. Are we too forgiving of our great stars when they fall, or age (or both)? Recently, I heard a recording of Leontyne Price (hallowed be her name) in a 1983 Forza del Destino. The voice was mostly still there - but she was hanging on by her fingernails. One found oneself hoping that it was the last time she sang that piece, once a signature role for her... for the sake of the great art she produced throughout her life, if nothing else. The "bravos" she received that night were surely more for the icon that was Leontyne than for the preceding 5 minutes of "Pace". Were we, the audience too forgiving then?
Or is this the earned right of a great singer? After the tremendous volume and quality of art that Ms. Price put out over her lifetime, is it too much to ask for a year or two of indulgence after she was past her prime? Would we rather she had retired while still at her peak, like Corelli or Siepi?
Don't look at me: I don't have any easy answers for you. I do believe that we should be more honest about our judgment, however. If you hear Renee give a poor performance - and contrary to public opinion, she is human, and she has been known to have bad nights - be honest about it. "That was a bad performance," or "this scene was poorly sung." Make sure to follow up however, with a "what a treat to get to hear Renee Fleming though!"
The respect Ms. Fleming (or Mr. Domingo, or Mr. Ramey, or any number of singers) have earned can be distinct from the experience of an individual night. One can reverence a singer's legacy while maintaining integrity of judgment about a bad night, or a career that should have ended already. No doublethink required.
"Y'know, Campbell usually writes such great posts - but what a turd he put up there on Tuesday!" would make me much happier than false admiration for my poor writing.
