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Article: Kathleen Battle, Softly; The Shy Prima Donna and Her NSO Turn
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- May 1, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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A shy prima donna is something like a left-handed cellist-not
quite impossible, but not something you expect to encounter very
often. This week at the Kennedy Center, you can hear a shy prima
donna-Kathleen Battle, who is also one of the world's great
singers-as a guest artist with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Battle does not at all fit the pattern of the Maria Callas
soprano-fiery, tense, aggressive and always demanding attention. Her
manner is unassuming, and her speaking voice so soft that you must
sit very close to hear her in a conversation. She might remind you
of the nice young lady who teaches music at your local school and
sings solos on Sundays in a nearby church. That's ...