When the soprano Grace Bumbry projected the single word “Guardie!” (“Guards!”) as Amneris at the beginning of Act 4 of Verdi’s Aida, it was the kind of order that brooked no opposition, and was typical of her complete command of the role and of the stage.
Bumbry, who has died aged 86, was one of those singers who demanded complete attention when she was performing. Her magnetic presence in the theatre was seconded by her strong, evenly produced voice, basically a high mezzo that she was eventually able to extend into the soprano range – indeed into the title part of Aida itself.
