virago və-ˈrä-(ˌ)gō , -ˈrā- ; ˈvir-ə-ˌgō noun
1. a noisy or scolding or domineering woman
2. a large, strong, and courageous woman
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The word virago has appeared in four articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Feb. 20 in “Is This the Best Opera Singer You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of?” by Christopher Corwin:
Though she’s one of Europe’s most acclaimed and sought-after artists, the Swedish mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg’s appearances on this side of the Atlantic have been surprisingly few: Her New York debut came just three years ago.
But she will return on Thursday for an ambitious program of early-18th-century arias: “The Swedish Nightingale,” joined by the Venice Baroque Orchestra at Zankel Hall. A richly expressive and candid approach to the quite formal style of that period of music has made her a beloved Baroque diva, and one of the greatest singers you’ve (probably) never heard of.
… Despite the work’s title, Dejanira is the one who dominates the action, evolving through seven arias from impatient wife to imperious virago to despairing murderer. Biting into Thomas Boughton’s text with relish, Ms. Hallenberg revealed all those conflicting facets through her regal presence and opulent, seamless voice, which rose from earthy lows to brightly ringing highs…
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