"Between parts I was too old for and roles that were too overwhelming, out of reach then for my voice. I carved out a niche with the Wagnerian repertoire since I am attracted by its theatrical intensity"

In this quote, the renowned Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo assesses his creative journey and career choices within the realm of opera. He speaks to the difficulties he faced in finding roles that were both age-appropriate and suited to his singing capabilities at particular points in his career. The expression "parts I was too old for and functions that were too overwhelming, out of reach then for my voice" suggests a duration of self-questioning and self-assessment where Domingo recognized the limitations of his voice, whether due to age, singing maturity, or the fundamental demands of specific roles.

These limitations, instead of being mere challenges, acted as guiding points for Domingo. He astutely recognizes that certain functions and collections were beyond his grasp at certain times, either due to their singing demands or the character's age suitability. In opera, the positioning of a singer's age and singing maturity with the functions they carry out is crucial not just for the technical execution but also for the dramatic validity.

In action to these challenges, Domingo aligned himself with the Wagnerian repertoire, which offered him with the best balance of technical obstacle and artistic satisfaction. By "carving out a niche" in this genre, Domingo tactically pursued functions within Richard Wagner's operas understood for their "theatrical intensity". Wagner's operas often span large psychological and vibrant ranges, requiring a vocalist to have both powerful vocal expertise and the ability to communicate extensive dramatic depth.

Domingo's attraction to the "theatrical intensity" of Wagnerian operas speaks with his wider creative identity. Wagner's works are renowned for their combination of music and drama, requiring entertainers to engage deeply with the character's emotional and psychological landscapes. By selecting this path, Domingo accepted roles that aligned with his creative dispositions and enabled his voice to shine within its abilities, showcasing his flexibility and commitment to his craft. This quote highlights the importance of strategic collection choices and self-awareness in an effective operatic career.