Thu, 27 February 2014
Hey!!!! Who has so much voice at 87. Lucine turns 89 on Mar.1 and she continues to sound as young and fresh as anyone could sound at her age. She saved many Met shows and retained so much of the voice. I made her tapes from 1948, and believe me, there is still that youthful quality. Happy birthday to a fun lady!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 3:35pm EDT
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Thu, 27 February 2014
Maria Callas as Norma in various performances as follows: 1. Trieste 1953 with Elena Nicolai and Franco Corelli under Antonino Votto.(Note the end of the trio has Corelli attacking a B natural and Callas' D natural, making for the kind of singing that just cannot exist today). I love to go to the opera, but they do not seem to "permit" this kind of vocalism. Perhaps singing teachers are afraid that their pupils will not last if they emit sounds like these. I disagree violently! 2. The first part of the "Mira,O Norma" scene w.Fedora Barbieri from Buenos Aires 6/17/49 3. From a Gala in Buenos Aires from 7/9/49, the Casta Diva and cabaletta. These two Buenos Aires scenes are conducted by Tullio Serafin. 4. The Casta Diva and cabaletta from the 1958 Rome 1/2/58 performance, which she did not complete owing to illness. This was a scandal in those days. Gabriele Santini conducts. (Anita Cerquetti completed the performance.) |
Wed, 26 February 2014
Erich Leinsdorf leads a 1969 Parsifal from Buenos Aires with Wolfgang Windgassen, Regine Crespin, Franz Crass, and Theo Adam. It had taken quite a number of years for me to totally appreciate this work, but now it is a favorite.(as long as I can listen at home!) (73 min.) |
Wed, 26 February 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJef71OpgiU
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-- posted at: 6:47pm EDT
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Wed, 26 February 2014
If I had to pick ONE,just ONE commercial recording of ANYONE, this aria for me sung by the fabulous Lehmann,born Feb.27, 1888, would be my choice. This "Ich ging zu ihm" from Korngold's "Das Wunder der Heliane" for me is the most lasting tribute to her greatness.
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:34pm EDT
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Mon, 24 February 2014
The beautiful Grace Moore sadly died in an airplane crash at age 47. She possessed a beautiful voice and was a truly glamorous artist. She is joined by Raoul Jobin, Ezio Pinza, and Doris Doe in a 1940 Louise under Ettore Panizza. (74 min.) |
Mon, 24 February 2014
Il Guarany (Gomes) duet with Enrico Caruso (born Feb.25 or 27) in 1873, and Emmy Destinn, born Feb.26, 1878. What more can one say????
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-- posted at: 11:44am EDT
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Sun, 23 February 2014
People wonder why I am so critical of the carryings-on of Franco Bonisolli. In the words of Anna Russell, "tenors have resonance where their brains should be." Of course that is not true in general, but if you heard all the crazy speeches-to-audiences the man makes during live performances and his general conduct as a singer, you might agree that he gives tenors a very bad name! However, he has a lot of fun in this San Francisco Gala (wearing Errol Flynn's boots) and the C's are fabulous. He died too soon, and I am indeed sorry, but I always felt a superb talent was partly wasted with his carryings-on. By the way, he always DEMANDED an encore of the aria. On a Vienna tape, he yells "Wasser' before the first high C and gets booed. I do not know if he sang it twice that night, but anyway you cannot say he was dull!
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:24pm EDT
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Sun, 23 February 2014
Another of my compilations, derived from various files of the past. I am happy you enjoy this kind of post, because it allows you to play a guessing game and/or enjoy a wide variety of great singing. Here is the information: 1. Beniamino Gigli Fedora "Amor ti vieta" (HONEY!!) 2. Maria Ivogun Seraglio "Martern aller artern" 3. Selma Kurz Rigoletto "Caro nome" (Can she TRILL!) 4. Marjorie Lawrence/Lauritz Melchior Gotterdamerung Dawn Duet 5. Giannina Arangi-Lombardi Aida "O patria mia" 6. Leyla Gencer Idomeneo Electra's aria 7. Beverly Sills Louise "Depuis le jour" 8. Christa Ludwig/Sherril Milnes Macbeth duet 9. Meta Seinemeyer Andrea Chenier "La mamma morta" (Sadly,she died at 33.) 10. Nelly Melba/Enrico Caruso La Boheme "O soave fanciulla' (Just her high C indicates what she was!) 11. Beverly Sills Aida (her only one) "Ritorna Vincitor" 12. Mark Reizen Boris Coronation Scene (See his Onegin aria at age 90 on Youtube.) 13.John O'Sullivan William Tell "O muto asil." (He must have shaken the chandeliers.) 14. Rosetta Pampanini Adriana Lecouvreur "Poveri fiori" 15. Aureliano Pertile Andrea Chenier "Come un bel di di Maggio" 16. Ewa Podles Rinaldo "Or la tromba" 17. Diana Soviero/Dominic Cossa Pearl Fishers Duet 18. Renata Tebaldi Tristan und Isolde "Liebestod" (In Italian) 19. Luisa Tetrazzini La Sonnambula "Ah non giunge" 20. Marcel Wittrisch Paganini aria |
Fri, 21 February 2014
Scenes from two brilliant Andrea Chenier performances. The first is from La Scala 1949,under Victor de Sabata, and features Renata Tebaldi,Mario del Monaco,Paolo Silveri, and Fedora Barbieri. This is followed by a Venice 1972 performance under Paolo Peloso, and features Carlo Bergonzi,Raina Kabaiwanska, and Aldo Protti. (The final duet, by the way, is in the high key.) (74 min.) Please note: My computer expert has advised me that it is much easier for you to read text if I do not use colors, since many individuals listen to the podcasts on various media other than on the internet. |
Fri, 21 February 2014
La Fanciulla del West from RAI Rome 1961 under Arturo Basile. The cast includes Renata Tebaldi,Daniele Barioni, Giangiacomo Guelfi, and Mario Boriello (in Sonora's final lines that make me cry every time.). As a bonus, I conclude with the 1970 Tebaldi/Colzani Card Scene that was one of the most exciting scenes in my opera life. |
Wed, 19 February 2014
Georg Hann (January 30, 1897 - December 9, 1950) was an Austrian operatic bass-baritone, particularly associated with the comic (singspiel) German repertory. Born in Vienna, he studied at the Music Academy there with Theodor Lierhammer. He joined the Munich State Opera in 1927, and remained with this theatre until his death. He also appeared regularly at the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival, quickly establishing himself as a leading buffo interpreter, notably in roles such as Leporello, Falstaff, Kecal, Ochs, La Roche (role he created in 1942), etc. He made guest appearances at the Berlin State Opera, La Monnaie in Brussels, the Paris Opéra, the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan. He did not limit himself to comic roles but also sang Sarastro, Pizzaro, Gunther, Amfortas, Daland and tackled a few Italian roles as well notably Wurm, Alfio, Tonio, as well as Mefistophele in Gounod's Faust. Hann died in Munich aged only 53. Hann sings arias and scenes from: Zar und Zimmermann (Lortzing), Der Wildschutz (Lortzing) w. With Wolfgang Windgassen and Res Fischer, Barber of Bagdad (Cornelius), w.Lorenz Fehenberger, Nabucco, Falstaff, Gypsy Baron, Die Bettelstudent(Millocker). |
Tue, 18 February 2014
Those of you who have ever been a part of an opera workshop will understand what goes into performing opera in the communities. Paul Plishka sent me this photo from about 55 years ago. He is the Colline and Ted Lambrinos (at right) is Marcello. At left is Dickie Boyajian and Robert Swanson (Schaunard.) The young guy seated is Charlie Handelman as Benoit. I also did Alcindoro, and in fact over the years I did every male role in Boheme, except Rodolfo. They would not let me do the Musetta because they said I did not have the LEGS. Our beloved maestro was Armen Boyajian, teacher of Sam Raney,Paul,Galvany, and me. We worked hard, and it was worth it. This meant so much to me, to see Paul, who had an illustrious career, and all oif us together.
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:51pm EDT
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Tue, 18 February 2014
So tell me, my friends...is this not a great tenor?????? (and in high key)
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-- posted at: 2:12pm EDT
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Tue, 18 February 2014
Turkey had given us the great Leyla Gencer, and now from this land we have one of the most magnificent tenors, and this finale is so touching..but outdoors in paris it must be cold.!
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-- posted at: 2:08pm EDT
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Mon, 17 February 2014
From Dresden studios in 1938, Karl Boehm leads a superb cast in act three Meistersinger (abr.).The cast includes Hans Herman Nissen, Torsten Ralf, Margarete Teschemacher, Sven Nilsson (Pogner), Martin Kremer (David), Helene Jung (Magdalene) (65 min.) |
Mon, 17 February 2014
Hi For those of you who use I-Tunes for my podcasts, there is availability for comments.I would greatly appreciate your feedback. As ever Charlie
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:51pm EDT
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Mon, 17 February 2014
Here is part two of the 1937 Lohengrin. They may have made cuts, but the cast is superb. (51 min.) |
Mon, 17 February 2014
The first part of a two-part Lohengrin from 1937 under Maurice de Abravanel. The stellar cast includes Kirsten Flagstad, Rene Maison,Karin Branzell, Julius Huehn, and Ludwig Hofmann. (71 min.) |
Sun, 16 February 2014
In 1971, under the great maestro Armen Boyajian, we did Anna Bolena in Paterson,New Jersey.We had a great company, but this performance means so much to me,because it was the beginning of the great career of Sam Ramey, and Galvany was incredible. The high D (held forever) comes out a bit drowned out,but you can hear it. I was the Rochefort and ran out of breath at the end of this scene.How could anyone keep up with her???
Category:general
-- posted at: 8:10pm EDT
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Sun, 16 February 2014
Imagine what we felt as the Ballo curtain rose on the debut of the great Marian Anderson, born Feb.17, 1897. So sad that bigotry prevented many fine Afro-American artists from appearing at the Met,or in some cases, on ANY opera stage. Bless her memory!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:37pm EDT
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Sat, 15 February 2014
Another compilation of material from my files. I hope you enjoy the selections, and remember what "fun" you can have if you give an opera party and ask the guests to guess, giving prizes for the winners. 1. Julia Varady Aria from Puccini's Edgar 2. Shirley Verrett Favorita Cabaletta (We went nuts at Carnegie Hall.) 3-4. Leonard Warren Ernani and Pagliacci arias 5. Ljuba Welitch Vissi d'arte 6.Dolora Zajick Principessa aria from Adriana 7. Milanov/Bjoerling Ballo Love duet 8. Janet Baker Traume 9. Alessandro Bonci Luisa Miller aria 10. Maria Callas Puritani "Vieni al tempio" 11. Steber/Kullman Carmen act one duet 12. Enrico Caruso "Mia piccirella" (Makes me CRAZY!) 13. Renata Scotto Butterfly "Che tua madre." 14. Mario del Monaco Otello "Dio mi potevi" 15. Marisa Galvany What else but the famous Aida act 2 E flat. 16. Nicolai Gedda Manon "Ah fuyez." 17-18 Leyla Gencer/Cornell Macneil and then Hilde Gueden/Leonard Warren in the Rigoletto "Si,vendetta' duet. |
Fri, 14 February 2014
Marisa Galvany sings a magnificent Turandot from 1980 Cincinatti under Anton Coppola. Harry Theyard, Benita Valente, and James Courtney complete the cast. They just do not make them like this anymore, and she just gave a recital with plenty of voice, even at an age equivalent to mine. (63 min.) |
Thu, 13 February 2014
Whether or not you celebrate Valentine's Day (Feb.14), I am sending this to you because you are all so supportive of my efforts to bring opera to more and more people around the globe, and make me so very happy. Love to you all!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:12pm EDT
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Thu, 13 February 2014
May I extend a happy birthday to one of the great singers in my opera experience. Johanna Meier was born on Feb.13, 1938, and I was so pleased to make her some live tapes a few years ago.She was superb in operas like Ariadne,Walkure, Tosca,etc. and this Liebestod is an example of her absolutely gorgeous voice.
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-- posted at: 12:48pm EDT
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Wed, 12 February 2014
Gianna Pederzini (February 10, 1900 - March 12, 1988) was an Italian mezzo-soprano. Pederzini was born in Trento. She studied in Naples with Fernando de Lucia, and made her stage debut in Messina, as Preziosilla, in 1923. She sang widely in Italy, notably as Mignon and Carmen, and made her debut at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, as Adalgisa, in 1928, and at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, in 1930. Abroad, she appeared at the Royal Opera House in London in 1931, the Opéra de Paris in 1935, the Teatro Colón in 1938, and the Berlin State Opera in 1941. She defended a wide repertoire, she took part in the 1930s in revivals of rare operas by Rossini and Donizetti, while singing the standard mezzo roles; Azucena, Ulrica, Amneris, Laura, but also a few dramatic soprano roles such as Santuzza and Fedora, etc. In the 1950s, she began concentrating on "character roles" such as the Countess in The Queen of Spades, Mistress Quickly in Falstaff, Madame Flora in The Medium, and took part in the creation of Dialogues of the Carmelites at La Scala, in 1957. She died, aged 88, in Rome. Arias by this superb mezzo from: Trovatore, Carmen, Mignon, Forza, Favorita,F igaro, Italiana, Werther (65 min.) |
Tue, 11 February 2014
ELISABETH CARRON - Opera Singer "Radiantly communicative" "Singing and acting with the authority of a great artist" "A transcendental artist" Such laudatory comments from critics and public alike have followed Elisabeth Carron's appearances throughout her career. With a repertoire of astonishing versatility, this superb American-born and trained singer has captivated scores of audiences with her exceptional vocal range and theatricality. Elisabeth Carron made her sparkling debut in the role of Cio-Cio-San in New York City Opera's Madama Butterfly in 1957, immediately establishing herself as a ranking Puccini stylist. "Visually and vocally she has made the role her own." (Musical America). Other reviewers deemed it "an exquisite performance", pointing out that "Miss Carron's voice is assured, pure and in perfect control... a poignant and utterly believable creation". Adding the roles of Mimi, Liu and Suor Angelica to her repertoire gained further acclaim and the ringing applause of appreciative audiences. An early career highlight was her appearance as Glauce in the Dallas Civic Opera's historic production of Cherubini's Medea, co-starring Maria Callas, Jon Vickers and Teresa Berganza. Her San Francisco Opera debut was made in the demanding role of Konstanze in Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio, which, coupled with a stunning first-ever performance as Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata, earned her the designation of "the opera discovery of the year" and a reviewer's opinion that "She is a splendid actress, with the kind of petite, delicate, hothouse beauty that can make such a character as Camille come to life, and that she possesses an extraordinary singing voice". Her mad scene in the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor was hailed as a masterpiece of rare dramatic intensity. She received more accolades as a Strauss specialist during a string of memorable performances as Zerbinetta, Daphne and Aithra. The New Yorker magazine singled out her portrayal of Aithra, observing that she sang the "extraordinarily difficult high passages with ease and brilliance." Miss Carron is equally at home interpreting contemporary works. She appeared in the original cast of the New York City Opera Company's revival of Marc Blitzstein's Regina in the role of Birdie Hubbard. Musical America magazine added to her laurels with verbal bouquets for her "beautiful voice and touching portrayal of Regina's poor, broken, driven-to-drink sister-in-law." Her stand-out performance is a highlight in the Columbia Records production of Regina. Raymond Ericson, the distinguished New York Times music critic, included the Columbia recording in his "Best of Opera" discography. Miss Carron also won praise for her rich evocation of Anna Maurrant in Kurt Weill's Street Scene and her sensitive interpretation of Maria Corona in Giancarlo Menotti's The Saint of Bleeker Street, another dynamic role subsequently recorded. Miss Carron was a respected member of the Vocal Faculty of the famed Manhattan School of Music. She has been instrumental in the development of many outstanding young talents. Her students have won major singing competitions and have gone on to productive careers. She is frequently called upon to serve as a judge in prestigious vocal competitions. Though Miss Carron's career included performances with nearly every major American opera company as well as international appearances, she is one of a generation of American singers whose artistry is not adequately documented by recordings. Elisabeth Carron - Opera Singer
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-- posted at: 8:55pm EDT
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Tue, 11 February 2014
The great maestro and the NBC Symphony in 1950 Falstaff rehearsals, featuring Herva Nelli, Giuseppe Valdengo,Frank Guarrera (Ford),Cloe Elmo (Quickly), Nan Merriman, Teresa Stich-Randall, and Norman Scott. (65 min.) Note:The original podcast was flawed, and I am repeating it. |
Tue, 11 February 2014
Adelina Patti had a warm, crystalline, and very agile high soprano voice.[10] Her vocal emission was of perfect equality and her vocal range was wide, from low C to high F (C4 - F6).[10] Regarding her technique, critic Rodolfo Celletti said, "Her voice was a technical marvel. The staccatos were marvels of accuracy, even in the trickiest intervals, her legato was impressively smooth and pure; she connects the voice from note to note, phrase to phrase, lifting and gliding with an exceptional virtuosity. Her chromatic scale was deliciously sweet, and her trill was wonderful and solid."[11]
Adelina Patti 1905 recordings. A sensational singer,even at age 62. The selections are as follows: Voi lo sapete, Pur dicesti, Old folks at home,Batti,batti, Jewel song,Il Bacio, Last Rose of Summer, Ave maria (Bach-Gounod), Robin Adair, Home sweet home, Si vous n'avez rien a me dire, Comin' thrpugh the rye, Banks of Allen Water, On parting, 'Twas within a mile, New Year message to her hisband, Baron Rolf Cederstrom, Kathleen, La Serenata, Casta Diva, Connais tu le pays, Ah non credea. (65 min.) |
Mon, 10 February 2014
This sensational basso was born on Feb.10, 1923. Siepi had a voice of pure velvet.I saw him countless times, and he remains one of the greatest singers EVER!!!!
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-- posted at: 1:56pm EDT
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Sun, 9 February 2014
Maria Callas as Kundry in act two of Parsifal under Vittorio Gui, Rome 1950. Africo Beldelli and Giuseppe Modesti complete the cast. Collectors all wish to have the rumored complete Tristan und Isolde, but I have added an early recording of the Liebestod (60 min.) |
Sun, 9 February 2014
The remarkable Christa Ludwig selections from: Cenerentola (1959) from Vienna, under Alberto Erede Lohengrin (1967) with Ingrid Bjoener,Walter Berry, under Karl Boehm Don Carlo (1967) under Berislav Klobucar Aida (1970) with Richard Tucker, under Fausto Cleva Mahler's Kindertotenlieder (1967) under Loren Maazel (73 min.) |
Sun, 9 February 2014
The legendary Licia Albanese, now over 100 years of age, sings one of her great roles, a Mme.Butterfly from 1941 under Gennaro Papi. Completing the cast are Armand Tokatyan, Lucille Browning, John Brownlee, and Allesio de Paolis. Bless this great artist! (73 min.) |
Sat, 8 February 2014
What can be more heartwarming than to see the retirn, in Genoa, of the wonderful Aprile Millo in "Il Tabarro."? She has retained the beauty of tone, and the kind of Italianate style that is rare today.(Not to mention the optional high C in the aria.). All these years,she has been so loving and kind to me and I am so happy for her!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:38am EDT
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Thu, 6 February 2014
Leopold Simoneau sang so briefly at the Met, and it is a shame,because it was a really beautiful voice. In this Hoffmann from Vienna, 1954, under Lee Schaenen, Simoneau is joined by his wife Pierette Alarie as Olympia, with Suzanne Danco as Giulietta,Antonia, and the Muse. The great George London sings the villains, with Dezso Ernster as Crespel, Renato Cesari as Schlemil, Renato Capecchi as Spalanzani, and Robert Destain in the comic roles. (73 min.) |
Tue, 4 February 2014
Claudia Muzio was so famous for her Traviata Letter..and to celebrate her birthday on Friday, Feb.7, we present the great Mari Lyn, who follows in her great tradition..and her TraviYENTA has caused many people to commit SUICIDIO!!!!
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-- posted at: 9:10pm EDT
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Mon, 3 February 2014
WHY do they do not do this opera?? Maybe because Virginia is not around...Note act two love duet..it is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am upset..i never hear my own tapes!!!!
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-- posted at: 1:30pm EDT
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Mon, 3 February 2014
Act three Butterfly scenes with my darling "sister" Virginia Zeani!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 12:53pm EDT
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Sun, 2 February 2014
That warm,emotional voice of baritone Giuseppe Taddei is heard in arias and songs. The man was a special artist, one of the greats. Arias are from: Favorita, Ballo, Don Carlo, Vespri, Andrea Chenier, Adriana Lecouvreur, L'Arlesiana. The songs are: Santa Lucia Luntana, Dicitincello vuie, Voce 'e notte, Senza nisciuno, Marechiare, Napule canta, Passione, I te vurria vasa', Pecche. (66 min.) |
Sun, 2 February 2014
It is most appropriate, on Martina Arroyo's birthday (Feb.2), to begin to celebrate Black History Month, and also to relate some of my past experiences with Afro-American artists.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:44am EDT
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