• Rita Gorr, at a Dallas I rehearsal, yells at Mario del Monaco for being out of costume.
  • The famous "Dristan und Isolde" -- where Jon Vickers tells the audience (Dallas again..maybe it is the climate?) to "shut up with your damn coughing!"
  • Franco Bonisolli, famous for his outbursts, calls for "Wasser" just before he takes the first high C in "Di Quella pira" in a Hamburg performance. I guess they brought it to him, because he then unleashes a mighty one! (after some booing)
  • Montserrat Caballé faints halfway through a rendition of "Addio del passato" in 1972 at the Paris Opera. But give her credit at least for trying! Five years later, when she canceled the opening night of Turandot at La Scala, Maestro Zubin Mehta had to go out and announce the bad news to the audience.
  • The funniest soprano in the world (yes, even funnier than Florence Foster Jenkins), Mari Lynn, of public access television fame, reads the letter from La Traviata..which sounds much closer to La TraviYENTA! I played this for Diana Soviero, telling her this was a "Violetta the likes of which she had never seen before" and she almost fell off the couch!
  • More inimitable performances: Madame Lynn sings "Sempre libera"
  • An insane lady in the City Opera audience lets out a blood-curdling "primal scream" just before tenor Henry Price begins act two Traviata aria.Worse than Klytaemnestra being murdered!
  • And speaking of screams, here's a re-engineered version of the final scene from Tosca...

  GUESS THE SCREAMS and you get to bring a U-Haul to my house and take.please!!!!!!! all my lp's that are never played....ORRRRORE!!!!

 

Category:general -- posted at: 10:58pm EDT

In the old Met we stood all the way down near the orchestra..Boxes hardly were overhanging. One night when Renata hit the high A on "amore,addio" (and you cannot tell from the video) my friend standing next to me lost control,hit me in the ribs, and I almost ended up like Cio-Cio San.....NO ONE here could imagine...Think of a jet plane landing in your living room

Category:general -- posted at: 10:04pm EDT

What nostalgia as Renata returns to us in 1995. Piangero per sempre!!!!!!

  Ten years since she left us on Dec.19, 2004. Never to be forgotten!!!!!

 

Category:general -- posted at: 9:01am EDT

  Ten years ago, on Dec.19, 2004, our beloved Renata Tebaldi departed this world, but those of us who knew her can never forget what she meant to us on and off stage.

 My mother's first opera was a Traviata in 1957, and I spoke Spanish to her,since I had not yet learned my operatic Italian and her English was limited. Every time we met she would say, "Carlos, com'e la mamma??"  (Carlos...not Carlo,because I started with her in espanol.)

We spoke on many birthdays in later years. You know we first met her oin Feb.1, 1955, after her Met Desdemona debut,which was Jan.31.Little did we know it was her birthday!!!!!

Non posso scordare la mia Renata..Sempre nel mio cuore!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category:general -- posted at: 8:48am EDT

One of the STARS of the Internet is "Coloratura Fan," who compiles an incredible number of material, and who is a STAR of the opera-loving Internet world. Here is an example. Just go to his page and enjoy!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EDT

Happy Dec.15 birthday to a marvelous soprano who showed so much emotion and who could thrill audiences for so long!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am EDT

I am just thinking about Tebaldi a lot this week...I recall she went to Phila. for a perf...the Met used to go there. We saw her off in the last car...the baggage handler opened the door and she said, "Spoletta, CHIUDI." 
 

At a big affair once she was cutting the cake,held the knife up, and said, "Questo il bacio di Tosca."
   See how much fun we had with her.......
  

Also, at a Bell Tel.Hr.at Carnegie, we sat in the first row..She looked down at us "kids", winked...and then launched into "Inflammatus." She made us feel so important."
 Ten yearsthis week (Dec.19),Renata has been gone........and anyone who knew her from 1955 will treasure her memory..

Category:general -- posted at: 9:02pm EDT

Wolfgang!!!! I hope you do not have Internet. This is not boring. Some love the "crazy" productions for their "entertainment." value...but others curse like mad!!!

On the old Met standee line, we killed time (freezing)  by making up crazy opera scenes. Little did we know what was to come!!!!!!!

 

This clip sent to me by baritone (Marcello) David Bizic.

 

 

Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

 

These two are for me the best pair in this scene. as never able to capture Taddei's "Entrate" in my Marcellos....Well,who can?????

Carteri's declamations are for me the most effective..and I love many Mimis..

Category:general -- posted at: 7:25pm EDT

Another great singer the Met never engaged.......My favorite Mimi.....will post her in Boheme.

Category:general -- posted at: 7:15pm EDT

Dec.11, 1892....I bet his first words were "All'armi."

Here he is at 85...as calm as always!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:53pm EDT

88 years old here...Born Dec.11,1892

Slightly egoista....un po pazzo!!!!! But I would love to have heard him live!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:41pm EDT

  I was 15.....I saw them together in my first opera ever..Zinka's lows are so gorgeous......Just fabulous.

Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm EDT

Nice to find a new singer..great Marcello last week at the Met!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

Just experimenting and so here is the late great Magda Olivero in Manon Lescaut.

Direct download: 01_-_Magda-Morbide.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:31pm EDT

Trying to use new Libsyn format.

Direct download: Callas_Tur.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm EDT

For Maria's Dec.2 birthday, an AMAZING recording.

Category:general -- posted at: 10:02pm EDT

Ed Rosen and Carlo Handelmania attempt to sing Puritani Duet. (He always holds the last note LONG!!!)

Category:general -- posted at: 9:51pm EDT

On her Dec.2 (or 3) birthday, we must bless her for what she did for opera!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 5:51pm EDT

Wonderful voice

Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm EDT

soprano

Category:general -- posted at: 11:26pm EDT

Not great sound, but an amazing Callas recording for her upcoming birthday (Dec.2 or 3)

Category:general -- posted at: 11:25pm EDT

Happy Thanksgiving

Whether or not you celebrate this holiday in your land, be most thankful for music in your lives, not to forget friends and family, and I thank you all for allowing me to bring opera into your lives, as it was brought to me.

Most sincerely,    Charlie

 

  

Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

The kid might be good some day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 3:28pm EDT

This may not be opera, but I was just totally captivated by this "kid."  AMAZING!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 3:12pm EDT

    Zeani,Cotrubas,and now.........................Something about that land that is so conducive to emotion!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:02pm EDT

What a thrill to hear my dear Marisa Galvany (one of her fake names),friends for 50 years...one of the most exciting singers in my experience....and when we did Bolena, I did check to see if there was some microphone down her throat.  What a treasure she has been.

Category:general -- posted at: 8:36pm EDT

Bruce Burroughs never did her book....What tales he could tell!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 8:30pm EDT

NEW DISCOVERY!!!! Go to Youtube for more of this superb baritone, and/or buy the DVD Attila from Parma.

  Remember how many baritones I have heard!!

Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm EDT

Mario walked across the stage..we went NUTS!! Get the stopwatch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 8:03pm EDT

How wonderful to discover a new talent!!!!!  Mme. Branchini is the Odabella on the Parmi DVD Attila. She has the excitement, attention to the word and phrase..great attacks..and mixed chest voice........We could use her HERE. I hope she has a huge career.......I was thrilled, especially since I have heard so many superb sopranos in my life.

Category:general -- posted at: 7:57pm EDT

....and she knew death was near...I weep so much at this.......God Bless Her!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:25pm EDT

GOD BLESS the memory of our beloved lady...We miss her so!!!!!! Yes, Moedl,Jones, and Gencer..she had her flaws....But what a great great lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:22pm EDT

In order to remain a member of this forum,each member (who cares what gender??) must send me his/her/its recording of this aria .I cannot myself do it anymore..Quel dommage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT

One of the most sensational singers of all-time..Yes, I know she wrote one of the world's shortest books,"Diction for sopranos."    BUT who is perfect..Live...we went NUTS!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm EDT

Nov.7, 1936..Could be VERY flawed..but fabulous lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (like Moedl)

Category:general -- posted at: 11:09pm EDT

Mediterranean Opera Studio will hold its New York City Winter Intensive this
year from January 12-24. We were incredibly impressed with the quality of
teaching and the advances made by attendees in Caltagirone, Sicily this
Summer 2014, and so we are bringing instructors Nelly Miricioiu and
Salvatore Fisichella to New York.

These exceptional teachers, together with MOS director Jack Li Vigni, will
help participants advance in their technical abilities and put them much
closer to their artistic goals as operatic performers. Both advanced and
intermediate singers will be accepted. The deadline to apply is December 20,
2014.

I just got really turned on to Nelly.  For NewYawkers.she will give me specifics.....

Category:general -- posted at: 9:13pm EDT

WHY???? They do not make them anymore like this...The incredible,versatile lady!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

To all my scary opera buddies...May I wish you a wonderful Halloween.I am trick or treating dressed as Zinka Milanov.

Category:general -- posted at: 6:24pm EDT

  Peter Grimes scene.He is remarkable!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:54pm EDT

Oct.29, 1921..The tough guy,Jon Vickers was born. Did you ever drink DRISTAN for a cold???????

  GREAT MAN!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:51pm EDT

I can do it ......in the basso key...................

Galvany at 3:30

Category:general -- posted at: 3:40pm EDT

Another great compilation by "Coloratura Fan." His contributions are amazing!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EDT

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:48am EDT

OK guys..Go into the shower.....or do it in your car...or in the grocery store..and do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:57pm EDT

I hate those unemotional tenors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm EDT

The great,darling man, with whom my friend studied was born Oct.22, 1885.Not always a voice for all tastes..BUT a sensational career!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:50pm EDT

Virginia has been one the phone all day;so many have called her to celebrate her birthday.  We bless this wonderful lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 1:05pm EDT

Happy Birthday to my beloved friend and great artist,Virginia Zeani,Oct.21. Since the Tebaldi days,no singer has touched my heart as dear Virginia.

Category:general -- posted at: 7:05pm EDT

In anticipation of my darling Virginia's 89th birthday on Oct.21.

I am finally at the opera..and feel better...so more podcasts to come!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:37pm EDT

The wonderful collection by "Coloratura fan" gives us so much pleasure.e

Category:general -- posted at: 10:43pm EDT

My darling "sorella" Virginia Zeani turns 89 On Oct.21. Listen to the emotion in that voice and the richness of the low tones. Bless this wonderful artist and dear friend.

Category:general -- posted at: 10:34pm EDT

Oct.12, 1935...the great man was born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 1:08pm EDT

ADORE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Wherever she is,she will teach them about CHEST!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:38pm EDT

APOLOGIES!!!!!!

 My dear buddies from Angola to Zanzibar,

   Please bear with me since I have had a rough time sitting and hope you will "back me up"...Love you all............

Charlie (not the guy in the photo,but I feel like him.)

Category:general -- posted at: 8:53pm EDT

Sorry for not posting much.

Gettng massages  (Polish lady)  maybe O will soon sound like PYOTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm EDT

nO ONE SINGs LIKE THIS....................

Category:general -- posted at: 7:55pm EDT

She OWNED the role.....

Category:general -- posted at: 7:47pm EDT

Beloved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 7:45pm EDT

I cannot do this anymore....

Category:general -- posted at: 7:27pm EDT

Miss her...................

Category:general -- posted at: 7:24pm EDT

Category:general -- posted at: 7:01pm EDT

Try this!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:37pm EDT

Dearest Magda

Born as Maria Maddalena Olivero in Saluzzo, Italy, she made her operatic debut in 1932 on radio in Turin radio singing Nino Cattozzo's (1886–1961) oratorio, I misteri dolorosi.[1]

She performed widely and increasingly successfully until 1941, when she married and retired from performing. She returned to the stage ten years later, at the request of Francesco Cilea, who asked her to sing again the title role in his opera Adriana Lecouvreur.[2][3]

From 1951 until her final retirement, Olivero sang in opera houses around the world. Among her most renowned interpretations were the leading parts in Adriana Lecouvreur, Iris, Fedora, La bohème, La fanciulla del West, La traviata, La Wally, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut, Mefistofele, and Turandot (as Liù).

She sang in Cherubini's Médée at the Dallas Opera in 1967 and in Kansas City in 1968.[4] In 1975, Olivero made her début at the Metropolitan Opera House in Tosca. Her last performances on stage were in March 1981 in the one-woman opera, La voix humaine by Poulenc.[5] Her stage career ended at age 71, after spanning nearly 50 years. She continued to sing sacred music locally and, well into her eighties, made a recording of several arias.[citation needed] Recordings exist of many of her great performances of both full operas and arias and scenes.

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 5:49pm EDT

I have NO WORDS!!!!!

My beloved Magda is gone................................I have no wprds..through my tears

Category:general -- posted at: 4:38pm EDT

Bear with me...12 hrs.,on a gurney in hospital........Will hope to see you soon,,Back is injured

Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

1.JUSSI in Romeo

2. Carlo Bergonzi (Bless him)

3. Olive Middleton (about156 yrs..old.)

4. Joel Berglund

5. ZINKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 1:55pm EDT

1. Callas Suicidio

2. Barbieri Trovatore act 3 scene

3.Baum  Norma aria (at least had a "c")

4.Schlusnus    Hamlet Drinking song

5. Bumbry   Turandot aria

6. L.Price Cleopatra aria

   I guess no one will go to the Justin Bieber recital where he lip-synchs Bach Cantatas sung by DFD.

Category:general -- posted at: 5:07pm EDT

Never forget you

Crying too much..more later

Category:general -- posted at: 7:22pm EDT

GUESS1

PRIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  137 tickets to next Justin Bieber Concert

Direct download: Guess1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:33pm EDT

For my darling friend Marisa Galvany ( one of her 56 names).NO ONE sings like you....and remember, I had the pleasure of looking down your tonsils on the high notes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Bless you!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 9:44am EDT

This is the farewell of the great Shirley Verrett, born May 31, 1931. Words cannot express how I adored this great lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:19pm EDT

  This is an interesting change from the usual Cavalleria. I think you will enjoy this Cav from  the Royal Opera in Stockholm in 1963 under Herbert Sandberg. It features a favorite of mine, Barbro Ericson, with Ragnar Ulfung, Erik Sundqvist, Birgit Nordin (Lola), and Margareta Bergstrom (Mmma Lucia.)

Direct download: Cav_Swed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:49pm EDT

  I discovered Olivia as Seymour in Bolena..She later changed to soprano.I adore this lady so much as a friend and what a powerhouse of a singer she was!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:19pm EDT

 For my dear friend Olivia Stapp on her May 30 birthday. One of the sweetest ladies and a fabulous artist!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:14pm EDT

On the occasion of his May 30 (1919) birthday, let us remember one of the most phenomenal singing actors in the history of opera. He was a veritable DYNAMO in a variety of roles. Some physical problems cut his career short, but we had many years of this great man!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:07pm EDT

The love of the phrase, the feeling she had!!! Bless Beverly on her birthday!

Category:general -- posted at: 9:52am EDT

Born May 25, 1929..who dreamed what she would become????? Bless her!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 9:49am EDT

How can ONE WORD  (PAOLO!!!) or phrase summarize the greatness of an artist...Jan.21, 1939 (I was 3 that day)..the greatest Met broadcast ever in my mind....Lawrence Tibbett and Leonard Warren are so riveting..NO ONE does this today!!!!!!!!

DRIVES ME CRAZY EVERY TIME!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:18pm EDT

I DID NOT KNOW THIS EXISTED!!!  I called Elizabeth for Mothers' Day and we were talking about Street Scene...and on YOUTUBE is this glorious example of singing and emotional involvement. Magnificent!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 1:34pm EDT

MOMMY!!!!

Mommy!   It's your day!! Can't you be nice just ONCE?????

     Love and Happy Mothers' Day from Charlie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

Did I ever post this added aria from Cenerentola?? City Opera did this with the great Gianna Rolandi,and it was a SMASH!!! The Met is doing the opera now,but without this...I feel if they added it, Diana Damrau would be the best candidate.Agreed?????

Category:general -- posted at: 12:25am EDT

Javier Camarena in the dress rehearsal of Cenerentola last week....It caused people to demand an encore and they went totally INSANE!!! We have not experienced anything like this here since I attended Melba's debut!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:48pm EDT

 Do not try this at home....or even in a mental hospital!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:44pm EDT

Here is that "new" tenor (new to me) Dmitry Korchak in the Valencia Onegin, a very interesting producion. He sounds absolutely magnificent!!!! (Do NOT tell Piotr!)

Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

Just watched the Valencia Onegin Video and discovered a fabulous tenor, Dmitry Korchak. He is absolutely superb!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EDT

We do not get this kind of singing at the Met...but the other night the Met audience in Cenerentola DEMANDED an encore of Mr.Camarena.,They screamed,banged, and yelled, as if Gigli came back!!!!! People said the last high C was worthy of a "Di quella pira" tenor..and he also added some D's in the aria..not sure where. Not scheduled for next season,but future here is VERY bright!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:20pm EDT

Let us celebrate the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare by watching Marisa Galvany as a fabulous Lady Macbeth!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:10pm EDT

It was the evening of March 4, 1960. Leonard Warren,born Apr.21, 1911, said his final words in Forza.."E salvo..o gioja.." and died before our eyes on stage. He sounded as great as always and we treasure his memory...but the sadness and shock of that night will never be forgotten.He was a fabulous singer..still my all-time favorite baritone..Rest in Peace!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

  I have spoken previously about how I "discovered"  Ta'u when we did Rigoletto and I was so shocked he had NEVER sung a role before. Since that time,he has been doing extremely well,and recently did a Pollione;here is the aria from a concert, and I find it superb. (easy high C included.)

   Divas better treat him with respect, because this ex-football player still knows how to TACKLE!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:03am EDT

Piotr Beczala introduced me last year to the son of Jan Kiepura and the great Martha Eggerth, and he proceeded to call "mom." We lost her this year at about 101. What a great lady she was, and here she is about 90,with the charm she exuded all her life. Apr.17, 1912 was her birthday!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 5:42pm EDT

I know the wonderful tenor was born on April 17, 1940...but I wanted to give you Leonie again..and the great scream,even in concert! I celebrate his career, but let's face it, there is NO ONE like Leonie these days!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 4:56pm EDT

 What a tremendous thrill it is when I discover a new voice! I had seen Michael Corvino at City Opera years ago, but now I see this magnificent rendition of the "Mamma,mamma" from "The Most Happy Fella" I am sure you will enjoy his beautiful singing, and his deep emotional involvement.

Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am EDT

 For dear Aprile Millo,born Apr.14 (Aprile in Aprile),1958. Aprile has been one of the sweetest,nicest people I ever met..and of course she sings here  in what we call the "old style."   Love always  from Charlie.

Category:general -- posted at: 11:52am EDT

 People tell me they adore this "lesser-known" soprano's rendition of Butterfly's entrance. What do you think????

Category:general -- posted at: 11:21pm EDT

Three hours sleep (got to bed at 5) after the Butterfly at the Met...then to the Met at 9:00 for costumes,staging makeup. No one in Met history ever sang back-to-back NEW roles in the house.  She made history..and we love her so much!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:03pm EDT

I discovered a fabulous baritone last night in Arabella. Michael Volle is just incredible.I was so thrilled!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 6:36pm EDT

What more can we say about the sensational Corelli, who has NEVER been replaced. This is my all-time Corelli "moment."The high C on "reeeeendero," that the Scala audience adores!

  Good friends of mine who knew him well do not share the oipinion of some that he was a difficult guy and adored him, although Loretta was no bargain. I do know one story (and it is in the Corelli book) that in a hotel in Atlanta,Georgia they had to re-decorate a room because the two of them had a "spaghetti fight."(WITH SAUCE!)

  I saw the man 40 times, from his 1961 debut, and will never forget him!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:04pm EDT

   Having sung the magnificent Mme.Butterfly on Friday evening, and retiring about 5:00 A.M., Kristine Opolais was awakened at 7:30, as The Met asked her if she could replace Mme.Hartig as Mimi on the Met telecast/broadcast (aria heard here). In the history of the Met (132 years), no other singer had ever sung two role debuts back-to-back.

 Imagine her then getting to the Met at 9:00 A.M. for a staging walk-through, vocalizing while they did her makeup, and when they could not find a properly fitting black wig, they used a blond one, and she had the sense,in act two, to change "bruni" to "biondi." This is what you call a real "trouper."

  The reviews were ecstatic, and she made music history in New York with this double-triumph. I am so thrilled for her, a lovely and brilliantly talented artist, who won the hearts of so many!!!!

  

Category:general -- posted at: 8:31pm EDT

My review is published.Here is what I heard last night.( This is from Covent Garden)

Category:general -- posted at: 9:45am EDT


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