Sun, 10 July 2011
Highlights from Wagner's "Parsifal" from 1954 with a magnificent cast that includes Set Svanholm, Astrid Varnay, George London, and Hans Hotter, conducted by Fritz Stiedry. It takes some time for some of us to appreciate this great work, but with a little patience I think you will come to love it as I do. (except for those annoying Flower Maidens.) (71 min.) |
Sun, 10 July 2011
A compilation of the early career of dear Diana Soviero. The selections show that even at 17 and 22, the great talent is there, and I know you will enjoy this podcast. All selections are announced. (67 min.) |
Sat, 9 July 2011
Highlights from a 1950 performance (In Italian) of Tannhauser, conducted by Karl Boehm and featuring Renata Tebaldi,Hans Beirer,Carlo Tagliabue, Boris Christoff, and Lyvia Pery. (71 min.) |
Sat, 9 July 2011
Highlights from Handel's "Alcina," featuring Joan Sutherland,Fritz Wunderlich, and Jeanette Van Dijck. Ferdinand Leitner is the conductor 1959 from Cologne Radio (70 min.) |
Tue, 5 July 2011
A most exciting live performance (abr.) of Verdi's early opera, "Stiffelio," the other version of his "Aroldo." The performance is conducted by Nicola Luisotti and was seen live in Trieste, 2000. The cast includes: Dimitra Theodossiou (Lina), Mario Malagnini(Siffelio), Marco Vratogna (Stankar),Giorgio Casciarri,(Raffaele), and Enzo Capuano (Jorg.) (71 min.) |
Sat, 2 July 2011
I thought you might find a comparison of four Callas Mad Scenes from Lucia an interesting comparison, especially in the days when she was absolutely a phenomenon. First we have three from Mexico City under Guido Picco: June 6,14, and 26 in 1952, following by a Scala Mad Scene in 1954 under Herbert von Karajan. I hope you enjoy this tribute to one of opera's greatest artists. (70 min.) |
Sat, 2 July 2011
From Rio de Janeiro, August 16, 1951, I present highlights from La Forza del Destino featuring the great Beniamino Gigli, age 61, and a cast that includes: Elizabeth Barbato,Enzo Mascherini,Giulio Neri, and Giuseppe Modesti, under Antonino Votto. (70 min.) |
Fri, 1 July 2011
A performance of Bartok's "Duke Bluebeard's Castle," under Istvan Kertesz, and featuring the great pairing of Christa Ludwig and Walter Berry. As an added bonus, the two appear in the duet from act three of "Die Frau Ohne Schatten" of R.Strauss. (70 min.) |
Tue, 28 June 2011
Here is a cut version of the second act of Tristan und Isolde from San Francisco, 1937 under Fritz Reiner. It features the historical pairing of Kirsten Flagstad and Lauritz Melchior, with Kathleen Meisle, Emmanuel List, and Julius Huehn completing the cast. What more can one say about these phenomenal Wagnerian singers? (61 min.) |
Mon, 27 June 2011
An excerpted Cavalleria Rusticana with the great mezzo, Dolora Zajick as Santuzza and the fine tenor Fabio Armiliato as Turiddu. The Alfio is Bruno Pola, the Lola is Wendy White, and the Mamma Lucia is Jane Shaulis. The conductor is Simone Young. (70 min.) |
Fri, 17 June 2011
I present highlights from a 1974 Traviata under Mario Bernardi in honor of dear Marisa Galvany's birthday. It features Pablo Elvira and Raymond Gibbs. (69 min.) May we wish Mme.Galvany the happiest of birthdays. She has been a dear friend and I recall with affection all of her magnificent performances. |
Mon, 13 June 2011
An exciting live performance of Cherubini's Medea,featuring Marisa Galvany, Sam Ramey, Erik Townsend, and Frances Bible. The performance from 1982 is conducted by Giuseppe Morelli. (70 min.) Link to Video Medea Exc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4accQDsiyQ |
Thu, 9 June 2011
I wish to pay special tribute to dear Rise Stevens on her 98th birthday (June 11,2011). She was the first artist I ever met and we spent lovely times each year at the Rise Stevens Music Club at her apartment in New York. She inspired so many in her long life and I will never forget her. The selections are all announced (71 minutes) |
Fri, 3 June 2011
There had been a problem with my original Falstaff podcast and I hope this comes out all right, for it is a superb performance from 1949 with Fritz Reiner conducting. The cast includes Leonard Warren, Giuseppe Valdengo,Giuseppe di Stefano,Regina Resnik, Cloe Elmo, Licia Albanese, and Martha Lipton. (57 min.) |
Sun, 29 May 2011
A most exciting live performance of Verdi's Attila, (Charlie's favorite early Verdi opera) from Il Teatro Verdi di Trieste, 2000. It is conducted by Donato Renzetti and features the magnificent Ferruccio Furlanetto, Dimitra Theodossiou, Carlo Ventre, and Alberto Gazale (Ezio). (73 min.) |
Fri, 27 May 2011
RECITAR!!!!! As I told you, I am not listing the 15 tenors because you would PEEK. See how many you can get. My best Charlie (55 min.) |
Fri, 27 May 2011
A fabulous cast in this 1953 Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Forza under Dimitri Mitropolous.The cast includes: Renata Tebaldi, Mario Del Monaco, Cesare Siepi, Aldo Protti, Fedora Barbieri, and Silvio Maionica. (72 min.) |
Thu, 26 May 2011
A fabulous cast in highlights from a Met 1968 Walkure (just released on Sony) under Berislav Klobucar. The cast is: Birgit Nilsson,Leonie Rysanek, Jon Vickers,Thomas Stewart, Christa Ludwig, Karl Ridderbusch. Don't tell me they make them like this anymore!!!!! (72 min.) |
Thu, 26 May 2011
Highlights from Puccini's "La Rondine" from a 1982 Philadelphia performance conducted by Angelo Campori. In the cast we have: Diana Soviero,Giuliano Cianella, Silvia Baleani,James Hoback, Renato Capecchi, and Donald Collup. (60 min.) |
Tue, 24 May 2011
Tribute to the late great Giulietta Simionato with scenes from Aida,Adriana,Carmen,Cavalleria,Italiana,Nozze di Figaro,Trovatore,Don Carlo,Cenerentola (57 min.) |
Sat, 7 May 2011
Scenes from the ENOC Gotterdamerung (In English,if you can understand it) under Reginald Goodall. The cast is as follows: Rita Hunter, Alberto Remedios, Aage Haugland,Katherine Pring, Norman Welsby (72 min.) (Photo of Hunter,Remedios, Goodall) |
Sun, 1 May 2011
The wonderful baritone, Michael Bohnen, was born on May 2, 1887. We celebrate his birthday with highlights from: Barber of Bagdad, Der Freischutz, Rigoletto, Tosca, Parsifal, Walkure, Das Rheingold, Bartered Bride,Meistersinger, and a Kol Nidre. (60 min.) |
Sat, 16 April 2011
From the Nimbus "Prima Voce" series: 16 great baritones of the past: Lucien Fugere, Victor Maurel, Mattia Battistini, Mario Ancona, Riccardo Stracciari, Giuseppe de Luca, Titta Ruffo, Pasquale Amato, Joseph Schwarz, Heinrich Schlusnus, Carlo Galeffi, John Charles Thomas, Lawrence Tibbett, Gerhard Husch, and Igor Gorin. (72 min.) |
Sat, 16 April 2011
A truly magnificent performance (highlights) from a Vienna 1960 performance of "La Forza del Destino" under Dimitri Mitropolous, and starring Antonietta Stella, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Ettore Bastianini,Walter Kreppel, and Giulietta Simionato. This surely is luxurious casting and i know you will enjoy it. (71 min.) |
Mon, 11 April 2011
Highlights from a 1942 Bayreuth Flying Dutchman under Richard Kraus. Featured are Joel Berglund, Maria Muller, Franz Voelker, and Ludwig Hofmann. (72 min.) |
Tue, 29 March 2011
Highlights from a stunning performance of Elektra from Syracuse,New York in 1977. Christopher Keene is the conductor and the magnificent soprano Olivia Stapp is the Elektra. Natalie Costa is Chrysothemis, Lili Chookasian is Klytaemestra, Richard Cross is Orestes, and Alan Crabbe is Aegisth. I know this performance will thrill you. (65 min.)
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Mon, 28 March 2011
In memory of the late Joan Sutherland, here are scenes from a live 1970 Traviata under Richard Bonynge with Mme.Sutherland,Sherrill Milnes, and Giacomo Aragall. The Flora is a newcomer named Frederica Von Stade. (72 min.) |
Sat, 26 March 2011
Act three of the glorious 1956 Tosca. (30 min.)
I hope you have enjoyed one of the greatest performances in my memory. |
Sat, 26 March 2011
ACT TWO OF THE FABULOUS 1956 TOSCA (45 min.) |
Sat, 26 March 2011
The first of three podcasts featuring the complete Jan.7, 1956 Tosca under Dimitri Mitropolous and starring Renata Tebaldi, Richard Tucker, Leonard Warren, and Fernando Corena. (48 min.) |
Fri, 25 March 2011
As I do each year, I wished the wonderful Magda Olivero a happy birthday today,Mar.25th, and she sends her "abbraccio" to all of you. This podcast contains live material from Amsterdam between 1962 and 1972 and is testament to the miracle of her art. I do hope you enjoy it and will search Youtube for much more material.(68 min.) Manon Lescaut ,Tosca,Iris,Risurrezione,Adriana, Mefistofele, Iris, Manon Lescaut (1964),Turandot, Gianni Schicchi, Boheme, La Rondine, Fanciulla del West |
Sun, 20 March 2011
A most exciting performance (exc.) of Samson et Delilah from 1964 Dallas with Rita Gorr, Mario del Monaco, and Enzo Sordello. The sound is a bit distant, but I feel the level of the performance will compensate. After the exc. you get a bonus, where in a rehearsal, Gorr admonishes poor Mario for not being in costume. (55 min.) |
Sat, 19 March 2011
Dear Joseph Calleja, who has been brilliant recently in the Met Lucia,in some arias from his albums.Included are: Paris Entrance from Le Belle Helene, Butterfly Addio, Maristella's "Io conosco un giardino," Pourquoi me reveiller, O mio rimorso, and the Finale of Lucia. (21 glorious minutes)
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Thu, 10 March 2011
A historical evening as Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli make their Met debuts on Jan.27, 1961. Also featuring Robert Merrill,Irene Dalis and a girl named Teresa Stratas as Inez. (Cleva conducting) (67 min.) |
Thu, 10 March 2011
A rather "unsubtle" La Boheme under Franco Mannino from Macerata, 1971. Franco Corelli,Luisa Maragliano, and Giangiacomo Guelfi must have "escaped' from Il Trovatore for this show. Completing the cast are Elvidia Ferracuti and Nicola Zaccaria. If you favorite opera is Pelleas et Melisande, do not listen to this one. (67 min.) |
Sun, 6 March 2011
Highlights from a most exciting performance of Tannhauser from 1942 under George Szell.It features the legendary Lauritz Melchior, Helen Traubel, Herbert Janssen, Kerstin Thorborg, and Alexander Kipnis. (67 min.) |
Thu, 24 February 2011
As per request, I am offering you another mini-podcast. This is my adopted sister Virginia Zeani singing the great "To this we've come' (Da questo di) from a Spoleto performance of Menotti's "Il Console.". It is an example of the amazing emotion she exhibited. It also demonstrates that you could sing in healthy chest voice and still have a huge career. Nowadays few singers are able to blend the lower voice with the middle, resulting in some very "empty' tones in the lower range.hould we blame the teachers? Do they consider chest voice "vulgar?" I get very angry when sopranos refuse to use the lower part of the voice, even in a mixed chest;so much of the music is lost! |
Mon, 21 February 2011
I ain't a Ramey, a Plishka, not even a Pinza...and surely not a real basso, but I think this is not bad. You do not have to be kind.I still love you all. Charlie |
Sun, 20 February 2011
In the 1960's, we discovered the great LA PUMA opera co.in New York. We usually had to sit in the back and keep hankies over our faces because we had to try to hold back getting hysterical.They finally threw us out one night. What can I say about this?? I miss it so much...but at least we have our memories. (Did they have DEPENDS at that time??) |
Sun, 20 February 2011
Anyone who collects "Opera oddities" will recognize this as the craziest thing EVER! I attended Ashley Putnam's Traviata debut at City Opera in 1977, and suddenly, as Henry Price started his aria, a lady in the orchestra let out a GESCHREI!!! To this day we never exactly found out why she did this..but some of us guess that a rival tenor did it!! When I wrote Henry Price that I was there..he wrote back, "So was I!!!" Make sure no little kids or furry animals are in the room when you play this!~!!! |
Sun, 13 February 2011
Highlights from a live 1961 performance of "La Rondine" with Licia Albanese and Daniele Barioni. The conductor is Giuseppe Bamboschek. The sound is on the distant side, but it is a wonderful performance.(51 min.)
In the photo, Licia kisses the stage of the old Met in 1966, as this was the last performance. I was there, and it was a very sad night. |
Sat, 12 February 2011
Six great divas sing the final scene from Salome: Inge Borgkh, Maria Cebotari, Marisa Galvany, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Ljuba Welitsch (68 min.) |
Sat, 5 February 2011
Highlights from an exciting performance of Roberto Devereux from London, 2002 under Maurizio Benini and featuring Nelly Miricoiou,Jose Bros,Sonia Ganassi, and Roberto Frontali. (68 min.) |
Thu, 3 February 2011
A bi-lingual presentation of highlights from Aida and Otello from French Radio 1948, conducted by Jules Gressier. It features Jose Luccioni,Maria Vitale, Charles Gambon. (71 min.) |
Sat, 15 January 2011
A 1951 Manon w.Licia Albanese, Giuseppe Di Stefano,Martial Singher, Jerome Hines, and Allesio de Paolis under Fausto Cleva (70 min.) |
Sat, 8 January 2011
A stunning (stereophonic) performance by Kirsten Flagstad(age 56) with Astrid Varnay,Ferdinand Frantz,Blanche Thebom, and Gunther Treptow, conducted by Fritz Stiedry (70 min.) |
Fri, 7 January 2011
Compilation of 15 baritones singing the Tannhauser Evening Star aria. They are,in order: Ramon Blanchart, Giuseppe de Luca, Mattia Battistini, Joel Berglund, Sigurd Bjoerling, Michael Bohnen, Joseph Schwarz, Eberhard Waechter, Thomas Tipton, Heinrich Schlusnus, Alexander Sved, Herbert Janssen, Gerhard Huesch, Lawrence Tibbett, and George London. (68 min.) |
Tue, 28 December 2010
Highlights from a fine performance of Bellini's "I Puritani" from Phil.1972 under Anton Guadagno. It features Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, Paul Plishka, and Louis Quilico. (70 min.) |
Tue, 28 December 2010
The happiest of birthdays (Dec.28) to Piotr Beczala, one of opera's greatest artists. Here are arias from Aleko,Rusalka,Rigoletto,Hoffmann, and Romeo. A big "BRAVO" to one of the great singers of today, and ANY opera era |
Mon, 20 December 2010
Highlights from a fine performance of Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci" from La Scala, 1987. This was one of the last performances of Jose Carreras prior to his illness. Diana Soviero is the Nedda, John Rawnsley is Tonio, Angelo Romero is Silvio, and William Matteuzzi is Beppe. The conductor is Giuseppe Patane (60 min.) |
Tue, 14 December 2010
Selections from the cd's of 13 of our wonderful present-day tenors. We are so lucky to have them performing in the world of opera. In order, they are: Ben Heppner, Johan Botha, Roberto Alagna, Marcelo Alvarez, Rolando Villazon, Salvatore Licitra, Ramon Vargas, Vittorio Grigolo, Jonas Kaufmann, Juan Diego Flores, Joseph Calleja, Marcelo Giordani, and Piotr Beczala. (60 min.) |
Sun, 12 December 2010
A compilation of 9 tenors singing the finale of act two of Romeo et Juliette, ending with a high C. The tenors (in correct order) are: Augustinello Afre, Georges Nore, Raoul Jobin, Franco Corelli, Stephen Costello, Alfredo Kraus, Ramon Vargas, Joseph Calleja, and Jussi Bjoerling. (37 min.) |
Sat, 11 December 2010
An exciting compilation of material from various Verdi operas, as issued in 1951 on Cetra-Soria, for the Verdi year. Included are scenes (in correct order) from: Otello, Ballo in Maschera, La Battaglia di Legnano,Ernani, I Due Foscari, Il Trovatore, Luisa Miller, I Lombardi, Nabucco, Don Carlo, and Aida (casts are announced) (66 min.) |
Fri, 10 December 2010
Highlights from a live 1975 performance of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's "Die Tote Stadt," featuring Carol Neblett, John Alexander, and Dominic Cossa, conducted by Jules Rudel. (55 min.). Note:This is a live perf.so there is some distance in the recording. |
Tue, 7 December 2010
Here are some scenes (live and recorded) of the great tenor, Giuseppe "Pippo" Di Stefano. They are from Tosca,Turandot, Mme.Butterfly, La Boheme and Il Tabarro. Leonard Warren, Renata Tebaldi and Maria Callas also appear in these excerpts. I have announced all the selections on the podcast. (56 min.) |
Mon, 29 November 2010
Act Three exc.from Werther with Crespin,Corelli,Readon, from a non-broadcast in 1972, followed by exc.from act three with Zeani and Kraus (In Italian). Enjoy!! (70 min.) |
Sun, 28 November 2010
On November 13, 1986, Diana Soviero made her Met debut as Juliette, conducted by Placido Domingo, and featuring Alfredo Kraus and Paul Plishka. I know you will love it!!!! (58 min.) |
Sun, 28 November 2010
In memory of the late wonderful Shirley Verrett, we present highlights from a live La Scala performance of Samson et Delilah, from 1970 under Georges Pretre. Richard Cassilly, Robert Massard, and Leonardo Monreale complete the cast. As a bonus, Shirley Verrett sings the Death of Dido from a Troyens perf. in 1969 in Rome. (72 min.) When they leave us, a part of us breaks away,but our memories stay with us forever. Charlie |
Sun, 21 November 2010
Hiya all,
You know I have become acquainted with this glorious Polish tenor, Piotr Beczala, and I will be seeing him soon at the Met in Boheme and Romeo (I ordered tickets for THREE Romeos...I rarely do anything like that.). From Piotr's new album on the Orfeo label, I present arias from Prince Igor, Janek (Zelenski), and Eugen Onegin. I heartily recommend this album to you and hope these three selections give you a sampling of the album. Thanks for your patience
P.S. I re-installed Propaganda and will fix those interruptions..They think I am NEW!!!!!! Charlie
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Mon, 2 August 2010
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Mon, 2 August 2010
When the London/Decca Ring recordings were finished, Deryck Cooke recorded a most enlightening analysis of the Ring, using scenes from the recordings. I found this most enlightening, and wish to present about 50 minutes of it to you. I hope you enjoy it. Remember, I miss your comments, so send them to me at Placido21@aol.com. I had to cancel that comment section owing to those ads. (50 min.) |
Wed, 28 July 2010
The great Leonard Warren stars in highlights from a 1950 Mexico City Simon Boccanegra.Also in the cast are Mario Filippeschi,Celia Garcia, Roberto Silva, and Ignacio Ruffino. The conductor is Renato Cellini (62 min.) |
Sun, 25 July 2010
The great Renata Tebaldi in scenes from Andrea Chenier,Manon Lescaut, L'Assedio di Corinto, Faust, and the Stabat Mater of Rossini (Inflammatus) (69 min.) |
Fri, 9 July 2010
A pot-pourri of some of the oddities I have previously pubished, but now all together to make you laugh,cry, or never talk to me again,etc. I think you will have fun..Great for parties!!!! (74 min.) |
Sun, 20 June 2010
​Many great singers sang Verdi in German, and we do not wish to neglect them, even if the vocal line is not what we usually expect. Here are some of the great artists singing Verdi in German:
Margarete Klose, Martha Moedl, Carla Martinis, Helge Roswaenge (pictured),Heinrich Schlusnus, Birgit Nilsson, Sebastian Feiersinger, Georg Hann, Gottlob Frick, and Leonie Rysanek (68 min.) |
Wed, 2 June 2010
A thrilling Cavalleria (excerpts) with Marisa Galvany, Placido Domingo, and Signore Ciminelli under Anton Guadagno from 1973 in Hartford,Ct. did Mayr's "Medea in Corinto" we posed for the photo you see. |
Mon, 31 May 2010
Listen to highlights from an exciting live performance of Zandonai's thrilling opera "Francesca da Rimini from 1973 under Eve Queler. It features Placido Domingo, Raina Kabaiwanska, and Matteo Manuguerra. I know you will enjoy it!!! (65 min.)​ |
Mon, 31 May 2010
The superb basso, Carlo Colombara, a good buddy to many of us on Facebook,sings Italian and American songs. I know you will enjoy them. He reminds me of Cesare Siepi.
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Sun, 30 May 2010
Highlights from a Berlin 1980 Macbeth w.Olivia Stapp, Renato Bruson, Veriano Luchetti, and Victor von Halem ,conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli (71 min.)
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Wed, 5 May 2010
The superb lyric-coluratura soprano, Diana Damrau, in a recital of songs by Berg, Strauss, Mahler, Zemlinsky, and Wolf,plus a Mozart concert aria w.orch.(59 min.) |
Wed, 5 May 2010
Today, May 5,2010 we pay tribute to the great Giulietta Simionato, who passed away at age 99. She was a phenomenal icon in the world of opera and we remember her fondly. I include highlights from Aida, Cavalleria, Barbiere, Mignon, Anna Bolena, Mignon, Carmen, and Werther (72 min.) |
Tue, 4 May 2010
Ten wonderful sopranos sing the finale of Act one of Anna Bolena. The singers (in order of selections)are: Renata Scotto, Beverly Sills, Olivia Stapp, Maria Callas(in photo), Elena Suliotis, Dimitra Theodossiou, Joan Sutherland, Leyla Gencer, Edita Gruberova, and Marisa Galvany. (50 min.) Send me a VOTE on your top 2 favorites!!!!!!!!!! |
Mon, 3 May 2010
The phenomenal voice of Montserrat Caballe is heard in two Donizetti works: Parisina (exc.) w.Jerome Pruett, Louis Quilico, and James Morris Roberto Devereux (exc.) with Jose Carreras and Vicente Sardinero (66 min.) |
Fri, 23 April 2010
Hiya all, Despite allergies, arthritis, beri-beri, and misery not going yet to the MET, Included are: As always, thanks so much for your lovely comments. Carlo Handelmania |
Tue, 13 April 2010
The 2/8/77 Amsterdam farewell recital of Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, accompanied by Geoffrey Parsons. (70 min.) She performs songs of R.Strauss, Wolf, Schubert, MahlerLiszt, Schumann, Wolf-Ferrari. |
Sun, 11 April 2010
A tribute to Jerome Hines, a great artist. The selections are anounced and biographical material is included. (73 min.)
The American Jerome A. Hines (November 8, 1921 – February 4, 2003) was a well-known basso opera singer who was associated with the Metropolitan Opera for many years. His height (6ft 6 inches, or 2m), stage presence and stentorian voice made him ideal for such roles as Sarastro in The Magic Flute, Mephistopheles in Faust, Ramfis in Aida, the Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlos, the title role of Boris Godunov and King Mark in Tristan und Isolde. Hines was born Jerome Albert Link Heinz in Hollywood, California. He studied mathematics and chemistry at the University of California, while also taking vocal lessons. Hines made his operatic debut at the San Francisco Opera in 1941, singing Monterone in Rigoletto. He changed his surname to Hines at the suggestion of his manager Sol Hurok to avoid the anti-German feelings prevalent during World War II.[1] In 1946, Hines made his debut at the Met as the Sergeant in Boris Godunov. He went on to sing forty-one seasons there, longer than any other Met singer, encompassing forty-five roles in thirty-nine operas. During this time he pursued further voice studies with Samuel Margolis and Vladimir Rosing. In 1953, Hines made his European debut with Glyndebourne as Nick Shadow at the Edinburgh Festival in the first British performances of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress. In 1958, he made his debut at La Scala in the title role of Handel's Hercules. From 1958 to 1963, he sang at Bayreuth in the roles of Gurnemanz, King Mark and Wotan. In 1961, he first appeared at the San Carlo in the title role of Boito's Mefistofele. In 1962, he sang Boris Godunov at the Bolshoi in Moscow, famously for Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev on the eve of the resolution of the Cuban Missile crisis. Hines turned to coaching later in his career, founding the Opera-Music Theatre Institute of New Jersey in 1987, but he continued performing virtually until the end of his life; among his last appearances was a concert performance as the Grand Inquisitor with the Boston Bel Canto Opera in 2001 at the age of 79.
A born-again Christian and member of the Salvation Army, Hines composed an opera on the life of Jesus, I Am the Way. He sang the role of Jesus at the Met in 1968 and performed the work many times around the world. Hines wrote a memoir, This is My Story, This is My Song (1969) ISBN 0-8007-0313-8, and two books on singing, The Four Voices of Man (1997) ISBN 0-87910-099-0 and Great Singers on Great Singing (1982) ISBN 0-87910-025-7. Hines died of undisclosed causes in 2003, at age 81 at a Manhattan hospital. Hines was married to the soprano Lucia Evangelista from 1952 until her death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2000. They had four children, David, Andrew, John and Russell. For most of his life, he lived in South Orange, New Jersey. [edit] External links |
Thu, 8 April 2010
Jussi Boerling Returns to the Met on Nov.16,1959,sadly,only one year before the great man's passing. Giulietta Simionato is a sensational Santuzza, with Rosalind Elias, Walter, Cassell, Thelma Votipka (Cond.Nino Verchi) (50 min.) GOD BLESS HIM FOREVER!! |
Sat, 3 April 2010
A tribute to the lovely French soprano, Eide Norena. She sings arias from Zauberflote, Seraglio,Hamlet, William Tell, Turandot, Traviata,Rigoletto,and Gounod's Serenade. (44 min.) |
Sun, 28 March 2010
We mourn the passing of the superb mezzo, Blanche Thebom. Here are scenes from Aida, Norma, Samson et Delilah, Don Carlo, and Tristan und Isolde. She was a wonderful singer and artist, with a beautiful rich voice. Rest in peace. |
Thu, 25 March 2010
How can anyone adequately describe the miracle of the today 100 year old Magda Olivero. I spoke to her this morning and she gives you all "un abbraccio!!" CENT'ANNI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Listen to the selections and thrill to this great great lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (66 min)
Correction:The Fedora I mentioned was in New Jersey, not in New York as I stated.
P.S. and when I called her and a friend called her she said the entire (new) apt.is covered w.Flowers......
GOD BLESS HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mon, 22 March 2010
Ballo in Maschera highlights from 1944 under Bruno Walter. The cast includes Zinka Milanov,Leonard Warren, Jan Peerce, Frances Greer, and Kerstin Thorborg (67 min.)
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Sun, 21 March 2010
Songs and arias as sung by the legendary tenor, Tito Schipa, a master of exquisite phrasing and the "love of the vocal line." His singing is a true vocal LESSON in how to phrase with beauty and delicacy. (68 min.) |
Sat, 20 March 2010
Celebrating the birthdays of the great Beniamino Gigli and the equally great Lauritz Melchior, both born on March 20, 1890. I guess the Gods were smiling on that day! (45 min.) |
Sat, 20 March 2010
You want a fabulous cast?????? Listen to this Adriana Lecouvreur from Naples, 1959 under Mario Rossi. Magda Olivero (100 yrs.old on Mar.25),Franco,Corelli, Giulietta Simionato, Ettore Bastianini (67 min.) |
Fri, 19 March 2010
March 19, 2010 marks the birthday of my two favorite divas: A beautiful happy birthday to dear Diana, someone who captured my heart over 30 years ago. I have heard them all (well, after Melba), and she remains for me one of the greatest sopranos and a beautiful human being! |
Mon, 15 March 2010
Enjoy highlights from the 1986 Romeo et Juliette, marking the Met debut of my dear Diana Soviero and the marvelous Alfredo Kraus, with Paul Plishka and Brian Shexnayder under Placido Domingo. (57 min.) Gee, the photo shows we were young once-upon-a-time. |
Mon, 15 March 2010
A compilation of baritones (and one lady) singing the Rigolettto "Cortigiani." Included (in order) are:Riccardo Stracciari, Giuseppe Danise,Michael Bohnen, Heinrich Schlusnus, Paolo Silveri, Piero Cappuccilli, Franz Grundheber, Louis Quilico, Thomas Tipton, Cornell MacNeil, Robert Merrill, Leonard Warren, and in a Julliard coaching session in 1971 with baritone Sung Kil Kim, MARIA CALLAS!
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Thu, 11 March 2010
A fine Tosca from Vienna ,1976 under Horst Stein, Featured are Montserrat Caballe, Carlo Bergonzi, and Gianpiero Mastromei (71 min.) |
Sun, 28 February 2010
Highlights from a great 1955 Salome under Dimitri Mitropolous. It features: Christel Goltz, Ramon Vinay,Blanche Thebom, Paul Schoeffler, and Brian Sullivan, (69 min.of excitement) |
Thu, 25 February 2010
The famous exponent of Bel Canto, Mattia Battistini (1856-1928), who even sang at 70. He was quite an amazing singer, but sadly ocean voyages scared him, so we never had him in New York.(He said, "The channel was enough!")
He sings material from Don Giovanni, Ernani (w.Emilia Corsi),Damnation of Faust,Hamlet,Ballo,Traviata, Martha, Favorita,Zampa, Don Sebastiano, and Cocchi's "Per la patria." |
Tue, 23 February 2010
The baritone Herman Uhde was one of our finest artists.Sadly he passed away at 51 but he does leave us a legacy of his live appearances: You will hear scenes from Das Rheingold, Julius Caesar, Don Carlo, Fidelio, Parsifal, Arabella (w.Lisa della Casa), Gotterdamerung, Elektra (w.Chrystal Goltz), and Wozzeck (in photo) w.Eleanor Steber) (64 min.) |
Sun, 21 February 2010
We remember the great Russian mezzo, Irina Arkhipova, who just passed away at 85. She sings scenes from Boris, Pique Dame, Mazeppa, and a Monologue from Arensky's "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai. (70 min.) All music inspired by Alexander Pushkin |
Sun, 21 February 2010
Medea exc.from 1958 Dallas under Nicola Rescigno. Maria Callas, Jon Vickers, Teresa Berganza,Elizabeth Carron, Nicola Zaccaria You want FIRE???????????????? Here it is!!!!!!! (70 min.) |
Fri, 19 February 2010
A superb Lucrezia Borgia under Nicola Rescigno from Dallas, 1973. Featured are: Leyla Gencer, Tatiana Troyanos, Jose Carreras, and Matteo Manuguerra. (68 minutes) |
Wed, 17 February 2010
Songs and arias as sung by the magnificent tenor, Charles Kullman (1903-1983). Kullman should be heralded as one of the finest tenors in opera history. (54 min.) |
Tue, 16 February 2010
The tragedy of the early death of the marvelous Fritz Wunderlich will always haunt us, but at least he left a legacy of superb recordings. Here is an abridged WDR Radio)performanc e under Franz Marszalek( 71 min.) Fritz Wunderlich as Sou-Chong |
Tue, 16 February 2010
Part Two of that glorious 1955 Aida. (ooops, I put my brief narration at the end in error.) Stella, Corelli, Barbieri, Colzani, Petri (Gui ) |
Sun, 14 February 2010
Part one of a fabulous Aida from Naples 1955 under Vittorio Gui.
Featured are Antonietta Stella, Franco Corelli, Fedora Barbieri, Anselmo Colzani, and Mario Petri (48 blazing minutes) |
Sat, 13 February 2010
This magnificent 1957 Andrea Chenier will thrill you as much as it did me when I saw it live. Zinka Milanov, Richard Tucker, and Leonard Warren are the leads, with Frank Valentino, Fernando Corena, and Rosalind Elias under Fausto Cleva. I await your comments on this great performance. (69 min.)
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Fri, 12 February 2010
A collection of material as composed by Hector Berlioz. Featured are: Edmont Clement, Richard Mayr, Jean Planel, Berthe Auguez de Montalant, Pol Plancon, Emilio de Gogorza, Maurice Renaud, Giovanni Zenatello, Giuseppe Malipiero, Georges Thill, and Germaine Martinelli. (60 min.) |