A Brilliant Parsifal

 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.)

Direct download: Pars.Met_1954.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

The Young Diana Soviero

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.)

Direct download: Soviero_Young.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:40am EDT

Tannhauser with Renata Tebaldi

  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.)

Direct download: Tann.Tebaldi.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:03pm EDT

ALCINA

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.)

Direct download: Alcina.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:26am EDT

An Exciting Stiffelio

 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.)

Direct download: Stiffelio_Theod..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT

Maria Gets Crazy

 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.)

Direct download: Callas_Mad_sc..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

Beniamino Gigli in La Forza del Destino

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.)

Direct download: Forza_Gigli.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:38pm EDT

Duke Bluebeard's Castle

  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.)

Direct download: Bluebeard.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:55pm EDT

Tristan und Isolde Act Two

  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.)

Direct download: Trist.act_2_Flag..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:59pm EDT

Cavalleria Rusticana With Dolora Zajick

  An excerpted Cavalleria Rusticana with the great mezzo, Dolora Zajick as Santuzza and the fine tenor Fabio Armiliato as TuridduThe Alfio is Bruno Pola, the Lola is Wendy White, and the Mamma Lucia is Jane Shaulis. The conductor is Simone Young.   (70 min.)

Direct download: Cav.Zajick.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:12pm EDT

A Traviata for Marisa Galvany's Birthday

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.

Direct download: Galvany_Trav..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:21pm EDT

Medea With Marisa Galvany

  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


Direct download: Medea_Galvany.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:12pm EDT

HAPPY 98th to Dear Rise Stevens

  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)

Direct download: Rise_98.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:03pm EDT

FALSTAFF 1949

 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.)

Direct download: Falstaff_Warren2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:44pm EDT

AN EXCITING ATTILA

 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.)

Direct download: Attila_Theod..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:17pm EDT

VESTI LA GIUBBA QUIZ!!!!!

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.)

Direct download: Vesti_la_Giubba.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:03pm EDT

La Forza del Destino 1953

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.)

Direct download: forza_1953_Teb..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:01pm EDT

A Fabulous Walkure

  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.)

Direct download: Walkure_1968.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:38pm EDT

La Rondine With Diana Soviero

 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.)

  

Direct download: Rondine_Soviero.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:49pm EDT

The Great Giulietta Simionato

Tribute to the late great Giulietta Simionato with scenes from Aida,Adriana,Carmen,Cavalleria,Italiana,Nozze di Figaro,Trovatore,Don Carlo,Cenerentola

                                                               (57 min.)

Direct download: Giulietta.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:30am EDT

GOTTERDAMERUNG W.RITA HUNTER

 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)

Direct download: Hunter_Gotter..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:05pm EDT

Michael Bohnen

  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.)

Direct download: Bohnen.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:08pm EDT

LEGENDARY BARITONES

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.)

Direct download: Leg.Baritones.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:21pm EDT

A GLORIOUS FORZA!!!

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.)

Direct download: Stella_Forza.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:57pm EDT

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLANDER  1942

Highlights from a 1942 Bayreuth Flying Dutchman under Richard Kraus. Featured are Joel Berglund, Maria Muller, Franz Voelker, and Ludwig Hofmann. (72 min.)

Direct download: Dutch.Berglund.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:40pm EDT

ELEKTRA WITH OLIVIA STAPP

  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.)

 


Direct download: Elektra_Stapp.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:29pm EDT

LA TRAVIATA WITH JOAN SUTHERLAND

   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.)

Direct download: Trav.Suth..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:30am EDT

TOSCA 1956 ACT THREE

    Act three of the glorious 1956 Tosca.  (30 min.)

 

              I hope you have enjoyed one of the greatest performances in my memory.

Direct download: Tosca_1956_Teb.act_3.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:49am EDT

TOSCA 1956 ACT TWO

                                ACT TWO OF THE FABULOUS 1956 TOSCA   (45 min.)

Direct download: Tosca_Teb.1956_act_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:38am EDT

TOSCA 1956 ACT ONE

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.)

Direct download: Tosca_1956_Teb.Act_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:24am EDT

HAPPY 101ST BIRTHDAY TO MAGDA OLIVERO

 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

Direct download: Olivero_101.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:47pm EDT

SAMSON ET DELILAH WITH .GORR, DEL MONACO

  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.)

Direct download: DelM_Samson.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:23pm EDT

The Superb Joseph Calleja

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)

 

Direct download: Calleja_2011.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:47am EDT

The Met debuts of Price and Corelli

 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.)

Direct download: Trov.Debuts_1961.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:04pm EDT

LA BOHEME WITH FRANCO CORELLI

   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.)

Direct download: Corelli_Boheme.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

TANNHAUSER WITH LAURITZ MELCHIOR

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.)

Direct download: Tann.Melchior.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:56am EDT

Virginia Zeani in "Il Console"

   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!

Direct download: Zeani_Console_pod.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:37am EDT

I tried!!!!

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

Direct download: Handelman_Ramfis.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:02am EDT

ACH! VAS IST DAS????? WALKURE?????

   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??)

Direct download: Puma_Walkure.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:35pm EDT

I WAS THERE!!!!!!

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!~!!!

Direct download: Putnam_Scream.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:04pm EDT

La Rondine with Licia Albanese

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.

Direct download: Rondine_Licia.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:01pm EDT

The Final Scene From Salome in Comparison

Six great divas sing the final scene from Salome:

Inge Borgkh, Maria Cebotari, Marisa Galvany, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Ljuba Welitsch  (68 min.)

Direct download: Salomes.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:44pm EDT

Roberto Devereux Exc.With Nelly Miricioiu

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.)

Direct download: Dever.Miric..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:59pm EDT

JOSE LUCCIONI IN OPERA

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.)

Direct download: Luccioni_operas.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:56pm EDT

Manon 1951

A 1951 Manon w.Licia Albanese, Giuseppe Di Stefano,Martial Singher, Jerome Hines, and Allesio de Paolis under Fausto Cleva   (70 min.)

Direct download: Manon_1951.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

Walkure Highlights from 1951

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.)

Direct download: Walkure_Met_1951.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:11pm EDT

The Evening Star

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.)

Direct download: Evening_Star.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:12pm EDT

I Puritani w.Sills, Pavarotti

 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.)

Direct download: Puritani_Sills.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:12pm EDT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PIOTR BECZALA

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

Direct download: Piotr_Birthday_2010.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:50pm EDT

Pagliacci From La Scala 1987

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.)

Direct download: Pag1987Scala.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:16pm EDT

Tenors of Today

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.)

Direct download: Tenors_of_Today-13.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:51pm EDT

Romeo et Juliette Act 2 Finale

 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.)

Direct download: Romeo_Act_2_end.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:17pm EDT

Verdi on Cetra-Soria

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.)

Direct download: Cetra_Verdi.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:33pm EDT

Die Tote Stadt

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.

Direct download: Tote_Stadt.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:43pm EDT

Early Puccini Recordings of Giuseppe di Stefano

  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.)

Direct download: Pippo_Puccini.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:17pm EDT

Werther Exc. W.Corelli/Kraus

 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.)

Direct download: Two_Werthers_exc..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:18pm EDT

Diana Soviero's Met Debut

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.)

Direct download: Soviero_Juliette_debut.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:24pm EDT

Samson et Delilah, a Tribute to Shirley Verrett

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

Direct download: Verret_Delilah.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:09pm EDT

Piotr Beczala Sings Slavic Arias

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

 

 

Direct download: Beczala_Slavic.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:09am EDT

The superb voice of Mirella Freni
  1. Mirella Freni, one of the great sopranos  in the world of opera, is presented in live performances. She sings the Strauss Four Last Songs, and arias from Gianni Schicchi,Adriana Lecouvreur, L'Amico Fritz, La Boheme, Turandot,Carmen, Vespri Siciliani, and the Eugen Onegin Letter Scene.  (70 min.)
Direct download: Mirella_Freni.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:26pm EDT

A fascinating Analysis of the Ring

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.)

Direct download: Ring_Analysis.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

Simon Boccanegra 1950

  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.)

Direct download: Warren_Simone_1950.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:09pm EDT

Renata Tebaldi  1949-1959

   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.)

Direct download: Early_Tebaldi.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:24pm EDT

Operatic Oddities 2

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.)

Direct download: Oddities_Pot-pourri.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:29pm EDT

Verdi in Deutsch
​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.)
Direct download: Verdi_in_Deutsch.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:59pm EDT

  A thrilling Cavalleria (excerpts) with Marisa Galvany, Placido Domingo, and Signore Ciminelli under Anton Guadagno from 1973 in Hartford,Ct.
   I also​ added a Galvany bonus (What else is new?) with scenes from Macbeth,Medea,Traviata and Nabucco.    (60 min.)   After Marisa

 did Mayr's "Medea in Corinto" we posed for the photo you see.

Direct download: Cavalleria_w.Galvany.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:11am EDT

   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.)​

Direct download: Francesca_1973.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:30pm EDT

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.  

  

Direct download: Colombara_Songs.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:41pm EDT

Macbeth excerpts with Stapp and Bruson

 Highlights from a Berlin 1980 Macbeth w.Olivia Stapp,  Renato Bruson, Veriano Luchetti, and

Victor von Halem ,conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli    (71 min.)

   This is in celebration of dear Olivia's birthday on May 30.

 


 

Direct download: Stapp_Macbeth_Exc..mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:31pm EDT

 Diana Damrau Recital

    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.)

Direct download: 2010-05-05-17-03-12.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:30pm EDT

In Memory of Giulietta Simionato

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.)

Direct download: 2010-05-05-12-22-32.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:54pm EDT

 Anna Bolena Act 1 finale

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!!!!!!!!!!

Direct download: 2010-05-04-17-15-15.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:35pm EDT

 Montserrat  Caballe sings Donizetti operas

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.)

Direct download: 2010-05-03-22-55-14.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:22pm EDT

Radio Hour vol.1

Hiya all,

         Despite allergies, arthritis, beri-beri, and misery not going yet to the MET,
I am back with you to present various singers in live performances on radio from the 1940's.

Included are:
                  Eileen Farrell, Stella Roman (pictured),Gladys Swarthout,Hilde Reggiani, Astrid Varnay,Licia Albanese, Norina Greco, Jan Peerce, Rene Maison, Robert Weede, Lauritz Melchior,and Richard Bonelli.   (61 min.)

                              As always, thanks so much for your lovely comments.

                                                 Carlo Handelmania

Direct download: 2010-04-23-17-42-48.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:05pm EDT

 Elizabeth Schwarzkopf's 1977 Farewell

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.

Direct download: 2010-04-13-19-00-58.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:27pm EDT

A tribute to Jerome Hines

 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

Direct download: 2010-04-11-11-42-38.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:10pm EDT

Jussi Bjoerling's Cav Return to the Me

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!!

Direct download: 2010-04-08-04-06-32.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:27am EDT

Eide Norena (1884-1968)

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.)

Direct download: 2010-04-03-18-53-17.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:10pm EDT

 Blanche Thebom Tribute

   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.

Direct download: 2010-03-28-19-36-56.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:58pm EDT

Magda Olivero is 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Direct download: 2010-03-25-12-53-17.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:19pm EDT

Ballo 1944 Met

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.)

Direct download: 2010-03-22-13-39-07.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:07pm EDT

 Tito Schipa

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.)

Direct download: 2010-03-21-14-35-38.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:04pm EDT

Gigli/Melchior Birthdays 3/20/1890

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.)

Direct download: 2010-03-20-19-39-07.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:57pm EDT

Adriana Olivero 1959

 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.)

Direct download: 2010-03-20-12-33-22.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Happy Birthday to Diana Soviero

  March 19, 2010 marks the birthday of my two favorite divas:
        First, my darling friend and great opera star, Diana Soviero, heard here in Puccini roles, and then my adored mother, who couldn't sing, but she did a mean fox-trot and was in the Follies. I would add that while mom never met Richard Tucker, she did know Sophie!

     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!

Direct download: 2010-03-19-11-49-37.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:07pm EDT

Soviero Debut Juliette

 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.

Direct download: 2010-03-15-17-43-23.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:10pm EDT

Cortigiani Compilation

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!
                                                           (74 min.)

 

Direct download: 2010-03-15-09-47-15.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:19am EDT

Caballe/Bergonzi Tosca from Vienna

 A fine Tosca from Vienna ,1976 under Horst Stein,

 Featured are Montserrat Caballe, Carlo Bergonzi, and Gianpiero Mastromei  (71 min.)

Direct download: 2010-03-11-15-01-07.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Salome Met 1955

 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)

Direct download: 2010-02-28-18-22-07.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:53pm EDT

Mattia Battistini

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."

Direct download: 2010-02-25-15-25-14.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:51pm EDT

 Tribute to Herman Uhde

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.)

Direct download: 2010-02-23-15-26-51.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

Irina Arkhipova,Rest in Peace

 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

Direct download: 2010-02-21-23-06-54.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

Callas Dallas Medea 1958

 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.)

Direct download: 2010-02-21-18-13-40.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:39pm EDT

 Lucrezia Borgia 1973 Dallas

A superb Lucrezia Borgia under Nicola Rescigno from Dallas, 1973.

Featured are: Leyla Gencer, Tatiana Troyanos, Jose Carreras, and Matteo Manuguerra.   (68 minutes)

Direct download: 2010-02-19-15-34-35.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT

Charles Kullman

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.)

Direct download: 2010-02-17-20-46-40.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:10pm EDT

 The Land of Smiles

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
Antonia Fahberg as Lisa
Ernst Stankovski as Graf Gustl
Luise Camer/Gerlinde Locker as Mi

Direct download: 2010-02-16-19-36-20.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:07pm EDT

Aida  Naples1955 pt2

Part Two of that glorious 1955 Aida. (ooops, I put my brief narration at the end in error.)

Stella, Corelli, Barbieri, Colzani, Petri  (Gui )

Direct download: 2010-02-16-13-34-45.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:00pm EDT

Aida  from Naples 1955 pt.1

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)

Direct download: 2010-02-14-13-47-32.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:07pm EDT

A Fabulous Andrea Chenier

   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.)

 

 

Direct download: 2010-02-13-12-00-59.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:32pm EDT

Berlioz Historical

   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.)

Direct download: 2010-02-12-18-05-25.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:27pm EDT


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