Cornell MacNeil, born Sept.24, 1922, caused a FUROR every time he sang his sensational high notes. It was breathtaking!!! Bless this man, not just for high notes, but for his great singing.

Category:general -- posted at: 8:42pm EDT

  The night after we saw Warren pass away on stage, the great Bastianini, born Sept.22, 1922, sang a magnificent Gerard in Andrea Chenier. It was March 5, 1960 and we were not in a very good mood;however, at least we did hear another great baritone. We lost him too soon of throat cancer, but he will always be remembered as one of the great baritones.

Category:general -- posted at: 8:38pm EDT

I heard this great man shortly before his passing. He sang this aria and "La donna e mobile."He sounded as brilliant always. Born Sept.24, 1927, he was a model of taste,style,technique.One of the greatest tenors ever!

Category:general -- posted at: 8:34pm EDT

  One of the most famous sopranos, Elizabeth Rethberg, born Sept. 22, 1894. I am told that we just do not get the gorgeous "overtones" on recordings, whichhappens very often.

  Repairman due tomorrow so hold your breath and hope to resume regular podcasts soon.

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

  Here is an example of Rise's great versatility. They showed some clips from her films tonight at the tribute.

Category:general -- posted at: 1:51am EDT

I was 16 and sneaked into the backstage area at the old Met. I suddenly found myself in a hallway on the way to the dressing room of the first singer I ever met, Rise Stevens, who had just sung Carmen. To this DAY I can see her smiling face and actually feel the "greasepaint on my hand" I joined her music club and went every year to her home, where we had a beautiful time always.
    I have just returned from a breathtaking memorial tribute to Rise at the Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. I was in the lobby and I perceived someone who might have been Nicky Surovy because I recalled him from a TV show;I had not seen him since he was about 15, and went over to him, my eyes beginning to fill with tears, because of what Rise was and what a life she had enjoyed with her fans, and Nicky was a "connection" to her.
   We spoke briefly and then I entered the sold-out theatre, to witness a truly heartwrenching tribute to Rise, who came close to 100, but passed away a few months ago. The hostess was Federica Von Stade and we had speeches by Rosalind Elias, Harolyn Blackwell,Ann Ziff, and of course Nicholas Surovy.
   The number of film clips, some never before available, was astounding, including a remarkable dance sequence with Ray Bolger, and she KEPT UP with him. There were arias, family photos and just so much that it was something extraordinary to behold. Her whole life passed by us and in many ways she "was there" tonight.
  Elias told a funny tale about how she adored Rise and STOLE Rise's Chesterfield cigarette poster once (They allowed those ads then.). Nicky told many tales of their lives and he was as charming as anyone could be. They showed selections never before seen, like the Jean of Arc aria and other material from various TV shows. This was a "class act" and no one deserved it more than the beloved lady whpo brought opera to so many including yours truly.
    I saw Nicky again at the end of the show, shook his hand, and again felt that same "connection" and left the theatre reflecting on the life of this dear lady, who made my young life so joyous.
     There so many tales and so many clips that I could go on and on but I have given you a fairly good idea of this evening at it will stay with me forever. Bless Rise, the beautiful Rise , who shook this teenager's hand so many years ago.  With all my deepest feelings  Charlie
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40am EDT

  Sept. 16, 1977 was the sad premature passing of someone who contributed more to opera than perhaps any other individual, even for a relatively short time. Callas had her flaws, but here in Norma you hear the Maria who took the opera world by storm!!  Bless her memory!

Category:general -- posted at: 8:13pm EDT

  I just discovered the tenor whom I will see in "La Sonnambula" at the Met, This is Javier Camarena, still another of the huge array of present-day tenors who make life so happy! (However there are no Radameses or Manricos.)

   The guy is GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

  Did you think I would ever let you forget  "the note"? Nothing compared to this moment, at which I used to "collapse' over the railing in the old Met standing room !!!

Category:general -- posted at: 7:32pm EDT

 Hi all,

     When I started this podcast site, there was the ability to add comments by you;sadly, I realized that all kinds of ads...many many of them, intruded, and i had to cut out this feature.   I do like to get your feedback so I can learn if things are to your liking and if you have special requests. If you would be so kind as to send me some feedback (Placido21@aol.com), I would appreciate it. You may write in Spanish,French, or Italian if you wish (I had Latin,but they do not write it any more since they knocked off Caesar.).

    I hope to get the regular podcasts running soon,but for now,I can send the videos.

                                                    Your friend  Charlie

Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT


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