Fri, 15 July 2011
That great lady, Helen Traubel, in scenes from live performances of Wagner material.Included is a scene from act 3 Walkure with Herbert Janssen from 1944 under George Szell. Then we have some Gotterdamerung scenes under Fritz Stiedry from 1951, with Set Svanholm,Janssen, and Dezso Ernster. This is followed by a Liebestod from San Francisco 1951 under Pierre Monteux. I conclude with the Immolation Scene under Bruno Walter from Hollywood, 1947. (69 min.) I also must mention her enjoyable TV appearances with the beloved Jimmy Durante, a close friend of my mother for many years. How many artists can go from Brunnhilde to Durante??? |
Thu, 14 July 2011
Here are some scenes from the (in)famous La Puma Opera Company from the 1960's. You are advised NOT to listen to this if you have any sensitive animals in your house, little children, or nice neighbors who might be frightened to death. The 75+ year old Olive Middleton is the leading soprano, and the chorus is imported from the losers on "American Idol." (26 surreal minutes) |
Thu, 14 July 2011
A selection of arias as sung by the young Jose Carreras in the 1970's. They are all from live performances and show what a magnificent voice he had. He is a courageous man and I am paying tribute to all he has accomplished. (67 min.) |
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.) |