Handelman has done crazy "scream tapes," but NEVER has a leading Met singer (a good one),RUIN a performance with a horrendous B natural GESCHREI as Manon dies.

Grigolo did a fine job, but suddenly he lets out this scream..Imagine what Callas,Milanov,Melba,etc..would do..He would  become a CASTRATO instantly....

 

How did they allow this??????????????

Category:general -- posted at: 4:45pm EDT

In 1956...WHY did teenage Charlie run to NY after Queens College  classes to freeeeeze on the standee line?? Here is why....Best example of how the 50 yr.old Zinka did sound..Go from "FERMA" and tell me why I went nuts....

Mario also tries some ppp's...and this perf.(I saw all 5 of them) also with Warren, marks the HEIGHT of my great opera days.

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



On her Mar.22 birthday (1912), I wish to honor one of the greatest singers in opera history...as "flawed" as one might think, but total MAGIC!!! Yes,her scoooops in "Hojotoho" made us laugh, but by the end of the opera,we were in tears!!!!
   I always remnember Olivia Stapp telling me how once in Germany she did a "voiceless Isolde," but the audience went crazy...Moedl just had something in her heart and soul that is difficult to describe.

 I once heard Franz Mazura read some of King Lear in German on the radio..I did not understand one syllable, but it was like Moedl..who could read the Dresden Telephony directory and thrill you!

  There are singers with their "flaws' (G.Jones,Gencer,Callas,etc.)BUT they have outstanding qualities that may compensate for not having the basic voice of a Tebaldi, a Flagstad,etc.

I knew Moedl's accompanist and he said she was a dear dear lady...My most difficult choice would be whether to have seen Nilsson or Moedl..That is tough!!!!  Bless the memory of the great Martha Moedl.

                                                               Charlie

P.S.It was 1957, and I can see before me, Moedl sinking into Uhde's arms at Walkure finale. No WONDER I love her so much.

Category:general -- posted at: 9:23am EDT

Adelaide Negri,Argentinian soprano, is never boring, but she is what we call "variable." Look, she did sing 87,409 roles and so we cannot dismiss her.

You judge this yourself....

Category:general -- posted at: 5:12pm EDT

This is really what the great Dane was about!! NO one could touch him!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:31pm EDT

How did little Charlie discover opera. This 1948 film Luxury Liner!!!!!  Melchior's top is squeezed, and not the best Italian,but Aida remains my all-time favorite opera.

  I was 12.....and looking back, I express, on Melchior's birthday day my thanks.....although I might have been more normal...Maybe I should have stuck to Frank Sinatra!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:28pm EDT

I may not be a believer in Astrology, but on March 20, 1890, something special must have been "in the air," because BOTH Beniamino Gigli AND Lauritz Melchior were born. So two of the greatest tenors in opera history share this day.
       Thanks to their madres for giving us two legends on this day. They represent the greatest tenor icons in the history of the vocal art.

            

            

Category:general -- posted at: 12:09pm EDT

March 19 is always a special day for me,because it marks the birthdays of my darling Diana Soviero AND mia madre!!!! Mom could dance in her youth, but Diana had more chest voice.

Love to two people who made my life so happy!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:07am EDT

  This great lady was a miracle!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:41pm EDT

Darling soprano Irina Lungu posted this..Really funny!!!!!!

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


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