Sondra Radvanovsky, born Apr.11,1969, is an amazing lady. The resonance (like Cossotto) MUST be heard live;it is as if she is singing next to you, even in the most "innocent" phrases.

She has emerged as one of our most beloved divas...Happy Birthday,Sondra!!!!!

Another one???? I was chatting about Poliuto with Michael Fabiano,and beside Corelli, I wanted to see if anyone else sang the opera.

This "new" guy is superb!!!! I hope we get him here some day!!!!

I am so SICK of the “put down” of singers,especially tenors by using the word “provincial,” as if everyone has to be Tito Schipa or Carlo Bergonzi.

Definition:

having or showing the manners, viewpoints, etc., considered characteristic of unsophisticated inhabitants of a province; rustic; narrow or illiberal; parochial:

Lando Bartolini,Apr.11, 1947 is “narrow…unsophisticated???” Let us start naming the HUNDREDS of these so-called “provincial” singers…..it is pure snobbery to dismiss singers like Lando,Giacomini,De Muro,Masini,etc…in this negative way…..Many of these guys are much more exciting than the “biggies.”
Best to Lando on his birthday….

Apr.8,1921...Franco Corelli will NEVER be replaced.Friends of mine who knew him personally loved him as a sweet,caring man..although we felt he could be a "scared guy," despite the great voice and technique.

 Loretta di Lelio,his wife, was reputed to be very difficult. I do know they had to re-decorate a hotel room in Atlanta,Georgia,because the happy couple had a spaghetti fight.(with sauce!!!).

  Miss him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY COINCIDENCE...Michael Fabiano is rehearsing Poliuto around Corelli's Apr.8 birthday!!! Here is my all-time "Corelli moment." and that attack on the "reeeeendero" high C,where the vowel "e" makes it so exciting....Michael is so talented and we know he will be a huge success..
  Franco would love it!!!!!

I went NUTS...Just found 1984 Traviata from San Diego under Bruno Rigacci. Diana is magnificent,with Vittorio Terranova (Holds high C forever), and Bob Borowsky.

 Play "Sempre Libera" and you will see why I love her!!!!!

I will say forever that Diana Soviero belongs in the group of great Verismo soprnos like Muzio,Zeani,Scotto,Favero.

 I know her since 1977, where her Mimi caused me to run backstage and ask,"Who are you??? A new Tebaldi??"

  On the Met quiz Saturday,Mme.Eva Maria Westbroek gave examples of VERISMO. Go to 1:20:20 where Magda scares the pants (dress?) off you.

  She lives forever!!!!!!

  I once asked Virginia Zeani if the "air" in Romania was especially conducive to creating more emotion and excitement in singers.  Here are some examples.

By the way,I have been doing videos for you, since it will take a bit more time until I can sit for a longer time.My back is getting better, but it takes time.