handelmania's Podcast

Sun, 4 December 2016

One day in my Spanish class, a brilliant,lovable student named Rosario (Rusty) Salemi,knowing I loved opera, said "My aunt sings opera." To myself, I thought, "big deal...probably someone named Elsie Schlachermeyer." No..It was Elizabeth Carron, who just passed away,and with my tears now flowing, I remember her Butterfly, and her Regina of Blitztein (created Miss Birdie.),and how we met and always had so much fun on the phone over the years.
She was Italian,by the way, and I did meet her hubby, who played tennis at age 98!!!!! She sang some Mimi with Ed Rosen at a party..voice still there..HATED Zerbinetta.......but did a lot...except that her family choices did not let her sing more....even in Scala......her choice....... She is on the Callas Medea,by the way.
I can't stop crying...just so sad...but at 94.. good life...fun lady...........They are leaving us.....but never forgotten. Clips on Youtube

With my heart so full for her..........Charlie

Category:general -- posted at: 3:56pm EDT

Tue, 29 November 2016

Nilsson Returns

To cry forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 11:02am EDT

Tue, 29 November 2016

Birgit's Last Elektra and last perf.

After last season....she could wipe them out if she was 90...... 1982 Frankfurt.

MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Direct download: 02_-_Nils.Last_El..mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:54am EDT

Sun, 27 November 2016

Piotr Beczala in Werther

Ran into him before Boheme Sat. No one as sweet and lovable....plus that great voice..His idols are Gedda and Wunderlich..FIGURES!!!!!

Direct download: 01_-_Piotr_wer.wav
Category:general -- posted at: 10:43am EDT

Fri, 25 November 2016

Operatic "Turkeys"

Turkeys in my Operatic Existance

Is this not a poifekt day to use that "Broadway" expression??
Here are mine:

1. Angela Gheourghiu reading the Traviata letter in Braille

2. Except for great high C's, the career of Kurt Baum

3. New Zealand horrid tenor Reginald Byers forgetting to come in offstage during Galvany's "Sempre Libera" and she also told me his dentures fell down the toilet bowl..GIUSTIZIA!!!!!!

4. Cannot list all the La Puma Opera turkeys...just maybe the chorus lady in Aida wearing a watch..(Memphis time?????)

5. Some jerk who had no business singing Ramfis at an early age, cracking on "Folgore, MOOOORTE!" (But I made up for it later on and even sang the RE the same night)

6. Tenor Mario Ortica,ruining Tebaldi's Aida....After "Vicino a sol," I think his madre only applauded.

7.Some Met dude backstage pulling the Walkure act 2 final curtain BEFORE the great James Morris uttered his last words....It went back up..too late...Did he kill anyone with his speer?

8. Tenor Jon Crain at City Opera in 1954 HUGGING Tosca at "Morto..morto..." I guess he forgot to read the libretto.

9. The greatest air raid siren in history....The Milanov high C at the end of "Ma dall'arrido" at Marian Anderson's debut. NY Fire Dept.thought it might replace their usual sirens. (See how fair I am about my all-time favorite singer.??)
10.Not having Ebe Stignani at the Met

FELICE TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Love you all

Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EDT

Fri, 25 November 2016

The Marx Brothers and Met Standees

One night at the old Met,the rope that held us,that really contained 50 people instead of maybe 10...we let our friends in at 7....BROKE...and we all fell on the pavement..

I am still laughing....we were absolutely hysterical!

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

Fri, 25 November 2016

Maria will never learn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought she was smarter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Category:general -- posted at: 12:11pm EDT

Fri, 25 November 2016

My old buddy

Dear Paul was 19.We sang a lot together.......We never dreamed he would become an ICON!!!!! He did a few Bohemes last yr..Alc/Benoit. A sweet guy with several serious tragedies in his life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!