Fri, 13 May 2022
Terrible tragedy to lose two great artists whom I knew.I write to Giordani's widow and always remember dear Marcello and Hvorostovsky's kisses on my cheeks.
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-- posted at: 12:20am EDT
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Fri, 13 May 2022
Wonderful traditional Met Lucia..ORRRRRORE!!!
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-- posted at: 12:16am EDT
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Fri, 13 May 2022
One does not have to sound like Birgit Nilsson to be a great star. Regina Resnik's teacher was Giuseppe Danise, married to Sayao.One night,at a Resnik Gioconda,Sayao spent the whole intermission with us. A DELIGHT!!!!
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-- posted at: 12:08am EDT
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Fri, 13 May 2022
At a tragic time, let us bless the people who are suffering in Ukrainia.
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:03am EDT
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Fri, 13 May 2022
Some of you may be acquainted with the insane delusional people on X-factor or American Idol auditions. I watch more Youtube because of the COVID. I feel so NORMAL!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:00am EDT
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Thu, 12 May 2022
I am told that Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen is new special star.
I have posted so much over the years,I may do some repeats..Well,who remembers???
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-- posted at: 11:53pm EDT
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Sun, 8 May 2022
Happy Mothers' Day! I am glad my mommy did not throw me into the fire.
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-- posted at: 5:00pm EDT
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Mon, 2 May 2022
My darling friend,Diana Soviero turned 80 Mar.19..like her Romeo, Alberto Cupido...and my favorite diva....my mother..Bless her!!!!
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-- posted at: 12:01am EDT
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Sun, 1 May 2022
No more singers..let us just SHOCK the public!!!!
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-- posted at: 10:02pm EDT
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Sun, 1 May 2022
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will post more..Have been busy....
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-- posted at: 9:03pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
For me...the most wonderful lady!!!!! I knew Tebaldi...and I guess I am blessed..but I never met Magda...still the lady was for me...special
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-- posted at: 9:49pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
Only 96...and I know she sang like this over 100!!!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 6:37pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
GIUSTO CIELO!!!! The greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBU1HmANoHw
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-- posted at: 6:31pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
I know Magda's caretaker, and he said she sang around the house after 100!.She was a miracle in the lives of hose who appreciate great emotion in opera/
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:27pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
When she uttered the words "Loris,ove sei" when I saw her...it was as if the entire theatre SHOOK!!! Not a "Tebaldi voice" but like Zeani,Muzio,Soviero,Favero, she was all heart and soul!!!!
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-- posted at: 6:24pm EDT
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Fri, 25 March 2022
All one must do is to listen to MY TAPE of the Olivero Met 4/3/75 debut...at 65. NO ONE like her. I used to call her on birthdays...and I consider her totally one of the greatest singers EVER!!!!!
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-- posted at: 6:19pm EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
Many theatres are playing this!!! I am so sorry for the people and wish these courageous people my LOVE!!
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-- posted at: 5:56pm EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
Not since my Tebaldi Met Aida,has anyone been as LOUD as the great Dolora! Brava and happy birthday@@
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-- posted at: 5:47pm EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
There is just so much music in life..I really had not seen Diana's great Butterfly.I have to find the cast. I did send flowers and champagne for the 80th birthday Mar.19.I still consider the greatest since Tebaldi, who did once kiss her.
Category:general
-- posted at: 5:38pm EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
I have never booed..even Baum. Look..the Met hired him. Last week a guy yelled at Brenda Rae during the Zerbinetta aria.."You have no technique." They threw him out...but we know of the loggionisti at Scala and other people doing things LIVE..I was too shy and never yelled at Zinka that her kicking her train and dust in act two Tosca made me cough!! VAT???? You BUM!!!!
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-- posted at: 3:34pm EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
When Dolora had me do a mini Handelman master class for her students,knowing I knew the "good stuff," I said to her, "It must be some great thrill to sing the Judgement Scene!!" Answer:"I just want to get the notes out!!!!" I made one Facebook post that was rejected and so I am forced HAPPILY to drive you crazy much more,until they let me post..GREAT FOR YOU!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:26am EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
Martha Moedl had 3/22 birthday and Alfred Poell was 3/18. I can still SEE Moedl in 1957 in Walkure. Had some flaws...but for me a great MIRACLE!!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:20am EDT
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Thu, 24 March 2022
Who sings like this anymore????
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-- posted at: 11:11am EDT
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Wed, 16 March 2022
On March 19, my darling friend Diana Soviero turns 80..One of the greatest in my life..When I called her Tebaldi TWO..she said that Renata once kissed her..Figures. The 3/13/77 Mimi was a sensation and we are friends forever..and my mother, the other diva in my life shares Mar.19!!!!
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-- posted at: 1:08pm EDT
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Tue, 15 March 2022
Just play the end of act 2 of this.I saw it in 1966.The cast was sensational,but at act 2 end,Ludwig was stupendous!!!Bless her!
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-- posted at: 11:14pm EDT
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Tue, 15 March 2022
Ask me what was the greatest perf.of my life. It was 1966 Met Frau.where Ludwig was a phenomenon!!!
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-- posted at: 11:11pm EDT
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Tue, 15 March 2022
Meester Baum, vy vas it necessary to make Meester Handelman to see you so much..vell, it vas because it vas with me...too much. Sorry you suffered so much!
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-- posted at: 11:06pm EDT
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Tue, 15 March 2022
We just lost one of the greatest singers I ever heard..It was 1956, and I still remember that great voice in her Met Aida debut.I adored her so much!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:00pm EDT
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Tue, 15 March 2022
May we all hope and pray for the great people of the Ukraine. Many countries are singing their anthem and feeling great sympathy for these courageous people.
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-- posted at: 10:45pm EDT
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Wed, 9 March 2022
On the great Eva Turner's birthday...3/10/1892,here are some great ladies in Tosca.I saw Milanov,Callas, Olivero,Tebaldi,Crespin, Dessi,Radvanovsky,Galvany, Roberti,Meier,Rigal,Nilsson, Kirsten, and the GREAT Olive Middleton...and a few more
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-- posted at: 6:58pm EDT
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Wed, 9 March 2022
The next time I see my friend Sondra Radvanovsky,I will ask her how she could get involved in this TRAVESTY! It is even worse than the Bieito Toilet bowl Ballo.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:49am EDT
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Tue, 8 March 2022
Are you tired of my all-time favorite singer? I saw Zinka 88 times, and despite Baum, it was in my opera life,the greatest time...standing and freezing!!!! Bless her!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:35pm EDT
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Tue, 8 March 2022
Sweetest,nicest lady. Nelly is so special and in the class of Zeani, Olivero,Favero,Soviero.Also, Romanians are helping the Ukrainian refugees.
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:21pm EDT
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Tue, 8 March 2022
On March 19th, my darling friend Diana Soviero will be 80...and her Romeo,Alberto Cupido will have his birthday. When I met Diana at a great Boheme in 1977, and sent her the tape...she called me to thank me on MARCH 19.. My MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY! Two great divas in my life!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:07pm EDT
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Tue, 8 March 2022
Remembering the famous Mark Reizen,Ukranian basso. May we all praise the most courageous people of Ukrania in a time of their suffering!
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-- posted at: 5:55pm EDT
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Tue, 8 March 2022
Of all the singers I have seen live..Tucker remains the greatest tenor for me. I write to his sons often and am happy to have thrilled to his great voice.
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-- posted at: 5:50pm EDT
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Sun, 6 March 2022
I BET most of you guys (girls??) have sung this. I tried!!!! The greatest in my life...and only B flat was GINO PENNO!!! I once taped 31 of them LIVE...and then I did no. 31...I think I used an umbrella for a sword.
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-- posted at: 11:52pm EDT
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Wed, 2 March 2022
Our hearts go out to the people of the Ukraine!!! Bless them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:01pm EDT
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Fri, 25 February 2022
NO ONE can tell me that Caruso was not the GOD of singing. My teacher,Jerry Lo Monaco,told me That his teacher,Mr.Stanley,said we only get 1/3!!!!!!! If he had lived,imagine LIVE stuff!!!!
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-- posted at: 4:21pm EDT
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Mon, 21 February 2022
I met Diana Soviero on 3/13/77 and to this day I still say she is Tebaldi TWO! She turns 80 on Mar.19 (my mother's birthday!!)...Still has a voice and renowned teacher. My life has been so treasurable knowing her!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 3:00pm EDT
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Mon, 21 February 2022
https://www.facebook.com/groups/467019241766609 https://www.facebook.com/groups/467019241766609
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:45pm EDT
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Mon, 21 February 2022
Many years ago, a student in my Spanish class said that his aunt sang opera.(BIG DEAL?) It turned out to be a wonderful singer and later a friend.I miss her...wonderful lady!!!! One of my many many groups deals with singers not really that well-known.Want the URL? I will send it...Placido21@aol.com
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:39pm EDT
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Mon, 21 February 2022
I am in touch with Magda's caretaker..He says she sang around the house after 100. She made it to 104, and I feel she was one of the all-time opera miracles!!! I called her every birthday to hear that "Verismo Italian."
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:28pm EDT
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Mon, 21 February 2022
My dear friends, Those computer glitches had plagued me, but I think things are better. You have been so loyal over the years (over 2 million hits) and I wish to keep going. The Pandemic is to blame for my creating many facebook groups.Also, you may get in touch by going to https://facebook.com/handelmani/ If you wish to chat,I can tell you the URLS of some of the groups. Stay Safe..and MASKED!!!! Charlie
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:16pm EDT
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Wed, 9 February 2022
Computer glitches delayed me in celebrating the 100th birthday (2/1/22) of my darling friend and LEGENDARY artist. Little did we know.at her Met debut on 1/31/55..that when we met her, it was he BIRTHDAY. I called Italy on Feb.1...Words fail me....My second madre...Mom met her and she always said, "Com'e la madre?" The last high note in the Butterfly addio once caused a friend to accidentally hit me in the ribs in standing room..I almost fell! She broke the roof of the MET! I could go on forever..my beloved Renata....adored forever!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:50pm EDT
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Tue, 25 January 2022
Bravo,Marcello!!!!!
You had a great D!!!~
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-- posted at: 5:52pm EDT
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Tue, 25 January 2022
As with almost every great singer, you HAD TO BE THERE LIVE....and Marcello was just an amazing artist. I saw him in Francesca,Edgar,Boheme, Butterfly,Adriana,Tosca, Pirata, Fanciulla (Zeani came) and a master class. Non posso scordare il mio caro amico.
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-- posted at: 5:38pm EDT
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Tue, 25 January 2022
On this day, 1/25..I remember with great affection, my dear late friend, 1963..Marcello was more than a great singer...with that kind of "squillo" that was so absent recently...he was such a kind man, and today I think of him so fondly. Con mio amore. Carlo.....
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-- posted at: 5:33pm EDT
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Fri, 21 January 2022
For anyone who has been living on another planet,I present my birthday present to myself(and Placido). You HAD TO BE THERE!!!!
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-- posted at: 2:41pm EDT
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Thu, 20 January 2022
Feliz Cumpleanos!!! Usted y yo celebramos el 21 de enero. Can you spare a few dollars???
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-- posted at: 1:42pm EDT
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Thu, 20 January 2022
On Jan.21, we celebrate the birthdays of two of the most famous stars of opera. One is a true baritone, y muy pobre. El otro es un poco rico, y piensa que es baritono.. But Placido is a great artist, and we may go sin mascaras a la fuente en Lincoln Centro y vamos a nadar, cantando en celebracion!! Soy un poco loco hoy... Solamente hoy????
Category:general
-- posted at: 1:32pm EDT
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Tue, 18 January 2022
Not bad,Loretta.I do hope you and Franco are not having any more spaghetti fights (with sauce) in cielo.
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:19pm EDT
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Tue, 18 January 2022
It was 1962..First time I heard this opera. I went nuts with everyone.
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-- posted at: 11:16pm EDT
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Tue, 18 January 2022
They all sing it..So sick of it...you must now hear Sirach von Bodengraven, from Denmark,where there <
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-- posted at: 11:13pm EDT
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Tue, 18 January 2022
Happy New Year. Had a few computer glitches so hope to post more soon. Stay Safe!!!! Love Charlie
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:03pm EDT
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Thu, 23 December 2021
To all you wonderful people..I wish you a Happy Holiday. If my dear Renata was here, she would wish you the best....a lady whom I loved so much. Charlie
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:32pm EDT
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Wed, 22 December 2021
We just lost this great lady..The vocal production is a bit "eccentric." but she was amazing in many ways and sang up to 73.
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-- posted at: 2:10pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
We tore programs at the Met after Tebaldi and Guelfi in Fanciulla. Her "tre assi e un paio" was scary!!!! I adore Barioni. He is about 91.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:48pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
In my life...TWO SINGERS I have never seen are my loves!!!! Caruso and Lehmann. This selection makes me cwazy!!!
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-- posted at: 10:40pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
I only saw my fav.singer 88 times. NO ONE ever thrilled me like Zinka. "Vell..Novun ees better!!!"
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-- posted at: 10:19pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 10:15pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
He DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 10:10pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
Really Lovable!!!
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-- posted at: 10:06pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
Discovered a wonderful Argentinian diva!!!
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-- posted at: 10:03pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
Enrico and I wish you all a wonderful Holiday. Life has been hard these days and I hope you are all well. Love, Carlo
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:55pm EDT
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Tue, 21 December 2021
Nice to have a new Facebook Wagnerian friend.
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-- posted at: 9:52pm EDT
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Sun, 12 December 2021
I came out of retirement... Was Callas better????????
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-- posted at: 12:55pm EDT
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Wed, 1 December 2021
Maria Callas, 12/2/23 Maria Callas, 12/2/23 We never knew of the fabulous "Pirates" from 1949-1955,etc. when one day at a party with Maestro Armen Boyajian,Paul Plishka,Franco Gratale,etc... someone had a very poor sounding end of Aida act 2 with CALLAS taking E flat...Che cosa???? We went NUTS!!! I forget if the "second Mexico E flat lady" was there....Marisa Galvany,who did a "Second Callas" (E flats were unheard of in those days in Aida.) We had heard many of the Angel commercial recordings, but there were no "pirates" to speak of at that time. Now we know her entire output(well,Loretta Corelli did have Fedora....but we never got it.) However, as much as I knew of Callas, the 1956 Met debut was a disaster...I was shocked! Happily,in 1958 the Lucias and Traviatas were far better...but really the 1949-1955 "skinny" performances were to me a positive sensation....in ALL opera...and she could have done almost every role..imagine "Elektra!!" Mme.de Hidalgo did not do quite enough, because the tremolo was there...but not bad until the later part of her career, and to me some singing (Poliuto)was almost unlistenable, despite the great artistry. I love Moedl, Gencer, and other "flawed" sopranos, but when it come to the last note of the Cenerentola aria,I shudder......however, I would be a fool to deny the sensational lady's gift to opera, despite the well-known vocal problems.(and Onassis did not help.) I always quote J.B. Steane's detailed account of her "Casta Diva" in "The Grand Tradition."...."As if in a trance..." We weigh vocal flaws differently....no question that she could be (for me) a disaster on top later on, but I forgive Moedl..don't I???? What we know is that,despite the controversies,the lady ranks Numero UNO to those who appreciate what she achieved....and on her birthday....so sad to think of her very early end.....we must treasure the great Maria....who loved to run home to watch "I love Lucia..Lucy.before VCR's!!!) God bless her memory forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 7:25pm EDT
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Sun, 21 November 2021
I am so sick of everyone singing this aria..but at least someone can sing it "differently." Gli enigmi sono tre..Lui e pazzo!!!!
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-- posted at: 1:45pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
The other day I said to Galvany,since her daughter is not an opera lover, "If my mommy had an E flat I would be thrilled." No, it is not to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:33pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
Olivia Stapp told me that she attended an Isolde in Germany where Moedl was just about voiceless;yet, the audience went wild... I can understand this..For me, if she read the Hamburg Telephone Directory, I would adore it.
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-- posted at: 6:27pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
Very few artists have thrilled me as much as Martha Moedl. From 1957 Walkure,I will never forget her!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 6:14pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
Is he really a counter-tenor, or perhaps a soprano or mezzo. I wrote him and told him he should sing Norma!!!!!
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-- posted at: 5:58pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
We do not have this kind of singing today!!!
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-- posted at: 5:55pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
A darling friend for 55 years. A GREAT artist, but was a "controversial" singer, and did not get proper recognition>I tell you..audiences went wild!!!
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-- posted at: 5:53pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
I have put so much material here.I hope I do not repeat, but there are those who have not seen all the material. Galvany still has a D! Harry was such fun, and dear Sam is still so popular, and there is a group in his honor. I am honored to have sung with him.
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-- posted at: 5:46pm EDT
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Sat, 20 November 2021
The late amazing Edita who sang all the way to 73. A great star!!!
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-- posted at: 5:41pm EDT
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Wed, 17 November 2021
Dear Virginia turned 96 last month.One of the greats and a dear friend.."La mia sorella.". Note: I am catching up on posting for you!!!!
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-- posted at: 12:25am EDT
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Wed, 17 November 2021
I spoke to Galvany today. She still has a D!!! Sam has been close for years, and Harry was so much fun. Life must go one...we are all getting ancient!!! Ramey name left off!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:19am EDT
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Wed, 17 November 2021
I think that now Franco and Loretta are having another spaghetti fight (with sauce) in CIELO!!! They had to re-decorate the hotel room.
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:07am EDT
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Wed, 17 November 2021
Quite an amazing singer. Not really the usual countertenor...quite wonderful. I bet Marilyn Horne loves it.
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-- posted at: 12:03am EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
I know I am a crab,but I think I know the difference between this and most of singers of today!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:59pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
Not my friend Marisa Galvany. Maria is really an oddity,but quite amazing!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:55pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
DISCOVERY!!!!Not really a typical countertenor. Reminds me of how I sang along with Caterina Mancini at age 16.They almost called the police!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:51pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
Not in love with the staccati, but a fine artist.
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:44pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
Michael is a special guy.He is one of the throwbacks to my all-time favorites, and a very nice guy.
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-- posted at: 11:42pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
Wonderful high tenors we adore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:31pm EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
Talk about excitement! We do not have any Leonie's today..(or Corellis,or Gobbis, or the kind of excitement we loved.
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-- posted at: 8:43am EDT
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Tue, 16 November 2021
The most incredibly exciting Leonie made her farewell, knowing the end was near. How we adored her!! I had fallen so did not sit here and post,but will catch up. I now have 24 groups on Facebook and if you wish links, E-mail me at Placido21@aol.com. Be well in this difficult time. Charlie
Category:general
-- posted at: 8:36am EDT
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Thu, 28 October 2021
Here is the birthday boy telling the Dallas audience to SHUT UP..I agree;I hate coughers.The opera was DRISTAN. Someone needed VICKS cough drops.
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-- posted at: 11:31pm EDT
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Wed, 20 October 2021
I hope you enjoy my dear Virginia, one of opera's great ladies. She sang over 70 roles, from Lucia to Aida and Senta and a huge variety of roles, and she still sings a few high notes on the phone.
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-- posted at: 1:11pm EDT
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Wed, 20 October 2021
On October 21, we will celebrate the 96th birthday of my darling friend, the wonderful Virginia Zeani. I never have enough words to express my love for this wonderful lady, and one of the great artists of opera.
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-- posted at: 1:05pm EDT
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Mon, 18 October 2021
How many singers can last as long as the late great Edita Gruberova? She did have a rather "eccentric" vocal technique, but she achieved greatness, and we think affectionately of a great lady who "let it all hang out."
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-- posted at: 6:38pm EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Because I watch more TV, and have Apple TV with my Youtube, I have been watching some real JUNK....sometimes there is an opera person, but mostly insane delusional people, some of whom become FURIOUS at losing. This is not opera,but I wanted you to see that some people (even opera singers) do not realize they are unbearable.
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-- posted at: 11:41am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Nostalgia!!! Bergonzi is 72. Friends Millo and Plishka and others I miss.
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-- posted at: 11:29am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
I call my dear Virginia to see how she is.She is 95,in a Florida facility. One of the greats!!!!
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-- posted at: 11:16am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Better than a few Met singers..No names!!!
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-- posted at: 11:10am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Love German baritones and basses. More people should go to Youtube and/or Google and discover them.
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-- posted at: 11:03am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Loved her in Louise. Poor thing died of Covid. One of the fine sopranos.
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-- posted at: 10:49am EDT
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Wed, 6 October 2021
Catching up on some birthdays,etc. Will do more and thanks for your patience.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:47am EDT
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