Live excerpts from the Ring as performed in Vienna between
1933 and 1941. Artists featured are:

  Set Svanholm, Franz Voelker, Maria Jeritza, Friedrich Schorr,
  Gertrude Kappel, and Hilde Konetzni

        PHOTO:  Maria Jeritza

Download this episode from the April Podcast Archive.

April 13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost forgot...40 years ago today,the greatest singer I ever heard live, Zinka Milanov, retired with an Andrea Chenier. She did sing the final Chenier duet with Richard Tucker at the Met Gala closing of the old house on April 16, but Apr.13 was her official retirement date.
On that occasion,the 87th time I saw her live,the voice was as clear and fresh as it was when I first saw her. Yes,the tears came,not only among us, but she could barely speak,and when I listen to her emotional (and very short) farewell speech,those memories return.
On May 17th,we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth,and the book should be out that month also. As much as I thrilled to her singing so often,she really contributed to my not having a great average in college,but
I would do it the same way if I had the time machine running.
When you are a teenage opera lover and someone "bigger-than-life' comes along..you never forget...and she was the one who helped to
bring me so much joy for so long. God Bless You, my Zeeeenka...I bet
today you are singing your "Pace" just as well as ever (with Rosa looking on with envy!!!!!!)

With greatest affection,

Charlie

Meta Seinemeyer,who passed away at only age 33, was one of the truly magnificent sopranos of her era. What a pity she never lived to thrill even more audiences throughout the opera world.

The arias are from La Boheme, Andrea Chenier, Tosca, Der Freischutz, Manon Lescaut, and Tristan und Isolde.

Download this episode from the April Podcast Archive.