One of the most hilarious singers ever to record (some nerve!!). Sylvia Sawyer recorded mezzo roles in Ballo, Aida, and Trovatore on Capitol records in the 1950's. The rest of the cast of the Aida and Trovatore was respectable, and included Stella Roman, Gino Sarri, and Antonio Mancaserra.
   However, Mme.Sawyer sounds like a little kid (even with chest tones), and her Italian diction has caused many opera lovers to become hysterical over the years. I hope you will not mind a little more levity in this sea of great music.             (71 min.)

Highlights from one of the greatest performances of opera. This is the Maria Callas debut at Covent Garden as Norma in 1952. The great Ebe Stignani is the Adalgisa, Mirto Picchi is Pollione, Giacomo Vaghi is Oroveso, and a newcomer by the name of Joan Sutherland is the Clotilde.   Vittorio Gui is the conductor.  
(70 min.)