Sat, 27 April 2013
Ok..now go into the shower and YOU do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Do NOT take anyone in there with you,or you might be drowned!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:41am EST
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Fri, 26 April 2013
From Turino, 1999 under John Mauceri, the great Renata Scotto sings Poulenc's one-woman opera, La Voix Humaine. I know you will enjoy one of the very last of the great verismo divas. (50 min.) |
Fri, 26 April 2013
With permission of the star, here is a sampling of Piotr Beczala's new Verdi album.Mariusz Kwiecien joins him in the Don Carlo (with a nice interpolated high C at then end.) I think you will all love it. I get NO commision, although there are some who think I ought to be committed. |
Wed, 24 April 2013
What a joy to see that a young "kid' is so well-educated in opera that he is influencing others to enjoy his marvelous site. Here is some info..and his site may be found at: operateen.wordpress.com.I had no internet when I was his age, and what a pleasure to have someone NOT KNOW who Justin Bieber is!!! Harry Rose, a 15-year-old high school freshman from Westchester County, says he wants to run an opera house when he grows up. For now, however, being a star among opera fans on the Internet will do just fine. Harry is best known by his Twitter handle, Opera Teen, and his resumé also includes guest critiques for the Huffington Post, reviews for industry sites like Parterre Box, and commentary on his own Tumblr blog. This Saturday, he’ll be on the Operavore show to talk about his favorite operatic experiences. As a preview, we ask Harry about his entry into the world of opera, where audience members are typically four times his age. First opera-going experience: A double bill of Leoncavallo's Cavalleria Rusticana and Mascagni's Pagliacci at the Metropolitan Opera in April 2009. “Even though I was only 11 at the time, I have two very clear memories of the entire evening: one was Franco Zeffirelli's magnificent production, that’s rumored to be replaced next season. The second was mezzo-soprano Ildikó Komlósi as Santuzza. Her passionate volatile mezzo stole the evening.” Opera characters he’d invite over for dinner: I’d definitely invite Tosca, who would make for some great conversation. Also, Rusalka, a very interesting and enigmatic character. And Guillot in Massenet’s Manon. His motives are screwy but he’s just a funny, funny character. Most Despicable opera character: Scarpia from Tosca. “He’s the playground bully of Rome. He’s mean to be mean. That’s why he’s despicable. Same thing with Iago from Otello.” Challenges of being a teenage opera fan: The costs. Harry is too young to take advantage of student discounts at the Met. He recalls attending an opera at La Scala in Milan three years ago (age 11) and paying 110 euros to sit in the nosebleed seats. What he’s looking forward to: Komlósi as the nurse in Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow) at the Metropolitan Opera in November. “Komlósi has mostly focused her career in Europe so an appearance here is a treat.” Fodder for great Twitter conversation: Dream casting operas with favorite singers.
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:48pm EST
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Tue, 23 April 2013
DIOS MIO!!!!! I just discovered Lucrecia Garcia..She is all over Youtube...What a soprano,in the "old tradition." Check her out!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:42pm EST
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Tue, 23 April 2013
Here is Piotr Beczala as the Duke in the new Met (modernized) Rigoletto. I actually liked the production, despite some of the DUMB translations. I do not read titles, but I hear some were really silly.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:21am EST
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Mon, 22 April 2013
Under the direction of the legendary Fritz Reiner, we present an all-star Rosenkavalier featuring the beloved late Rise Stevens, Eleanor Steber, Erna Berger, Emanuel List, Martha Lipton, and Giuseppe Di Stefano. The only time in all my opera-going in which I totally "lost it," was at the finale of the trio. Many people have considered the Rosenkavalier trio as the most sublime moment in ALL opera. I surely agree. (70 min.) |
Sun, 21 April 2013
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:50pm EST
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Sun, 21 April 2013
Anja Silja,Phillip Langridge and Roberta Alexander combine in the great finale of Janacek's Jenufa, one of the finest operas ever written.
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:20pm EST
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Sun, 21 April 2013
You know by now how much I loved the beloved Leyla Gencer, sometimes flawed, but nevertheless,one of the most important sopranos. Here are excerpts from a 1957 la Scala Forza under Antonino Votto, with Giuseppe di Stefano,Cesare Siepi,Aldo Protti, and Franco Calabrese (Marchese). (73 min.) |
Sun, 21 April 2013
A compilation of some of the most important Italian artists from around the 1950-1960 period. Included are Tito Gobbi, Magda Olivero, Anita Cerquetti, Cesare Valletti, Paolo Silveri, Renata Scotto, Carlo Bergonzi, Rosanna Carteri, Mario Filippeschi, Renata Tebaldi, Ebe Stignani, and Giuseppe Di Stefano. (70 min.) |
Sat, 20 April 2013
When do I get to hear anything? There is just too much, and I wonder whatever possessed me to have items like "The Complete Works of The Rolling Stones."(Lord Forbid!!).However, some performances stand out in one's memory, and this Carnegie Hall 1974 Pearl Fishers under Eve Queler, with Nicolai Gedda (the GOD of the tenor voice), Renato Bruson (still active at 77), and Christiane Eda-Pierre is special to me. Especially thrilling is the version of the final trio, not always perfomed these days, and of course Gedda's high C pianissimo at the end of the aria is in itelf a tremendous achievement. I know you will enjoy this. (71 min.) |
Fri, 19 April 2013
On that terribly tragic evening, March 4, 1960, we never got to hear the cabaletta to this aria, because Warren's last words were, "E salvo, o gioija." On the occasion of his birthday (Apr.21, 1911),I present the aria as he often sang it at the Met, with the fabulous ending. He was a great man and we still mourn his tragic passing.
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:49pm EST
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Thu, 18 April 2013
A superb Parsifal from Rome, 1956 under Eugen Jochum featuring Wolfgang Windgassen, Martha Moedl,Herman Uhde (Klingsor), Ferdinand Frantz (Amfortas), and Ludwig Weber (Gurnemanz.) (73 min.) |
Thu, 18 April 2013
Highlights from a brilliant Ballo under Nello Santi from 1963. The cast includes Birgit Nilsson, Richard Tucker, Robert Merrill, Mattiwila Dobbs, and Jean Madeira. Note that the way it was tracked did noit allow me to include some key material. (61 min.) |
Wed, 17 April 2013
A few years ago,I had published the final night of the old Met, Apr.16, 1966, and this week was the (sad) anniversary of the closing. I think something happened to the post, and I will do a three-part podcast fairly soon. It was a sad occasion, but I am glad I have the memories.
Category:general
-- posted at: 5:53pm EST
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Wed, 17 April 2013
The great soprano Anna Netrebko has a great time,as does the audience, in this fabulous rendition of the Giuditta Aria. I saw her do this live, and the voice is HUGE!!!!! I feel she is the greatest soprano of our time!!!!!! I think she was "with child" here.
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:01am EST
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Tue, 16 April 2013
A compilation (announced) of material as sung by the radiant Maria Muller. This indeed is a superb voice, and I know you will enjoy her art. (71 min.) |
Tue, 16 April 2013
A rather "unsubtle" but exciting Naples 1951 Trovatore, conducted by Tullio Serafin, with Maria Callas in her prime, Paolo Silveri, Cloe Elmo, and an aging Giacomo Lauri-Volpi (I think the Pira is booed). This is the kind of show we never experience today;it has its flaws, but it is really mostly quite exciting. (72 min.) |
Tue, 16 April 2013
The most beloved Licia Albanese in her Met farewell as Manon Lescaut. At this writing, Licia is over 100, and one of the most loved opera artists in our time. Richard Tucker and Mario Sereni complete the cast. This is a 1966 performance under Kurt Adler. (71 min.) |
Tue, 16 April 2013
Leonie does not care if it is concert..she still lets out her famous GESCHREI!!!!! She will never ever be replaced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:30am EST
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Sun, 14 April 2013
When I first met Sam in 1970, when we were rehearsing "Anna Bolena," we all realized that some day Sam would realize his dreams, and go on to have a great career.It was NOT an "Impossible dream." Sam just did a run of "Bluebeard's Castle," which will probably be his last stage work, but not bad to have a career that spanned over 40 years. My best always to a wonderful Basilio (to my Bartolo).
Category:general
-- posted at: 1:39pm EST
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Sun, 14 April 2013
After the remarkable triumph of Michael Fabiano in I Lombardi last week, I want to offer another example of his art. Trust me...this is NOT souped up! He just opens his mouth and out flows tone after tone of sheer beauty and power. As long he does not listen to me, he will do the roles that are appropriate and last 25 more years.
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:27pm EST
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Sat, 13 April 2013
More brilliant tenors are coming along. Bryan has a wonderful brilliant voice, and he joins our "new crop" of tenors..We are fortunate to have him!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:25pm EST
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Sat, 13 April 2013
Callas, Negri, Galvany, and now APRILE!!!!! No one does this anymore!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 7:55pm EST
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Sat, 13 April 2013
Can we associate any other singer with ONE NOTE???? I just long-distance texted Zinka, and she says she was having an "Enzo Adorato" contest with Ponselle...Who won????
Category:general
-- posted at: 7:37pm EST
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Sat, 13 April 2013
So sad a day,Apr.13, 1966, when my all-time favorite singer,Zinka Milanov,retired from the Met stage. NO ONE has even touched her...and no one will!!!!!! Sadly,today,no one has learned to kick their Tosca train like Zinka....well,you can't have it all!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 7:12pm EST
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Sat, 13 April 2013
Dear Aprile Millo,one of the kindest and most loving ladies, was born in "Aprile"..On the 14th. We wish her the happiest of birthdays.
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:18am EST
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Fri, 12 April 2013
Give me 5 minutes in a time machine and this is pick number one!!!!!!!!!!! Makes me crazy!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:42pm EST
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Fri, 12 April 2013
An abridged Don Giovanni (exc.) from NBC TV in 1960, in English.It stars Cesare Siepi,Leontyne Price, Judith Raskin (Zerlina), Helen George (Elvira), Charles K.L.Davis (Ottavio), James Pease (Leporello), John Reardon (Masetto), and John Macurdy (Commendatore.) The conductor is Peter Herman Adler. (55 min.) |
Fri, 12 April 2013
Happy birthday to the famous Montserrat,who holds the record for the longest high note in Met history!!!!!!!!!!!!. Apr.12, 1933.
Category:general
-- posted at: 1:37am EST
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Wed, 10 April 2013
Angela Meade, Michael Fabiano,Kevin Short in the Lombardi Trio from Apr.8. This is a revelation for us in NYC.We have not been treated to this kind of singing for quite a while. (Ever since i saw Tamagno's first Otello.) Michael is Fabianolous!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:16pm EST
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Wed, 10 April 2013
A NDR (German Radio) performance of highlights from a 1952 Das Rheingold under Wilhelm Schuchter. Some of the great artists of that era are heard,especially those "black voices." Ferdinand Frantz (Wotan) Gottlob Frick (Fasolt) Josef Greindl (Fafner) Gustav Neidlinger (Alberich) Wolfgang Windgassen (Loge) Paul Kuen (Mime) Res Fischer (Fricka and Erda) Josef Metternich (Donner) (72 min.) |
Tue, 9 April 2013
This will give you some idea of why the audience last night went ballistic at Michael's "La mia letizia." Still, you MUST hear him live to derive the total picture..but you can get some idea here.
Category:general
-- posted at: 3:32pm EST
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Tue, 9 April 2013
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:34am EST
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Sun, 7 April 2013
For April 8, I present a tribute to Franco Corelli, Born 1921. He was one of the greatest tenors in opera history. (Selections are announced.) (71 min.) |
Sun, 7 April 2013
MIO DIO!!!! I saw Franco's Romeo but do not know if he did what he does here..Mamma mia!! And he worried about anything?????? I just went ballistic!! (Muti would kill him!!!!!)
Category:general
-- posted at: 8:01pm EST
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Sat, 6 April 2013
A 1958 Naples Mme.Butterfly under Angelo Questa, starring Renata Tebaldi,Giani Raimondi, Giuseppe Valdengo, and Anna Di Stasio.(72 min.). Please be aware that although the sound is superb, the prompter is rather loud. |
Sat, 6 April 2013
I attended the first Turandot in 1961 and let me tell you,it was one of the greatest things in my memory. Stokowski stopped after the "Nessun dorma," because he knew we would go nuts, and then re-started the music. Even without Loretta, Franco might have still been a difficult guy, but he was adored by so many, and no one..NO ONE has taken his place in this repertory!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:56am EST
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Sat, 6 April 2013
My favorite Corelli moment..The high C on the "e" vowel in the Poliuto aria....Drives me nuts!!! We miss you,Franco!!!!!!!
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:51am EST
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Thu, 4 April 2013
Highlights from a Golden-Age-of-Wagner Tannhauser in 1936,under Artur Bodansky. It features, Kirsten Flagstad, Lauritz Melchior,Lawrence Tibbett, Emmanuel List, and Margaret Halstead. In those days they did make cuts in Wagnerian performances, but I am not sure if the cuts involve this music. If you do know the opera well, you will possibly hear some cuts. I know it is a bit longer to sit through Wagner these days, BUT I hate cuts (unless everyone is terrible.) (71 min.) |
Wed, 3 April 2013
It was my great pleasure last evening to hear Piotr Beczala as Faust at the Met. More and more of us are calling him the "new Gedda," although he possesses his own unique voice and style. His new Verdi and operetta CD's will be coming out soon, and I will play a few selections for you.(with his permission.) The unusual event last night occured when he introduced me to the son of the famous Polish tenor, Jan Kiepura, who proceeded to telephone his mother, the legendary 101 year old Martha Eggerth. This was a wonderful extra treat for me, and I must tell you that I was quite taken by the experience,especially after Piotr sang so magnificently. You know I have been around awhile and I tell you that Piotr is fast becoming a very special artist in the opera world.
Category:general
-- posted at: 8:09pm EST
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Wed, 3 April 2013
Ballet Music from Verdi Operas; Vespri, Macbeth, Trovatore, Don Carlo, Otello. Edward Downes conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra (70 min.) |
Mon, 1 April 2013
A selection of arias from commercial discs, 1939-1943 by the legendary Hans Hotter. The arias and scenes (in this order) are from Hans Heiling (Marschner),The Flying Dutchman, Die Meistersinger, Die Walkure, Aida (with Hilde Scheppan),Otello, Falstaff, and Pagliacci. All material such in German. (68 min.) |
Mon, 1 April 2013
A "mini-cast" of the great Confrontation Scene in Elektra, from 1964 under Arnold Quennet, featuring the remarkable Martha Moedl and Marijke van del Lugt. (17 min.) |
Sun, 31 March 2013
The last scene of Siegfried from1972 under Erich Leinsdorf with the exciting Ursula Schroeder-Feinen and Helge Brilioth. (38 min.) |
Sun, 31 March 2013
This amazing baritone was noted not only for his voice, but for his superb Italianate style, and for the amazing ability to sing notes that only a tiny number of baritones sang.(Traviata,Attila B Flats).We hear arias (in this order) from: Puritani,Luisa Miller,Traviata.Ernani,Ballo, Faust,Forza,Il Guarany,Zaza, and Andrea Chenier. (68 min.) |