Dame Joan will be so proud
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “The male toilets of Australia’s most famous landmark, the Sydney Opera House, has been listed among hot spots for a hook up point for men cruising sex with other men.”
Jane Eaglen is going to teach young people how to sing.
“By the time her stepfather Herodes starts sucking Salome’s naked breasts, it is clear that nothing will save William Friedkin‘s Munich staging of the 1905 Richard Strauss opera about the petulant veiled princess.”
Oh, and one more thing. If you insist on casting Franco Farina, you really must tell Margaret Juntwait that when she announces the end of Cavalleria, she can’t say, “That horrible scream tells everyone that Turiddu is dead.” (Margaret, we all heard the “Addio alla madre.” After that, the shrieks of damned souls in hell sound like young di Stefano.)
And speaking of Dame Joan, any chance we could honor La Stupenda on her 80th birthday next Tuesday, 11/7. She was never my diva (partly because I could never understand a word she sang, even in English), but I still admire her art. Of course, my diva (Leontyne) gets to her 80th in February. Anyway, early happy birthday Dame Joan.
And I also forgot that the great Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya just turned 80 last Wendesday. Her recording of Britten’s War Requiem (with Pears and DFD) still stands as the standard for one of the greatest pieces of music of the last half century. Happy birthday Madame Vishnevskaya.
Since we’re mentioning birthdays, Maralin Niska, great star of NYCO and the wonderful Musetta of the “Boheme” telecast of 1977, turns 80 next week.
“In fact, ‘Das Gehege’ is not a bad piece. At just over 30 minutes, it is the perfect length for a contemporary opera.” HEAR, HEAR!
Well I’ve heard a lot of people snigger at Joan’s diction but you are the first that I know of, iagowasright, to let it get in the way (even just a bit), of just loving that amazing sound – in its prime, – agilic stupendous perfection.
teddybear — I certainly remember the Boheme broadcast with Niska and she was wonderful. In fact, I saw her do it at Wolf Trap in Virginia in 1977 with Scotto and Shicoff. That was a wonderful memory for me.
Daniel — as for me, even though some of the greats are not my personal favorites, I still think we all need to appreciate their contributions and artistry. Dame Joan’s recording on Giovanni is fabulous. Tebaldi and Callas were never “my” divas (mostly because they were before “my” divas and I arrived), but you still have to give them their props. I unfortunately have never been able to get over the nickname we gave to MonsterFat Cowbelly (and her penchant for cancellations), but I still can admire her remarkable artisty.
And as for birthdays, we’ve got a slew of 80th’s coming up: Leontyne Price (2/10), Michel Senechal (the great comprimaro) (2/11), Regine Crespin (2/23), Lucine Amara (3/10), Elisabeth Sodestrom (5/7). Great artists all.
Lastly, it was not noted here but I also wanted to offer my thanks to my “anti” diva — Ms. Anna Russell. She has taught at least 3 generations of conservatory students the Ring. She will be missed.
Speaking of divas of the past (and tenors) I unreservedly recommend anyone to follow the link to the podcast on http://www.premiereopera.com/
and be prepared to be bowled over by some of the greats from the past – Tucker, Albanese, Stella, Tebaldi, MacNeil, etc – truly great singing.