Here’s a very special audio quiz for La Cieca’s cher public du weekend. In the following mp3 clip, 11 sopranos sing the soaring aria “Zweite Brautnacht!” from Die Ägyptische Helena of Richard Strauss. If you think you can identify these beauties, email [email protected]. The first email received with the names of all 11 sopranos in the correct order will win a coveted amazon.com gift certificate.

Zweite Brautnacht!

UPDATE: La Cieca realizes that Helena #6 (piano accompanied) is very difficult to identify, particularly since this soprano is not generally associated with the Richard Strauss repertoire. So your ever-thoughtful doyenne will provide a series of hints as to the identity of this singer.

Clue #1: Although the character of Helena has an “Awakening Scene,” this soprano is best known for a role in which she was asleep.

Clue #2: Another highlight of this soprano’s career was her leading role in the American premiere of a Benjamin Britten opera.

Clue #3: Five years prior to her Metropolitan Opera debut, this artist was the leading lady in a Leonard Bernstein musical.