Here’s the solution to the Elfte Brautnacht! vocal ID quiz:
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Congratulations to S.L., who was first with the correct answers.
La Cieca will admit that the snippet of Mary Costa included in the quiz catches this lovely soprano in something less than her best form. So let’s hear Miss Costa on a better day, as Rosalinda in a performance from 1967.
Mary Costa in “Fledermaus”
La Cieca
James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.