Cesare_SiepiLa Cieca has just heard that the legendary basso cantante, star of well over 400 performances at the Met, died earlier today in Atlanta.

Here is Cesare Siepi over the course of more than two decades, singing music from La favorita, Don Carlo, Le nozze di Figaro, La gioconda, Don Giovanni, Ernani, Faust and Norma.

Siepi Tribute

And here, Siepi in 1970 (20 years after the Don Carlo selection in the audio clip above) again singing “Ella giammai m’amò.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yOkrkSTaaI

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.

Comments