Don’t let the headline worry you, cher public, what’s coming up after the jump is meant to be good clean fun, with a prize even. In fact, it’s a return of one of parterre’s most beloved classic features, the vocal ID quiz.

Though the generous assistance of Our Own DeCaffarrelli, following is a composite performance of Cleopatra’s great lament from Giulio Cesare “Piangerò la sorte mia.” He has assembled fifteen (15) artists performing bits of the aria, and it is your task to identify as many of them as you can. The commenter with the greatest number of correct answers as of midnight on Sunday, June 24 will be awarded a coveted gift card from amazon.com.

Listen carefully, and off you go: Piangerò la sorte mia

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.

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