Just discovered: a Swedish documentary about Birgit Nilsson, featuring footage of the diva at the Met getting ready to sing Tosca opposite Gianni Raimondi (replacing Franco Corelli who was apparently ill), giving a party for fans in her modest sublet, giggling, preparing for a recital tour, rehearsing Tristan und Isolde and generally doing interesting things.  (Narration is in Swedish, but in the New York sequences, Nilsson and others mostly speak English.)  

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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