David J. Baker in Opera News:

In the speaking role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp, Marian Seldes brought flamboyant presence along with some withering one-liners in French and English.

Born on this day in 1911 baritone Leonard Warren.

Birthday anniversaries of composer Randall Thompson (1899), conductor and composer Bruno Maderna (1920) and bass-baritone Bengt Rundgren (1931).

Happy birthday to parterre box scribe Alex Baker.

Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera