Niel Rishoi


Ace of bass Ace of bass

On February 10 of this year was the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great Italian basso Cesare Siepi. I found that this milestone was scarcely noted in the opera press.

on October 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Ever-present Ever-present

Edita Gruberová was one of the most fascinating individuals I have ever known. 

on October 25, 2022 at 3:31 PM
Her favorite roles Her favorite roles

Edita Gruberova considered her greatest pride and loves not her career but her daughters Klaudia and Barbara and grandchildren Cris, Denis, and Alyssa.

on October 24, 2022 at 4:25 PM
The rest is silence The rest is silence

Despite the diminishing returns of her vocal means, Edita Gruberova‘s last years of her career were if anything more successful than ever.

on September 22, 2022 at 4:24 PM
A fantastic four A fantastic four

These are my findings and opinions (and I welcome rebuttals)!

on September 21, 2022 at 2:07 PM
Edita Gruberova enters the 21st century Edita Gruberova enters the 21st century

The worst criticism perhaps was the gleeful Schadenfreude noting Edita’s voice wasn’t as under her command as it used to be.

on September 20, 2022 at 3:36 PM
Como crosses over Como crosses over

I feel that any singer attempting crossover would do well to listen to Perry Como to hear how it should be done.

on May 20, 2022 at 2:37 PM
The many faces of Perry Como The many faces of Perry Como

To give an idea of how well Perry Como was able to “assume” different vocal identities, here he is doing his mega #1 1953 hit, “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes.”

on May 19, 2022 at 3:26 PM
Perry Como: a Postscript Perry Como: a Postscript

In observation of the 110th birthday of Perry Como, May 18, 1912.

on May 18, 2022 at 3:47 PM
Crowning achievement Crowning achievement

Sondra Radvanovsky is very special here!

on May 05, 2022 at 1:10 PM
The ultimate 101 course on how to handle fame and success The ultimate 101 course on how to handle fame and success

Artistic temperament she had, but not including self-centered megalomania.  She was one of the most fully human individuals I have ever known.

on February 26, 2022 at 10:35 AM
Close as pages in a book Close as pages in a book

I had no idea whatsoever of the reality of the life of this strong, vibrant woman I had gotten to know, the traumas she suffered; the extent and the horror of her experiences was all very surreal to me.

on December 24, 2021 at 10:43 AM
Star quality Star quality

The 1990s effectively signaled a new phase in Edita Gruberova‘s career with her undertaking more demanding, heavier roles, while still essaying Zerbinetta and Lucia.

on December 13, 2021 at 3:26 PM
Out of the repast Out of the repast

The entire dinner was spent discussing conductors.

on December 08, 2021 at 2:53 PM
Suspended in time Suspended in time

You know in some of those old Jeanette MacDonald movies where she plays a prima donna and receives applause in a public setting? That’s just what happened when the three of us walked into that restaurant, one patron calling out “Brava!”

on November 30, 2021 at 11:52 AM
An idea so bold and crazy An idea so bold and crazy

I proposed to Edita that we turn my 20-page paper into a book, a musical biography.

on November 23, 2021 at 12:53 PM
A life-changing LP A life-changing LP

I never fathomed I’d be writing words as these this soon.

on November 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM
The curious case of Benjamin Bernheim The curious case of Benjamin Bernheim

Who’s been hiding tenor Benjamin Bernheim from me all this time?

on August 03, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Selling the drama Selling the drama

Though the formal recorded aria recital is the ultimate calling card of an artist, the invitation to the spectator to receive, listen, and critically behold of the offerings (on fire or burnt), they are but a souvenir and there are a few drawbacks inherent with the presentation.

on June 22, 2021 at 12:14 PM
The vanities of the divas The vanities of the divas

Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballé are two of the most highly-regarded and esteemed exponents of the great soprano roles in both bel canto and in the operas of Verdi, and their recordings are held as artistic triumphs of the highest order.

on March 23, 2021 at 9:54 AM
Somebody up there likes him Somebody up there likes him

The flawless, classical singing style of Perry Como. Perry Como?

on March 15, 2021 at 11:02 AM
Third bass-baritone Third bass-baritone

Next Marko Mimica discussed which music “reached” him most and how he regards expressing himself in various languages.

on May 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM
Bass-baritone instinct Bass-baritone instinct

Next, I asked Marko Mimica which basses he prefers to listen to on recordings.

on May 30, 2018 at 10:45 AM
All about that bass-baritone All about that bass-baritone

In Bellini’s opera Norma, the “padre” role of Oroveso, it may be safely said, is “undistinguished”—dull and conventional. The bass entrusted with the role usually will engender two reactions: more frequently than not, “Cut this boring music,” and rather more rarely: “What a pity Oroveso doesn’t have more music.”   

on May 29, 2018 at 9:00 AM
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