Questo e Quello
Born on this day in 1921, comedian/TV host/composer Steve Allen.
Happy 36th birthday soprano Sonya Yoncheva.
On this night in 1951 Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors premiered on television.
Join La Cieca for Puccini’s Il trittico from the Bayerische Staatsoper, webcast at 1:00 PM today.
Happy 71st birthday soprano Edita Gruberova.
“Are you kidding? I’m having it put in my casket.”
Born on this day in 1858 composer Giacomo Puccini.
J.S. Bach doesn’t get a lot of attention on this site although he wrote tons of vocal music.
Last week, a pair of terrific recitals demonstrated what kind of intimate spell a dramatic singer can cast when left alone with a piano.
On this day in 1921 Jerome Kern‘s Sally opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre, to run 561 performances.
Born on this day in 1907 soprano Marion Talley.
Hansel and Gretel might just be the best thing the Met has done so far this season.
Born on this day in 1915 singer Edith Piaf.
Even those of us who consider Guillaume Tell Rossini’s greatest opera understand why it has not been his most frequently staged.
Born on this day in 1920 soprano Rita Streich with music for the holidays.
Handsome singing by Roberto Alagna and extremely heavy makeup on Barbara Frittoli highlight these excerpts from Adriana Lecouvreur in Monte Carlo.
On this day in 1398 the Turkic conqueror Tamerlane captured and sacked Delhi.
This afternoon’s Met broadcast (starting at 1:00 PM) is Bellini’s Norma.
The most distinct pleasure of The Merry Widow at the Metropolitan Opera was the polished, yet warm, performance of Susan Graham as Hanna Glawari.
Born on this day in 1899 composer, playwright and actor Noel Coward.
Here’s a project apparently nobody has thought of and it’s a sure winner: Semiramide with Cecilia Bartoli and Franco Fagioli.
Happy 100th birthday soprano Hilde Zadek!
The Bayerische Staatsoper, purveyor of fascinating video opera, continues to innovate.
Sassy Susan Graham is Hanna Glawari tonight at the Met, broadcast starting at 7:30 PM.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
