For Christmas 2021 Trove Thursday welcomes The Three Wise Cis-Men each bearing a broadcast of my favorite sacred work by Mozart, the “Great” Mass in C minor, featuring a sterling American soprano: Kathleen Battle, Arleen Augér and Lisette Oropesa.
On this day in 1893 Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel premiered in Weimar.
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
Born on this day in 1858 composer Giacomo Puccini.
Happy 84th birthday to actress, political activist, environmentalist, and former fashion model Jane Fonda.
A good time seemed to be had by all though I don’t recall seeing a single child in attendance.
Born on this day in 1898 actress and singer Irene Dunne.
“The Met’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages.”
Born on this day in 1888 actress Gladys Cooper.
Presented with an all-new English translation in an abridged 90 minutes, with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as its rags-to-riches princess.
Since my previous CD round-up review the onslaught of solo recital disks of 18th century (and sometimes also 17th) vocal music has continued unabated.
Born on this day in 1946 actor, director and screenwriter Eugene Levy.
Born on this day in 1961 Broadway (and elsewhere) diva LaChanze.
Trove Thursday sneaks in one more OONY offering before 2021 ends: Verdi’s rare La Battaglia di Legnano from 1987 with Aprile Millo, Mario Malagnini, and Matteo Manuguerra.
On this day in 1952 Bette Davis headlined the opening night of the Broadway revue Two’s Company.
I see in Kimberly Akimbo an audacious idea, once unthinkable territory for a musical, which is realized through a highly imaginative and often unpredictable use of song and especially open-ended ensemble writing.
Born on this day in 1932 songstress Abbe Lane.
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.
Born on this day in 1910 songstress Lillian Roth.
On this day in 1955 the film The Rose Tattoo premiered in New York City.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads Sondra Radvanovsky (Tosca), Brian Jagde (Cavaradossi), George Gagnidze (Scarpia) and Patrick Carfizzi (Sacristan).
Happy 90th birthday actress and singer Rita Moreno.
“Rolando Villazón makes an exciting role debut as the lovable lout Papageno.”
Born on this day in 1903 actress Una Merkel.
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