Divinity, restored
All the daring and imagination of La Divina’s live work, particularly in the early years, is revealed in Warner Classics’ Maria Callas: The Live Recordings.
Recent Stories
“There are no more geniuses, only critics”
Born on this day in 1874 composer Arnold Schoenberg.
Win a Free Ticket to Opening Night at the Met!
Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen star in the Met's new Macbeth. We're giving away one ticket, so screw your courage to the sticking place and enter now!
Mangiamo
So La Cieca has been hearing complaints lately that she is not linking to videos of Russian guys singing excerpts from La traviata while eating Tater Tots.
Nam Sibyllam quidem Cumis ego ipse oculis meis vidi in ampulla pendere
Dame Rosalind Plowright complains that unlike most other voiceless 68 year old singers, she has trouble finding work.
Carmen denominator
When you attend a performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen you can never be quite certain which one you’re in for.
“Searching, almost harrowing”
Born on this day in 1938 mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos.
Seriously? Right in front of Mycenae?
You’ve got your “Night in the Museum,”and your “It’s All In Her Head” and your “Pantomimes of Childhood Trauma” and that’s all before halftime.
This is a man’s world
Brian Jagde‘s creative and charismatic Calaf was almost enough to make up for his counterpart Martina Serafin’s distant portrayal of Turandot.
I’ll take the fall
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).
The joint was really jumping down in Carnegie Hall
More of the “breakthrough” performance of Montserrat Caballé on April 20, 1965.
That evening sun
On this day in 1914 composer W. C. Handy published “St. Louis Blues.”
At last they’ve got you on the map
Born on this day in 1898 actress Bessie Love.
Broadcast: Aïda
Without the graffiti, San Francisco Opera’s Aïda is notable for Leah Crocetto in the title role.
“No one provokes me with impunity”
On this day in 1543 Mary Stuart, at nine months old, was crowned “Queen of Scots.”
Lady with a torch
On this day in 1953 Carnival in Flanders (starring Dolores Gray) opened at The New Century Theater, to run six performances.
Not much gold, but plenty of rush
Is this not Puccini’s greatest opera, his most human, least manipulative?
Z to A
Today’s offering is an electric performance of Verdi’s early potboiler Attila conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli.
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Happy 52nd birthday soprano Angela Gheorghiu.
Keep a low profile, hold in your stomach and be a good sport
Happy 70th birthday actress Jane Curtin.
Unnatural prologue
La Cieca is actively searching now for a weekly audio or video feature to permanently replace the defunct “Montag Mit Marianne.”
Sea major
Happy 57th birthday soprano Karita Mattila.
