premiereopera's Podcast

Carlo Bergonzi- Che gelida manina- 1960 live!!

premiereopera — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:52:00 GMT

The great Italian tenor Carlo Bergonzi gives us a benchmark performance of the famous aria from Puccini's La Boheme, "Che gelida manina." Bergonzi sings this aria in key, with a magnificent high C to cap it off, and the most gorgeous of legatos and phrasing and dynamics. Truly one of the greatest tenors ever.

This and all podcasts can also be found at www.premiereopera.com

Richard Tucker- newly discovered Canadian Operatic Concert- 1972

premiereopera — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:05:00 GMT

Here are five selections from a recently discovered operatic concert that the great tenor, Richard Tucker, sang with the Winnipeg Symphony in March of 1972. Tucker greatness was ageless, and the voice is still in it's warm golden form. He was about 60 years old here, and sounds like a tenor about half that age. He sings arias here from Ballo, Tosca, Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci, and Leoncavallo's Mattinata. Also sung, but not on the recording, were arias from L'Africana, Cavalleria Rusticana, and L'Elisir. The singing is truly awesome!!

Enjoy!!

Best wishes,

Romeo scenes- Costello, Shin- sent privately

premiereopera — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:49:00 GMT

A few wonderful excerpts from Stephen's great performance of Romeo last night!!! Enjoy!!

Richard Tucker as SAMSON- Phila. 1970

premiereopera — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:46:00 GMT

Tucker came late to Samson, performing it for the first time in Phila. in 1970, and then doing a run at the Met in 1971-2 with Bumbry. I found him thrilling in this role, and dramatically, it was one of his finest. Here the Jewish leader rallies his troops, in French, but as a great Cantor just the same!!

Richard Tucker- Thine Alone- from Eileen by V. Herbert

premiereopera — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:44:00 GMT

Here is an early (1949) recording of Richard Tucker, singing the gorgeous "Thine Alone" from the operetta "Eileen" by Victor Herbert. This is one of my 3 or 4 favorite Tucker recordings. He sings with such beauty and clarity, and makes the high tessitura sound easy, and, just for good measure, he transposes the second verse up a half tone, to make the high tessitura virtually impossible, but, again, Tucker makes it sound easy.

For me, this is as gorgeous as it gets!!

MacNeil- Ernani scenes- Act 3- Buenos Aires 1963

premiereopera — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:39:00 GMT

In my opinion these selections from Verdi's Ernani, as sung by the great Cornell MacNeil, defies description. Words cannot do it justice. Just listen and be amazed!! And no, we don't have any baritones who sing like this anymore. We only had big Mac!!

MEFISTOFELE- Di Stefano- complete as recorded 1959

premiereopera — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:35:00 GMT

Here is every note that the great tenor, Giuseppe Di Stefano recorded in the studio of Boito's Mefistofele in the summer of 1959, along with Renata Tebaldi and Cesare Siepi, with Tullio Serafin conducting. Only the scene with Elena is not recorded, thereby preventing commercial release.

IRIS- live 1956- Petrella, Di Stefano!!

premiereopera — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:45:00 GMT

Amazing singing by both Petrella and Di Stefano. This is good, old "giving" Italian singing at its best. I just received this fine sounding copy, and wanted to share it with you, to further remember the great Pippo!!

Jose Carreras- first American recital- 3 selections

premiereopera — Wed, 5 Mar 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Jose Carreras sang his first ever American recital in Carmel, California on October 14, 1975. I was there and he was wonderful. Here he sings a beautiful aria from Rossini's Pietra del Paragone, Tosti's Ideale, and Puccini's Nessun Dorma! Bravo, Jose!!

Siboney- name the voice!!

premiereopera — Wed, 5 Mar 2008 05:42:00 GMT

Name this tenor singing Siboney! If you can guess who it is, you're really good at voices!

Hint: he is a tenor of today who is singing leading tenor roles in the major opera houses of the world!!

Di Stefano at 22- Una furtiva lagrima

premiereopera — Tue, 4 Mar 2008 02:57:00 GMT

In one of his earliest performances, here is Giuseppe Di Stefano at the age of only 22, singing a beautiful Una furtiva lagrima from Elisir d'Amore. The sheer beauty is simply overwhelming.

Butterfly love duet- Di Stefano & de los Angeles- 1954

premiereopera — Tue, 4 Mar 2008 01:36:00 GMT

Here is prime Di Stefano and de los Angeles in the famous and beautiful love duet from Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Ardently and beautifully sung by both artists, this is a treat for the ear.

IRIS- Giuseppe Di Stefano & Rosanna Carteri- 1956

premiereopera — Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:27:00 GMT

This magnificent scene from Mascagn's rarely performed "Iris" contains some of the greatest singing that Di Stefano ever committed to disc. The music is of the greatest difficulity for the tenor. Nothing is above an A natural, but so much of the music is between F and A natural as to make it a virtually unsingable tessitura. However, Di Stefano conquers, and had a great triumph on this opera when it was revived in Italy in 1956, the same year as this recording. His voice is ravishing here, as well as melting. Carteri is a wonderful duet partner.

Giuseppe Di Stefano- Non piangere Liu- Turandot

premiereopera — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 23:14:00 GMT

As requested, here is Giuseppe Di Stefano in his gorgeous rendtiion of "Non piangere Liu" from Puccini's Turandot.

Giuseppe Di Stefano- Core 'ngrato

premiereopera — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 20:32:00 GMT

Every Italian or Italianate tenor worth his salt sang "Core 'ngrato" but nobody sang it like Di Stefano. The gorgeous tone (just listen to the first two words, "Cateri, Cateri" and you will melt) combined with the passion and love of singing is unsurpassed by any tenor ever.

In loving memory- Di Stefano- Santa Lucia luntan- 1954

premiereopera — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 18:48:00 GMT

There are so many recordings to remember Di Stefano by, but I think this one particular recording of a beautiful Italian song says it all. Adddio a Pippo, e grazie per sempre!!

SLEALE! FORZA- TUCKER & MERRILL 1965

premiereopera — Sun, 2 Mar 2008 19:11:00 GMT

Here is the great Sleale scene from Verdi's La Forza del Destino. Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill sang together often in Forza, and this is a thrilling rendition of this scene.

Steber, Tucker- Don Carlo final scene

premiereopera — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 05:22:00 GMT

Two great American artists, soprano Eleanor Steber and tenor Richard Tucker, bring us a beautiful rendition of the gorgeous final duet from Verdi's Don Carlo. Steber and Tucker also had the same voice teacher, tenor Paul Althouse!

Stignani, Di Stefano- Favorita duet- RAI 1952

premiereopera — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 02:24:00 GMT

Two all time greats of the Italian opera stage, mezzo Ebe Stignani and tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano join forces to sing this beatiful music from Donizetti's La Favorita. Stignani had already been singing for almost 30, but sounds fresh and youg, and Di Stefano really was a fresh voiced, young singer in 1952!!

MARIO FILLIPESCHI- Nessun Dorma, Di Quella Pira!! 1955

premiereopera — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 01:54:00 GMT

Squillo to burn!! Not a gorgeous voice, but one of great excitement and squillo!!

Carteri/Bergonzi- Butterfly love duet 1/30/60

premiereopera — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 01:22:00 GMT

In a rare RAI concert from January 30, 1960, soprano Rosana Carteri and tenor Carlo Bergonzi joing magnificent forces in this thrilling version of the geat love duet from Puccini's love duet, capped by a joint high C that is held forver, and ever!! Grande!!!

de los Angeles- Micaela's aria from Carmen!!

premiereopera — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:55:00 GMT

Victoria de los Angeles sang very few performances as Micaela in her illustrious career, so we are indeed fortunate to have a sample of what she sounded like. From a performance in the mid 50's, she sings perhaps the definitive version of this beautiful aria.

Sleale scene- Forza- del Monaco, Bastianini- 1956

premiereopera — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:28:00 GMT

The exciting "Sleale" scene from Verdi's La Forza del Destino, as performed by Mario del Monaco and Ettore Bastianini, makes for incredibly thrilling listening. This scene was often omitted from performanes 40 or 50 years ago, due it's very demanding music for the tenor. del Monaco is at his best, as is the Italian baritone, Ettore Bastianin. Together they sing this scene with great slancio!!

Tucker/Price- Butterfly act 1- excerpts

premiereopera — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:38:00 GMT

Richard Tucker, in his second recording of Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, sings the opening arias of this beautiful music with a combination of great vocal beauty, legato, and soaring ease in the many top notes. Price sings as glorious an entrance as I have ever heard

PIPPO!!! Che gelida manina- 1956

premiereopera — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:50:00 GMT

The great Giuseppe Di Stefano lavishes his golden voice on the famous aria, Che gelida manina, from La Boheme. To listen is to revel in this incredible sound!!

Bjoerling, Wunderlich, Vickers- 3 more tenors!

premiereopera — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:13:00 GMT

Three more tenors sing for us. Jussi Bjoerling sings an astoundingly gorgeous Amor ti vieta, from a 1957 recital, followed by the beautiful voice of Fritz Wunderlich, singing Dies Bildnis from Zauberflote, and Jon Vickers sings an interesting, non-Italianate Celeste Aida!

Jose Carreras- Core 'ngrato & Santa Lucia Luntana- 1980

premiereopera — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:58:00 GMT

The beauty of Jose Carreras' voice is heard in these wonderful Italian song. His Core 'ngrato is full of fire and passion, and his Santa Lucia Luntana is meltingly gorgeous, with lovely high soft tones. Golden singing by any standard!!

del Monaco- L'amico Fritz, Werther, Lohengrin- 1948-52

premiereopera — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:12:00 GMT

The young Mario del Monaco, in some of his earliest recordings, sings arias from L'amico Fritz, Werther, and Lohengrin. He sings everything in his native Italian, and his voice and "ring" seem like young miracles of sound!!

Placido Domingo- Boheme 1967 & Carmen 1968

premiereopera — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:22:00 GMT

The young Domingo sings a warmly vocalised Boheme aria from 1967, and a very moving Flower Song from Carmen in 1968.

Mefistofele Prison Scene-Tebaldi, Di Stefano, Siepi 1959

premiereopera — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:19:00 GMT

The great prison scene, or the death of Margherita, as it is called in the score, of Boito's Mefistofele, is one of my very favorite scenes in all of opera. As sung by three of the geatest voices of the 20th century, it is irresistible

This excerpt starts after the L'altra notte aria, so to fit in the space allowed. Tebaldi, Di Stefano, and Siepi are unequaled in this music.

Enjoy!!

Beniamino Gigli- Una furtiva lagrima- 1927

premiereopera — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:45:00 GMT

The great, great Beniamino Gigli sings what I consider to be the definitive recording of Una furtiva lagrima. This was recorded in 1927, when Gigli was at the very pinnicle of his great powers.

The Great Franco Corelli- two Neopolitan Songs live 1968

premiereopera — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:19:00 GMT

The great Franco Corelli doing one of the many things that he did best: singing Italian canzoni. Here are "I te vurria vasa" & "Cor 'ngrato" from a live concert given in 1968. Amazing!!

Leontyne Price- Depuis le jour- 1968

premiereopera — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:05:00 GMT

From a gala concert, the great Leontyne Price sings a ravishing Depuis le jour from Louise. It's one of the most gorgeous things I have ever heard!!

Mystery baritone sings Largo al factotum in English

premiereopera — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:35:00 GMT

This is a great baritone, who never, as far as I know, sang the role of Figaro in Barbiere. He did, however, sing the big aria, in English, at a gala concert. Here he is. Please name the voice, and tell us what you think of this performance!!

Martha aria- Richard Tucker- 1961 in English

premiereopera — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:28:00 GMT

The great Richard Tucker gives his all in this thrilling rendition of the famous tenor aria from Martha. He sings it here in English, in a 1961 revival. At the final performance of the run, he sang this in the Italian that Met audiences were used to from his great predecessors , Caruso and Gigli!! I know. I was there!!!

Mystery duet

premiereopera — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:29:00 GMT

Name the opera, and name the singers, if you can!!

Gigli at 60! Quanto e bella

premiereopera — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:40:18 GMT

Remarkable freshness of voice and joy of singing, the great Gigli give a lesson in sweet tenor singing in this beautiful aria from Elisir d'amore!!

O Don Fatale- mystery mezzo!!

premiereopera — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:05:26 GMT

You're good if you can name the mezzo singing the great aria from Verdi's Don Carlo, O don fatale! She is featured on many live performance recordings, but recorded very little commercially. BTW, although there is no audience, this is from a live performance done in a radio studio.

Bergonzi goes crazy- Pazzo son

premiereopera — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:16:00 GMT

Carlo Bergonzi, well known for his great taste among Italian tenors, throws all caution to the wind, and delivers a Pazzo son that even outdoes Gigli and Tucker when it comes to sobbing, and emphasizing certain words for effect. It's great, and I love it!!!!

Lombardi Trio- Gigli/Rethberg/Pinza- 1930

premiereopera — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:45:00 GMT

It doesn't get much better than this, ever in recorded history. The combination of Gigli/Rethberg/Pinza is certainly more than Golden Age. It is one of the greatest operatic recordings ever made. Listen to Gigli singing the two high B naturals along with Rethberg, and both singers holding the notes to make it more exciting. The notes are written for the soprano, but not for the tenor. Caruso also sings these B's on his recording of this trio.

This one's for the ages!!

I Lombardi Trio-della Chiesa, Peerce, Moscona-Toscanini 1943

premiereopera — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:24:00 GMT

Here is the gorgeous trio from Verdi's I Lombardi, taken from a live broadcast of 1//31/43, with Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony, and soloists Vivian della Chiesa, Jan Peerce, and Nicola Moscona.

O mio rimorso- name the voice

premiereopera — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:20:00 GMT

Name this tenor singing the cabaletta, O mio rimorso, from Verdi's La Traviata!

Sleale duet- Bergonzi, Cappuccilli 1970

premiereopera — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:02:00 GMT

Here is the complete, uncut "Sleale" scene from Verdi's La Forza del Destino, as sung by those two paragons of Verdi style, tenor Carlo Bergonzi and baritone Piero Cappuccilli. The reason this duet was so often cut is mostly due is it's tremendously difficult tessitura, and dramatic outbursts by the tenor, Alvaro. He has at least 4 or 5 high Bb's, and two high B naturals near the end of the scene. And more A's and Ab's than I can count!! The conductor here is Lamberto Gardelli, who I usually like, but find quite slow in this scene.

Faust trio- Peters, Peerce, Pinza 1953

premiereopera — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:25:00 GMT

From 1953, here is a rare recording of the final trio from Faust sung by a very young Roberta Peters, a very middle aged Jan Peerce, and a very old Ezio Pinza.

This RCA 10" LP release was taken from the soundtrack of the Sol Hurok film biography, "Tonight we sing."

I can't do the sum! (name the voice)

premiereopera — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:06:00 GMT

Name the singer of this song. Hint: it's not Ethel Merman. She's a very famous opera singer.

Ah! Non giunge- Sonnambula- name the voice!!

premiereopera — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:16:00 GMT

Here is a wonderful rendition of the florid ending of La Sonnambula, complete with an incredible sustained high F. Who is this mystery soprano??

Villazon, Koch- Werther scene 1/28/08

premiereopera — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:28:00 GMT

Here is THE great scene from Act 3 of Massenet's Werther, starting with the great tenor aria, Pourquoi me revellier. Both Villazon and Koch give their all in this exciting scene.

Caballe- Arrigo! Ah, parli ancor- Vespri 1974- Queler, cond.

premiereopera — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:43:00 GMT

The best of Caballe. The lady doesn't believe in breathing it appears. This is being posted thanks to a request just received from the conductor!! A thrilling performance!!

VILLAZON- OPERATIC CONCERT- PARIS 1/28/08

premiereopera — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:11:00 GMT

Tenor Rolando Villazon sings an operatic concert in Paris on January 28 of this year. Presented here are four exertps.

1. La dolcissima- Adriana

2. L'anima stanca- Adriana

3. Questa e quella- Rigoletto

4. Quando le sera- Luisa Milller.

Villazon sounds wonderful in these selections. I am sure you'll enjoy this podcast!

Best wishes,

Vespri- two duets Caballe, Domingo, Bordoni

premiereopera — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:40:00 GMT

Two great duets from the Barcelona performance of Verdi's I Vespri Siciliani, from Barcelona in 1974, with Eve Queler conducting. First Domingo is joined by baritone Franco Bordoni in the exciting first tenor-baritone duet. This is followed by the soprano-tenor duet where Domingo is joined by Caballe.

Josef Schmidt- Die Tote Stadt aria

premiereopera — Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:04:00 GMT

Josef Schmidt sounds magnificent in this beautiful aria from Korngold's Die Tote Stadt. The recording dates from 1933.

Soliloquy- Carousel- Robert Merrill 1955

premiereopera — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 04:21:00 GMT

From a recording of Carousel originally issued by RCA in 1955, the ever versatile Robert Merrill sings a glorious rendition of the great Soliloquy. Merrill was a great crossover artist long before there was such a word as crossover!! Great singing by any definition!!

Tosca quartet-Barlow/Tucker/Quilico/Rosen 1971

premiereopera — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 01:33:00 GMT

It was my thrill to share the stage with the above named singers. In this scene, I, as Sciarrone, enters to give Scarpia the bad news, and Tucker laughs at me!! And then sings some Bb's that literally made my ears hurt!! What a thrill and how lucky I was to sing in a performance with my idol, Richard Tucker!!!

Tosca quartet-Barlow/Tucker.Quilico/Rosen 1971

premiereopera — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 01:10:00 GMT

Leontyne Price- D'amor- Trovatore 1971

premiereopera — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 00:09:00 GMT

The gorgeous voice of living legend Leontyne Price is heard at its pristine best is this rendition of the great aria from the last act of Verdi's Il Trovatore. This performance is from an operatic concert in 1971.

Cornell MacNeil- Ernani aria 1975

premiereopera — Tue, 5 Feb 2008 04:52:00 GMT

Cornell MacNeil sings the great baritone aria from Verdi's Ernani in a recital in 1975. MacNeil had been stopping the show with this aria since he first sang this opera in the late 50's in Italy, and stole the show from the likes of Price and Corelli at the Met in the 60's! Listen to the absolutely inbelievable ending!!

Siepi sings- what is this piece??

premiereopera — Tue, 5 Feb 2008 03:29:00 GMT

Cesare Siepi opened a 1975 recital with this piece, which is unfamiliar to me. I no longer have the program, and would appreciate it if somebody can identify this music for me. I believe it is from an early opera. Perhapa Monteverdi?? I really don't know. Please help me identify this selection. Siepi ends this on an incredible low D!!!

Thanks,

Otello- Si! Pel ciel- name the singers

premiereopera — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 04:46:00 GMT

Name the Otello and Iago in this exciting performance of the Si! Pel Ciel duet from Act 2 of Verdi's Otello. Both had great fame in this opera!!

MYSTERY LUCIA SEXTET

premiereopera — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 03:20:00 GMT

Name the four leading singers in this performance of the Sextet from Lucia. All were very well known, and three of the four had very long careers at the Met and other houses, and were super stars of their time. An unusual recording!!

Kurt Baum- Rosenkavalier- with high Db ending!!!

premiereopera — Sun, 3 Feb 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Well, you asked for it, and here it is!! So what do you think???

Mystery soprano & tenor- Tosca duet Act 1

premiereopera — Sun, 3 Feb 2008 19:59:00 GMT

Name the two singers in this performance of the Act 1 duet from Puccini's Tosca!

Rolando Villazon returns- Werther/Manon Jan 5/18 2008

premiereopera — Sun, 3 Feb 2008 05:22:00 GMT

First we have the actual first notes sung in public by Villazon in many months, as he makes his first entrance in Werther on January 5,2008. The usually staid Viennese audience greets him with an ovation before he sings a note! Then we here him singing La Reve from Manon, on January 18, 2008.

Ya-aleh- Cantor Richard Tucker- from the Kol Nidre service

premiereopera — Sun, 3 Feb 2008 03:44:00 GMT

Here is Richard Tucker officiating as Cantor for the Ya-aleh from the Kol Nidre service. I think this is incredible singing by any standard. The tremendous runs and leaps, musically, the trills, the tessitura, show why Tucker was such a great and celebrated Cantor.

Elinor Ross- In questa reggia- w. Tucker- 1968

premiereopera — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:39:00 GMT

Here is my tape of that great night in 1968, with Elinor Ross singing a great In questa reggia. She is absolutely thrilling. Tucker joins in at the end, and sings a totally blazing high C. Has to be heard to be believed!!!

L'Africana scenes- Tucker/Stella 1972

premiereopera — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:27:00 GMT

Richard Tucker and Antonietta Stella sing excerpts from Meyerbeer's rarely performed opera, L'Africana in this 1972 performance. Tucker starts with a gorgeous "O Paradiso" followed by the rousing cabaletta, "Deh ch'io ritorni," with an incredible interpolated high B natural near the end. He brings down the house twice within 10 minutes. The long duet with Stella finds both singers in thrilling form. The tenor music is particularly high and for the most part, lyrical, with high B naturals and high Bb's aplenty. In the part that begins "O mia Selika," Tucker does some of the most gorgeous lyric singing I have ever heard him do. He was about 60 at the time, but the voic still had it's usual golden sound. He handles the very high tessitura with ease, and his soaring high B near the end is so easily produced, that it's hard to believe it is a B natural! This is lovely music, and makes one wish for a revival of this opera. The role Vasco DaGama would seem like a natural for Marcello Giordani!!

Rolando Villazon- 1/13/08- two selections from recital

premiereopera — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:40:00 GMT

Here are two selections from the return recital of tenor Rolando Villazon. He first sings Massenet's "Ouvre tes yeux," followed by Tosti's "Ideale." Rolando's voice sounds as beautiful as ever!

RICHARD TUCKER- HIS GREATEST EVENING EVER!!!

premiereopera — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Richard Tucker sang a recital at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in November of 1967 which still stands as the greatest evening of singing I have ever heard from any singer ever. The program is staggering in it's length and difficulty, and I knew I was in the presence of true greatness that night. He began the evening with a long and difficult Mozart concert aria, and ended the evening with Richard Rodgers "You'll never walk alone!" In between he sang countless difficult arias (how many tenors have ever included the Forza aria in a piano recital!!!) and many Italian songs. Also a few selections from the Yiddish and Hebrew literature, including a long cantorial piece. Neopolitan songs, English songs, and on and on. Every note was perfect, and I want to post the entire concert for you to listen to and marvel at. The selections:

1. Misero, o sogno

2. Invocation of Orfeo- Peri

3. Dilli, non t'amo piu

4. Nina

5. Che fiero costumi

6. Lamento di Federico

7. O tu che in seno

8. Addio alla Madre

9. The Shepard

10. Ura dor

11. Dudele

12. Hebrew Song

13. Cantorial selection

14. The Abbott of Derry

15. The Abbott of Derry (encore)

16. Hanging Hill

17. Do you remember

18. Dicentacella vuie

19. Mamma mia che vo sape

20. Mattinata

21. De miei bollenti spiriti

22. You'll never walk alone

MacNeil/Scotto- Rigoletto- Si, vendetta!

premiereopera — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:19:00 GMT

From Buenos Aires in the summer of 1968, here are Cornell MacNeil and Renata Scotto driving the audience to an absolute frenzy with their incredible singing to end Act 3, as I was brought up to learn, of Rigoletto. Their "Si, vendetta" duet is what legends are indeed made of!

L'Amico Fritz- Cherry Duet- better sounding version

premiereopera — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:44:00 GMT

The beautiful Cherry Duet from Mascagni's lovely "L'Amico Frirz is performed by a young tenor and soprano. Can you name the voices?

L'Amico Fritz- Cherry Duet- Perez/Costello 2008

premiereopera — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:59:00 GMT

The gorgeous Cherry Duet from Mascagni's lovely "L'Amico Frirz is performed Ailyn Perez and Stephen Costello in a concert given early this year. It is beautifully sung by the young soprano and tenor

Verrano a te- Lucia-Scotto/Pavarotti 1967

premiereopera — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:41:00 GMT

Listen to the young Renata Scotto and Luciano Pavarotti sing this beautiful duet from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. In 1967, Scotto was a much bigger name than Pavarotti. Their singing is wonderful in this excerpt from an RAI broadcast of October 10, 1967. Francesco Molinari-Pradelli is the conductor.

MILANOV SINGS FORZA- 2 ARIAS

premiereopera — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:34:00 GMT

Zinka Milanov sings two great arias from Verdi's La Forza del Destino. Recorded in her very peak years, the Croatian soprano is simply magnificent in two arias from one of her greatest roles, that of Leonora in Forza.

1. Madre pietosa Vergine

2. Pace mio Dio

MILANOV SINGS! (IN ENGLISH!!!)

premiereopera — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:53:00 GMT

The beautiful voice of Zinka Milanov is heard to wonderful effect in a song by Hageman, "Do not go my love." Simply gorgeous!

STEPHEN COSTELLO SINGS FAUST- London 1/5/08

premiereopera — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:21:00 GMT

Young tenor Stephen Costello sings Salut! demeure from Faust, from his very recent recital in London.

STILL WATER- ROBERT MERRILL 1951

premiereopera — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 05:45:00 GMT

From the film "Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick," the gorgeous voice of Robert Merrill is heard singing Still Water. This song is unfamiliar to me, but is very beautiful.

mystery soprano

premiereopera — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:47:00 GMT

Name the voice of this soprano heard in My Lord and Master, from The King and I, and the entire "bench" scene from Carousel, where she is joined by a mystery baritone!!

Vivian dell Chiesa/Robet Merrill-Somtimes I'm happy

premiereopera — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:52:00 GMT

A very strange sounding duet, with Vivian della Chiesa and Robert Merrill!! To me, it sounds as if two men are singing!!

RICHARD TUCKER SHOWS OFF!!! TROVATORE!!

premiereopera — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:18:00 GMT

Listen to Richard Tucker as Manrico in 1969, at the Blossom May Festival, under the young James Levine. In particular, listen to what Tucker does at the end of the "Ah si, ben mio." Usually this scene is taxing enough, but this ending is spectacular. Tucker is in magnificent voice, in his 57th year. I'm sure you will enjoy this.

Best wishes,

Taddei/Callas Nile duet- 1951

premiereopera — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:20:00 GMT

Dramatic Verdi singing at its finest is featured in this pairing of Maria Callas and baritone Giuseppe Taddei. This is the famous Mexico performance from 1951.

Giuseppe Taddei/Alfredo Kraus- Pearfishers duet 1960

premiereopera — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:52:00 GMT

From RAI in 1960, a young Alfredo Kraus is joined by the great Italian baritone, Giuseppe Taddei in an Italian language verson of the beautiful Pearlfishers duet, with the "Italian ending," as recorded by such as Gigli'De Luca. This is lyrical singing at its best!!

GIUSEPPE TADDEI- TRAVIATA WITH TEBALDI 1952

premiereopera — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:53:00 GMT

Here are the great singers, Renata Tebaldi and Giuseppe Taddei in the Garden Duet from Verdi's La Traviata. The performance is from San Carlo di Napoli and was given on January 17, 1952. Both great Italian singers were young and in their prime. This performance is quite rare and difficult to find. It is a treasure.

MYSTERY SOPRANO IN VESPRI ARIA

premiereopera — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:40:00 GMT

Name the voice! The beautiful "Arrigo, a parla ancor" sung in the original French in a remarkable performance!!

Mystery soprano & Tucker- Ballo duet 1973

premiereopera — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:10:38 GMT

Here is the magnificent love duet from Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera.Our mystery soprano and Tucker deliver a thrilling and beautifully sung performance of this famous and difficult, capped with a great high C. Tucker, amazingly, was 60 years old at the time of this performance! Simply amazing!!

BALLO LOVE DUET- MYSTERY SOPRANO & TUCKER 1973

premiereopera — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:49:00 GMT

Here is the magnificent love duet from Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera.Cruz-Romo and Tucker deliver a thrilling and beautifully sung performance of this famous and difficult, capped with a great high C. Tucker, amazingly, was 60 years old at the time of this performance! Simply amazing!!

BALLO LOVE DUET- NILSSON & TUCKEER

premiereopera — Sat, 5 Jan 2008 05:43:00 GMT

Here is the magnificent love duet from Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera. Nilsson and Tucker deliver a thrilling and beautifully sung performance of this famous and difficult duet, capped with a great high C.

MILNES-LUISA MILLER ARIA & CABALETTA 1968

premiereopera — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:30:00 GMT

Here is the young Sherrill Milnes in 1968 singing Miller's aria and cabaletta from Verdi's Luisa Miller. After this, we hear the final two minutes of Act 1, with Tozzi, Tucker, Caballe, Milnes. Please leave your comments!

Best wishes,

MANON LESCAUT- END OF ACT 2 & ACT 3 COMPLETE

premiereopera — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:14:00 GMT

This great performance was given in Caracas in June of 1972. Tucker was 60, and Olivero was two or three years older than that!! They sing with the greatest passion imaginable, as they sound like the young lovers they are in the opera. This is the only time these two greats sang together.

MANON LESCAUT- ACT 4- OLIVERO & TUCKER

premiereopera — Fri, 7 Dec 2007 05:14:00 GMT

This historic performance was never broadcast. It is a wonderful, stereo house tape that Richard Tucker gave to me the day after he returned from Caracas.

RICHARD TUCKER- SOUND AN ALARM AND OTHERS!!

premiereopera — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 06:14:00 GMT

The great Verdi/Puccini tenor, Richard Tucker, sings florid Handel as remarkably well as he sings anything else. The incredible Tucker ring is here for all to hear on this magnificent live concert from The Hollywood Bowl in 1951. He then sings two arias: O Paradiso and Addio allla Madre. Awesome!!!

JOHN CHARLES THOMAS IN SONG

premiereopera — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 22:29:00 GMT

The great baritone voice of John Charles Thomas is heard here in his very prime, in songs recorded between 1931 & 1941. Thomas surely had one of the most magnificent voices ever. His opening song, My Hero, is one of the great baritone recordings I have ever heard. Enjoy this podcast. Here is the program:

1. My Hero

2. The Open Road

3. The Lord's Prayer

4. I Love Life

5. Ol' Man River

6. Home on the Range

ROBERT MERRILL IN SONG

premiereopera — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:23:00 GMT

If any singer had a more beautiful and natural voice than Robert Merrill, I have yet to here him or her. Merrill's way with these songs is simply magnificent, from the operatic type songs, such as The Lord's Prayer, and the more lyrical songs such as C'est magnifique. Merrill was and is the greatest.

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA- 1973- TUCKER, ROSS

premiereopera — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:12:00 GMT

This performance was given at the Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia during the summer of 1973. Tucker was 60, and still singing this difficult role with thrilling ease. We present his part complete, with Elinor Ross as Santuzza, and Matteo Manuguerra as Alfio, and a surprise appearance by Frederica von Stade-Lola. The conductor is Lamberto Gardelli. This is thrilling singing!!

GREATEST EVER LIVE HIGH C

premiereopera — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:16:00 GMT

From Act 4 of Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Renata Tebaldi and Richard Tucker show us what great singing is all about. I have never heard two singers "give" as much as Tebaldi and Tucker do here, with the most thrilling high C imaginable in their great scene.

La Gioconda-Suliotis Tucker MacNeil Elias Buenos Aires 1966

premiereopera — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:24:00 GMT

This thrilling performance is from Buenos Aires in the summer of 1966. The cast gives its all, and the performance is "white-hot!" Tucker and MacNeil especially get huge audience approval, with their big voiced, gorgeous singing. These highlights are stunning!

Cast:

Gioconda- Elena Suliotis

Enzo- Richard Tucker

Barnaba- Cornell MacNeil

Laura- Rosalind Elias

Alvise- Paolo Washington

Bruno Bartoletti, con.

This and all podcasts can be found at www.premiereopera.com

Tucker as Alvaro in Forza w. Taddei, Cavelli

premiereopera — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:59:00 GMT

In this Buenos Aires performance from 1961, Richard Tucker is heard in the complete role of Don Alvaro in Verdi's La Forza del Destino. It was one of Tucker's very greatest roles, and he is magnificent in this performance. He is joined by Giuseppe Taddei, Floriana Cavalli, and Plinio Clabassi.

The "Sleale" scene was missing from this performance, so for this scene only, the role of Don Carlo is sung by Mario Sereni.

Richad Tucker as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor

premiereopera — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:01:00 GMT

The great American tenor, Richard Tucker, brings his golden voice to the music of Donizetti in this live performance of Lucia di Lammermoor. Except for the Sextet, the entire role of Edgardo is presented here as performed. Tucker's Lucia is none other then Joan Sutherland!

Chenier- Armiliato Dessi Sep 30 2007 Act 4 complete

premiereopera — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:27:00 GMT

Act 4 complete from Andrea Chenier, with Fabio Armiliato and Daniela Dessi. This is exciting, thrilling singing. And the duet is sung in key! The first cast of this run in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago was Cura and Voight. In my opinion, this pairing of Armiliato and Dessi wins hands down, and I have heard both performances!!

Chenier- Armiliato Dessi Sep 30 2007

premiereopera — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:05:00 GMT

Here is a real Italianate Chenier, sung less than two weeks ago. Why don't we get this at the Met??

Richard Tucker- Kol Nidre Service

premiereopera — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 06:07:00 GMT

The solemn and haunting Kol Nidre service as offered by Cantor Richard Tucker.

La Boheme- Tucker/Kirsten/Bastianini Acts 1 & 3 scenes- live performance

premiereopera — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:09:00 GMT

Scenes from a live performance of Puccini's La Boheme from 1957, featuring Richard Tucker, Dorothy Kirsten, and Ettore Bastianini. GOLDEN AGE!!!!

Luciano Pavarotti Recital- complete- NYC 10/28/73

premiereopera — Fri, 7 Sep 2007 23:27:00 GMT

This early, complete Pavarotti recital finds the 38 year old tenor is truly magnificent form. He was on the verge of super stardom this year, 1973, with the recent triumph of the Met Fille in the very recent past. He generously gives us 22 selections, including encores. Viva Luciano, per sempre!!

Giuseppe Di Stefano- The Glory of Italy

premiereopera — Sat, 1 Sep 2007 19:17:00 GMT

This amazing radio concert, given in Mexico in 1950, stands as one of the supreme examples of tenor singing, any time, anywhere. Not just the best of Di Stefano, which it most certainly is, but the best of perhaps any tenor ever singing this music. The six songs have to be heard to be believed!!!

!. Santa Lucia

2. Ay, ay, ay

3. Core 'ngrato- UNBELIEVABLE!!

4. Mamma mia, che vo sape

5. Estrallita

6. Tu che non chiagne

Sondra Radvanovsky- Lucrezia Borgia final scene- 2007

premiereopera — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 01:49:00 GMT

The wonderful Sondra Radvanovsky pulls out all the vocal fireworks in the demanding finale of Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia. To cap it off, she ends on an incredible high Eb!!!

Igor Gorin radio concert- December 10, 1945

premiereopera — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:25:00 GMT

The great Ukrainian baritone, Igor Gorin, is heard in his prime on this rare radio concert from December 10, 1945. The voice is gorgeous, and the tecnique is perfection.

Gorin was born in the Ukraine in 1904, and I believe he became an American citizen in the 1940's, if not ealier.

He made his one and only very belated appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in 1964, at 60 years of age, as Germont in Traviata. I was there, and the voice was still gorgeous and perfectly focused. It was not a huge voice, but carried extremely well.

I'm sure you will enjoy this 1945 radio concert. Please feel free to leave your comments.

All podcasts are also found at www.premiereopera.com

Best wishes,

Richard Tucker on raidio- 1945-1946- opera in English

premiereopera — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:45:00 GMT

Here is the very young Richard Tucker in some of his first coast to coast radio appearances. These selections are taken from 1945-6, so this is how the great Tucker sounded when he first stepped foot on the stage of the old Met on January 25, 1945. His duet partners include Ribla, Lipton, and Weede. All selections are performaned in English, as was the custom of most of the opera concerts on radio in the mid 1940's. The program follows:

1. Aida- Nile duet- w. Gertrude Ribla- 1946

2. Aida- Judgment duet- w. Martha Lipton- 1946

3. Cavalleria Rusticana- Farewell to Mother- 1945

4. Rigoletto- Though a lady- 1945

5. L'Africana- O Paradise!- 1945

6. Pearlfishers- I seem to hear her singing- 1946

7. Pearlfishers duet- Within the temple there- w. Robert Weede- 1946

8. Faust duet- Garden Scene- w. Gertrude Ribla- 1945

9. Boris duet- From near and far- w. Martha Lipton- 1946

My own personal favorites are the gorgeous Pearlfishers duet, where Tucker and Weede blend their beautiful voices magnificently, and the Boris scene with Martha Lipton, where Tucker sounds as golden toned as is possible!

These and all podcasts are also available at www.premiereopera.com

Best wishes,

Richard Tucker on raidio- 1945-1946- opera in English

premiereopera — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:25:36 GMT

Steber/Bjoerling Radio Concert Jan. 21, 1946

premiereopera — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:19:00 GMT

Eleanor Steber and Jussi Bjoerling join forces for a wonderful 30 minute radio concert from early 1946. Both were in their absolute prime, and they sing two duets, in addition to solo pieces. Truly great, and historical.

All podcasts can also be found at www.premiereopera.com

Americana- Robert Merrill sings Patriotic Songs

premiereopera — Thu, 5 Jul 2007 01:13:00 GMT

One of the very greatest voices America has ever produced was the great baritone, Robert Merrill. What better way to help celebrate the 4th of July than to here Robert Merrill sing the songs of America. Recorded in the 1970's, this was one of Merrill's last recordings, and one of his greatest!! The selections are:

1. Battle hymn of the republic

2. America the beautiful

3. Hoe down!

4. Beautiful dreamer

5. Oklahoma

6. Mademoiselle from Armentieres

7. Camptown races

8. Carry me back to the lone prairie

9. Blow the man down

10. The Whiffenpoof song

Thanks, and a happy 4th to all!!

Beverly Sills- Suor Angelica- Senza Mamma to end of opera

premiereopera — Tue, 3 Jul 2007 04:04:00 GMT

Beverly Sills as Suor Angelica, from "Senza Mamma" to end of the opera. With deepest sorrow, and in loving memory.

Ed Rosen July 3, 2007

Cornell MacNeil- Ernani aria- spectacular

premiereopera — Sun, 20 May 2007 20:10:00 GMT

The great Cornell MacNeil is heard here at his formidable best. His gorgeous singing of the great baritone aria from Act 3 of Verdi's Ernani is the stuff legends are made of. The audience at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires give him a tremendous ovation, as you will hear.

Best,

Aldo Protti- Prologue to Pagliacci

premiereopera — Sun, 20 May 2007 04:30:00 GMT

Aldo Protti was a fine Italian baritone with a warm, expressive voice. He made many complete recordings for London/Decca in the 1950's, and had at least a 40 year career.

Here he sings the magnificent Pagliacci Prologue. I wish we had him today@@

Cappuccilli- Don Carlo- La morte di Rodrigo : Cappuccilli- Rodrigo's Death Scene

premiereopera — Thu, 17 May 2007 03:33:00 GMT

The great Italian baritone, Piero Cappuccilli, sings the beautiful music Giuseppe Verdi wrote for the baritone's death scene in Don Carlo. This inlcudes two arias: the "Per me giunto" and "Io morro." Cappuccilli sings them with a wonderfully melting legato, and an unbelievable breath control. His Carlo is Jose Carreras, in this 1977 performance from La Scala, with Claudio Abbado conducting.

Bergonzi sings Puccini : Bergonzi in La Boheme and Madama Butterfly

premiereopera — Tue, 15 May 2007 03:57:00 GMT

The great Carlo Bergonzi is heard in the music of Giacomo Puccini. First is one of the most gorgeous recordings ever of Rodolfo's Che gelida manina, followed by excerpts from Madama Butterfly, also with Renata Tebaldi, Fiorenza Cossotto, and Enzo Sordello

Premiere Opera Podcast by Ed Rosen : Up in Central Park-MacDonald, Merrill

premiereopera — Sun, 13 May 2007 18:58:00 GMT

Jeanette MacDonald and Robert Merrill team up in early 1945 for selections from Romberg's "Up in Central Park." Merrill was quite unknown at the time, and was asked to do the recording after MacDonald heard him on the radio! This Podcast has been filled with other various rare Merrill "cross-overs." The first 6 selections are from "Up in Central Park" by Sigmund Romberg, with the composer himself conducting!

1. Big Back Yard- Up in Central Park- Merrill- 1945

2. Small Carousel in the Park- MacDonald- 1945

3. Close as Pages in a Book- MacDonald/Merrill- 1945

4. It Doesn't Cost you anything to Dream- MacDonald- 1945

5. When you walk in a Room- Merrill- 1945

6. The Fireman's Bride- MacDonald/Merrill- 1945

7. If I loved You- Stevens/Merrill- 1951

8. You're Just in Love- Stevens/Merrill- 1951

9. So in Love- Peters/Merrill- 1953

10. Indian Love Call- Peters/Merrill- 1953

11. Io canto- "Pop" song- Merrill- 1957

12. Love Train- "Pop" song- Merrill- 1957

13. Gentle Annie- Merrill- 1947

Mefistofeles Prison Scene- Tebald Di Stefano Siepi

premiereopera — Fri, 4 May 2007 05:22:00 GMT

Here is the relatively rare complete prison scene from Boito's Mefistofele as recorded in 1959 by Renata Tebaldi, Giuseppe Di Stefano, and Cesare Siepi. This recording was never completed, and was redone the following summer with Mario del Monaco as Faust.

This is one of the truly great Tebaldi scenes, and especially her singing of the "Spunto, l'aurora" is ravishing, and deeply moving.

Please feel free to leave comments!

This and all podcasts can be found at www.premiereopera.com

Best wishes,

THE VERY YOUNG JAN PEERCE- 1935

premiereopera — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 03:00:00 GMT

Jan Peerce, presented here before his Met debut, in live radio appearances. Here the Peerce voice is truly lovely, with fine soft singing, and a soaring top voice, as is demonstrated especially in the opening piece, the beautiful Irish song, "Macushla."

The program is all from 1935, which was a full six years before Peerce's Met debut.

1. Macushla

2. La donna e mobile

3. Vesti la giubba

4. O sole mio

5. The Bluebird of Happiness

RICHARD TUCKER AS ANDREA CHENIER w. RENATA TEBALDI

premiereopera — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 18:42:00 GMT

Here is the best of the best, IMO. Richard Tucker shone as Andrea Chenier, and his four big arias, all contained here, show exactly why. His golden voice, along with that deep emtional attachment, and that thrilling delivery are something I never seem to hear among tenors any longer. He is joined in the two big duets by the supremely great Renata Tebaldi. Together they will thrill you!

A note of interest: these excerpts are taken from various venues, and perhaps one of the most interesting is the Improviso, which is the very first selection. This is conducted by Leonard Bernstein, during a concert given in Tel Aviv with the Israeli Philharmonic. It's is most probably the only time Bernstein ever conducted this music in public.

Best wishes,

Ed Rosen

OPERA RADIO SHOWS- 1944 & 1949-Albanese/Merrill

premiereopera — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:17:00 GMT

Here is opera on radio as it used to be. From 1944, we hear Licia Albanese in her very prime, and a young, unknown barititone, Robert Merrill, singing his audition on the air. Milton Cross is the announcer. This is followed by a 1949 show of Music American Loves Best, which starred Robert Merrill. This show includes, among other musical numbers, the much discussed "Ghost Riders in the Sky." This show is announced by Merrill, who introduces all the selections. This was performed at Symphony Hall in Boston in 1949.

These two shows last for a total of just about one hour.

Enjoy these wonderful echos of Opera on Radio as it used to be!!

Best wishes,

Giuseppe Filianoti- Lamento di Federico & encore- 2/07

premiereopera — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 03:26:00 GMT

The Italian tenor, Giuseppe Filianoti, sings a gorgeous "Lamento di Federico" in February of this year, and an encore is demanded. Those that were there will never forget this moment of great tenor singing!

ROSE MARIE-Julie Andrews/Giorgio Tozzi

premiereopera — Sun, 4 Mar 2007 03:57:00 GMT

Listen to operetta at it's best in this long out of print 1960 RCA stereo recording. Tozzi is magnificent, and Andrews sparkles!!

THE ROBERT MERRILL SHOW #2 5/17/46

premiereopera — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 06:12:00 GMT

Here again is the 28 year old Robert Merrill, in a radio show broadcast on Armed Forces Radio on May 17, 1946. There is nothing to add to what I wrote yesterday for the first of his shows that I posted. The voice is so beautiful that it literally defies description.

Here he sings his theme song, "Ma Belle" and four songs, plus an incredible Pagliacci Prologo!!

Enjoy this rare example of live, young Merrill, and please leave your comments.

Best,

THE ROBERT MERRILL SHOW- 2/17/46

premiereopera — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:05:00 GMT

Here is old time radio at it's finest. The young Robert Merrill, still in his 20's, stars in The Robert Merrill Show a mere 2 months after his Met debut. The voice is one in a million, and his singing is as natural as it is gorgeous. Enjoy!

Podcast by Ed Rosen : TEBALDI- OTELLO ACT 4- 1954

premiereopera — Fri, 2 Feb 2007 05:41:00 GMT

The great Renata Tebaldi sings the act 4 scena of Desdemona from Verdi's Otello. If this has ever been more beautifully sung, it is beyond my imagination.

Please feel free to comment on this podcast.

All podcasts can also be found at www.premiereopera.com

Thanks and best wishes,

TOSCA- ACT 1 SCENES- TEBALDI/TUCKER

premiereopera — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 05:47:00 GMT

To celebrate today, January 25, we present a big chunk of Tosca, Act 1 with Renata Tebaldi and Richard Tucker. January 25, 1945 was Richard Tucker's Met debut, as Enzo in La Gioconda. For 30 consecutive seasons he starred at the Met in over 30 operas and over 700 appearances.

He was without doubt the greatest tenor I ever heard live. I will remember him always, as a tenor, and as a dear friend.

Renata Tebaldi's birthday is about to be celebrated, and she was one of Tucker's very favorite partners to sing with.

Listen to them both, and the Golden Age of Singing will come back to life right before your very ears!!

Best,

All podcasts may also be accessed at www.premiereopera.com

Andrew Drost w. Orchestra of St. Lukes- 7/06

premiereopera — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:25:00 GMT

With the St. Lukes Orchestra at Caramoor in July of 2006, two selections from West Side Story- Maria, and Tonight, featuring tenor Andrew Drost.

Drost- viaggio

premiereopera — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 05:24:00 GMT

Listen to high D natural as audience reacts.

Podcast by Ed Rosen : Jewish Opera Stars Celebrate Christmas

premiereopera — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 05:37:00 GMT

Richard Tucker, Robert Merrill, and Jan Peerce were all of the Jewish faith. They all recorded some of the beautiful music for Christmas, which I am proud to present in this podcast. These recordings were all made between the mid 1960's and mid 1970's. All are in fine stereo sound. Merrill actually recorded an entire Christmas album in London in about 1972. Here is the program:

1. Tucker- O Little Town of Bethlehem

2. Tucker- The Lord's Prayer

3. Merrill- White Christmas

4. Merrill- I'll Be Home for Christmas

5. Merrill- O Holy Night

6. Peerce- Adeste Fidelis

This and all of our podcasts may be found at www.premiereopera.com

Please feel free to leave your comments.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!!

TEBALDI IS LA GIOCONDA!!!

premiereopera — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 05:13:00 GMT

Renata Tebaldi sings the title role in La Gioconda. This performance was given in Naples in 1968, and marked her triumphant return to this city which saw so many of her early career triumphs.

We hear excerpts from Acts 2, 3, and 4. This was late in Tebaldi's career, but she does things here that she couldn't really have done earlier in her career. She sings with such fearless and even wreckless abandon, that you will be shocked and thrilled. Did any soprano ever have such a huge chest voice? I have never heard one. And her top is in fine shape here, with the B's and Bb's sounding wonderful. Such immersion in a role is rare, but listen to Tebaldi here.

Please leave your comments.

Best wishes,

MANON- ST.SULPICE- NETREBKO/VILLAZON

premiereopera — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 03:30:00 GMT

Listen to the chemistry give off sparks beween Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon in this magnificent scene from Massenet's Manon.

"Ah, fuyez" begins the scene, and we hear the rest of the act.

All podcasts can also be accessed at www.premiereopera.com

This is great singing for all to enjoy!!

Best wishes,

FANCIULLA- STELLA/COLZANI ACT 1 SCENE 1963

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 22:49:00 GMT

ROBERT MERRILL- IL BALEN- IL TROVATORE 1959

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 22:37:00 GMT

Robert Merrill lends his gorgeous voice to the great baritone aria, Il balen, from Verdi's Il Trovatore. It doesn't get any better than this!!

TUCKER- TWO NEAPOLITAN SONGS- 1963

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 22:24:00 GMT

RICHARD TUCKER AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL- 1951

premiereopera — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 04:58:00 GMT

Here is a rare live broadcast featuring the great tenor Richard Tucker in an operatic concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1951. Tucker is is his early prime, and sings with gleaming tone, and incredible "ring" and squillo. His first selection is the demanding Handel aria, "Sound an Alarm". It is quite amazing to hear a tenor with the size voice of Tucker to sing this music, with all it's leaps, runs, coloratura. Surely his cantorial training helped make this possible. All selections are announced.

This is an amazing document of great tenor singing, and I am sure you will enjoy it.

All previous podcasts are available at www.premiereopera.com

Best wishes,

RICHARD TUCKER- THE ESSENCE OF VERISMO

premiereopera — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 05:11:00 GMT

"Richard Tucker- The Essence of Verismo" is probably my own personal favorite of all the recordings I have released since 1967. It shows the thrill and "risk taking" of Tucker, and this made him truly great, in addition to that gorgeous voice and melting legato, and ringing top tones.

Here is the program, as I am happy to give you the entire CD on today, August 28, the birthday of Richard Tucker. He was the best tenor I ever saw.

1. Tosca- Recondita armonia- 1958

2. Tosca- E lucevan le stelle- 1959

3. Turandot- Nessun dorma- 1974

4. Manon Lescaut- Donna non vidi mai- 1949

5. Manon Lescaut- Guardate! Pazzo son- 1966

6. Fanciulla- Three short excerpts from Act one 1962

7. Fanciulla- Or son sei mesi- 1962

8. Fanciulla- Ch'ella mi creda- 1965

9. Gioconda- Cielo e mar- 1960

10. Andrea Chenier- Improviso- 1963 (Bernstein conducting!)

11. Andrea Chenier- Credi al destino- 1965

12. Andrea Chenier- Si, fui soldato- 1965

13. Andrea Chenier- Come un bel di- 1965

14. Cavalleria- Siciliana- 1964

15. Cavalleria- Brindisi- 1964

16. Cavalleria- Compar Alfio- 1974

17. Cavalleria- Addio alla madre- 1974

18. Pagliacci- Vesti la giubba- 1972

19. Pagliacci- No, Pagliaccio non son- 1972

20. Boheme- Che gelida manina- 1957

21. Boheme- Marcello, finalmente- 1968

22. Chenier- Final duet w. Inge Borkh- 1954

RENATA TEBALDI LIVE- VERY RARE- 1955-57

premiereopera — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 04:33:00 GMT

I am particularly thrilled to be able to share this rare Tebaldi material with you. These are all in pristine sound quality, and from the very prime of Tebaldi's career- 1955-1957. They were all from concerts broadcast in the USA. The singing is of a kind that I have not heard since Renata Tebaldi. Here are the contents:

Gianni Schicchi- O mio babbino caro- Early 1955

La Wally- Ebben, ne andro lontana- December 12, 1955

Adriana- Poveri fiori- December 12, 1955

Traviata- Act 1 scena-- December 12, 1955

Forza- Pace mio Dio- January 23, 1956

Manon Lescaut- In quelle trine morbide- January 23, 1956

Spanish song- Cantares- November 19, 1956

Stabat Mater- (Rossini)- Inflammatus- November 19, 1956

Adriana- Io son l'umile ancella- March 18, 1957

L'amico Fritz- Son pochi fiori- March 18, 1957

This is an exciting find. Magnificent singing in superlative sound. Please leave your comments, and enjoy this most beautiful of podcasts. All podcasts are also available at www.premiereopera.com

Best wishes,

Podcast-TEBALDI- BUTTERFLY ACT 2 COMPLETE

premiereopera — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:37:00 GMT

Renata Tebaldi gives one of her greatest performances ever in this Act 2 of Madama Butterfly from late December of 1960. The sound quality is very listenable, though there is some audio hum, and the prompter is very audible, since he probably taped this rare gem!!

Just listen and bask in the glory of this gorgeous sound and abounding passion and be thrilled! The final few minutes of the Act, the Humming Chorus, is not here, and was probably not recorded, so you cannot hear the prolonged and frenzy ovation that Tebaldi received. Think of the greatest ovation you have ever seen, and multiply it by 10, and you might be close!!

This is truly the performance of a lifetime!!

NETREBKO/VILLAZON BOHEME ACT 1- RUSSIA 1/2006

premiereopera — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:50:00 GMT

Listen to Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon enchant the audience in

St. Petersburg, Russia in this January, 2006 performance. This audio podcast begins just before Mimi's entrance, and continues to the end of the act. You will hear wonderful singing, and the chemistry that exists onstage between these two great young singers.

Please leave your comments. Sound is a bit low in volume and a bit distant, but it does improve as they launch into their arias.

All podcasts can also be found at www.premiereopera.com

Thanks,