Saturday, February 13, 2010

Friday, February 12, 2010

Singer of the Day: Leyla Gencer. 1928- 2008

Leyla Gencer (La Diva Turka) was born in Istanbul. She had an illustrious career and was considered the last diva of the twentieth century having performed 72 roles primarily in Europe. She never sang at the Met.


Deh, non volerli vittime", from Bellini's Norma, in a performance from 1965.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Singer of the Day: Gundela Janowitz, 1937-


Strauss' Frühling, In dämmrigen Grüften träumte ich lang von deine...


Ach ich fühl's from Mozart, Die Zauberflöte


Ich will dir mein Herze schenken Bach's St Matthew Passion

Singer of the Day: Shirley Verret



At 59, Shirley Verret sings Voi lo sapete from Cavelleria Rusticana HERE

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Monday, February 8, 2010

Singer of the Day: Marian Anderson, 1897- 1993

"A voice like hers is heard only once in a hundred years." Arturo Toscanini


Handel, He shall feed his flock


Brahms Alto Rhapsody Part 1


Brahms Alto Rhapsody Part 2

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Singer of the Day: Richard Tauber, 1891-1948

Austrian tenor, Richard Tauber was one of the most beloved singers of his time. He made his operatic debut as Tamino in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. He became best known for his performances of operetta and song.

This performance of Schubert's Ständchen- Leise Flehen is delightful, surprising and rendered in a most personal manner that certainly challenges 20th century performance practices. I was thrilled to come across it.