In a message dated 1/29/2001 12:48:39 PM Eastern Standard Time,
BLYTHE@B... writes:
<< Having said that, I've often had a problem
with Verdi, with his calculated thetricalisms, oompahpah accompaniments and
overt moralising. >>
john,
i have to say, these are some of the things that i have always liked
about verdi. he is the only operatic composer whose output could double as
a sporting event. 'di quella pira', as far as i'm concerned, should be
introduced as a medal event at the next summer olympics. about twenty years
ago, some radio station in boston (probably wcrb) played eight or nine
different recordings of the aria in a row and it really was like witnessing
an athletic competition. i have a two record set of twenty-eight
performances of the 'dream' aria from manon (the latest recording being
bjoerling's from 1935). listening to it just doesn't have the same feel.
viva verdi!
mike
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