In celebration of the birthday (August 31, 1917) of Ramon Vinay, we present a fabulous 1948 Otello under Fritz Busch and featuring Licia Albanese in her prime, Lepnard Warren,John Garris, Nicola Moscona, and Martha Lipton.  (70 min.)

 This is the brand of performance that can lift you up by nature of its excitement and the total commitment of these artists to their roles.

 In honor of and in loving memory of dear Regina Resnik, whose would have turned 91 on August 30, I present a fine Falstaff from Covent Garden 1961, under Carlo Maria Giulini. Dame Quickly was one of the famous Resnik "signature roles," and she is joined by Geraint Evans,Mirella Freni, Luigi Alva, John Shaw, and Josephine Veasey.    (71 min.)

   Material from Massenet's "Herodiade" as sung by many famous artists, and some lesser-known but quite fine. I have divided this into three sections and here is the order of each section as to artists.The selections are announced, as you hear.

1. Ninon Vallin, Germaine Cernay, Geori-Boue and Jose Luccioni, Charles Cambon, Maryse Beaujon

2.  Cambon, Cesar Vezzani, Vezzani and Jeanne Guyla, Emma Calve, Edouard Rouard,Fernand Ansseau.

3. Paul Lanteri, Lise Charny, Leon Campagnola, Vallin, Mattia Battistini.    (67 min.)

  The beloved tenor, Richard Tucker, was born on August 28, 1913. Of all the tenors I have seen, he remains the greatest! It was a glorious voice, and to quote Regina Resnik, "He left his blood all over the stage." The selections (announced)  are from recitals in New York of 1972 and 1974, plus two Andrea Chenier excerpts and the "Rachel" aria from La Juive.

   Bless the memory of this great man!  I will never forget him!!   Charlie

 Two selections from Anna Netrebko's new Verdi album. They are from Vespri Siciliani and il Trovatore. See what you think!!  (7 min.)

Another comparison podcast on the wonderful "Che gelida manina" aria as sung by the following tenors (in order):

Eduardo Garbin, Giacomo Lauri-Volpi, Giovanni Martinelli, Luigi Marini, Frederick Jagel, Armand Tokatyan, Giuseppe Giacomini, Peter Dvorsky, Francisco Araiza, Giuseppe Sabbatini, Frank Lopardo, Ramon Vargas, Richard Leech, and Marcello Giordani    (70 min.)

Selections (announced) by four of the most remarkable bassos in opera history. The singers are: Adamo Didur, Tancredi Pasero, Nazareno de Angelis, and Jose Mardones  (50 min.)

Highlights from a 1951 RAI Venice Attila w.Caterina Mancini,Italo Tajo, Giangiacomo Guelfi, and Gino Penno, under Vittorio Gui. This is followed by some Nabucco scenes from 1951 RAI with Caterina Mancini and Paolo Silveri.  (70 min.)

  (Announced)  Marvelous singing by the treasured Kirsten Flagstad in opera and song. No words can adequately describe the fabulous career of this great lady. I know you will love it.  (71 min.)

Today, August 9, 2013, is a sad day for me and for all opera lovers. We have lost dear Regina Resnik, one of music's greatest icons, and a dear friend for over 50 years. Let us listen to arias and scenes from her dual career,as soprano and mezzo (announced), and spiritually thank her for all she contributed in the world of music.  Pictured is the album I made for her. (61 min.)

Rest in Peace, my dear friend.