The past two days have seen the birthdays of four of the world's greatest opera stars to ever grace the stages of the world's greatest opera houses. These four are:
- Richard Tucker (whose birthday was yesterday): Possibly (and probably) the greatest American tenor in history. His creamy voice made him the tenor to beat throughout the opera world from the beginning of his career to the end.
- Zinka Milanov: A goddess to opera connoisseurs everywhere. From Charlie Handelman (of Handelmania) and beyond Zinka is worshipped for her glorious pianissimo ("Enzo adorato, come t'amo!") and other astounding triumphs.
- Birgit Nilsson: I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. An incredibly gracious lady, with the clearest Wagnerian voice I've ever heard. Not that she was just a Wagnerian, no no no! She has me biased against all other Turandots, Toscas, Amelias, and other roles.
- Gabriel Bacquier: This might sound strange, but I can't listen to anyone else's Catalogue Aria. All the others bow to his. Besides this, Bacquier is one of my favorite Almavivas, Don Giovannis, among many others. His voice is just so beautiful and his acting so believable.
I've been so lazy lately (it might be that all of my school projects are due in the same week), but this morning I got around to finally watching the Live from Lincoln Center "Camelot" that I recorded. I was debating whether to bother recording it or not, but thanks to Nathan Gunn I did. (Slight crush on that barihunk.) To go along with his sumptuous voice comes impeccable acting and perfect comic timing. The "C'est moi" was so adorable, you positively must watch it. His "If Ever I Would Leave You" (with Marin Mazzie) had me, figuratively, drooling over him. If Guinevere doesn't fall for that, then there is something wrong with her.
The rest of the cast is, needless to say, fantastic. Gabriel Byrne, Marin Mazzie, Fran Drescher, Christopher Lloyd, and Stacy Keach starred in the production with the NY Philharmonic conducted by Paul Gemignani. It would take me too long to say what I want to say about each cast member. Go to youtube look for videos from the telecast, you won't regret it!!!! =)
Happy Listening!!! =)
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