Date sent: Sun, 23 Jan 2000 11:47:37 EST
Subject: Aida
To: Vocalist-at-lists.oulu.fi
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

As I mentioned, the CD is available - I have it - but I purchased it 2 years
ago while in Germany.
The story I heard was that Maria and the tenor were feuding a bit. Before the
performance, Maria informed the tenor that she was not feeling so well, and
could they cut some of the high notes short. He agreed, but when Maria
stepped onstage, she started to feel better and started holding the notes
again. Well, this started the feud all over again, and they started competing
to see who could hold the high notes longer. In sheer frustration, she
interpolated the high E in the triumphal scene - and, having heard the CD
repeatedly, she succeeded magnificently!
As for the veracity of this story - my guess is as good as yours - I wasnt' t
there.

Lorraine Goodman