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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