Ping EvelynVG (Divamanque) Diva's Passing

Speaking of "Cio-Cio-San".....Anna Moffo, American
Diva, gone @ age 73..debut 1955 in that role, great
fame from 50's to 70's, when her voice failed for
operatic roles (so the story goes: from "overwork" or
"overbooking"). Did you ever meet or know her?

EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque)...

I think I must have given you the wrong impression. I never
made it to the rarefied heights of actually singing opera
professionally! My "operatic career" was in amateur
companies (pay optional - and minimal). My professional
singing was mostly as paid soloist for a few fairly large
churches. I also did a number of vocal recitals, mostly
unpaid, although a few provided a small fee. That's why I
call myself "Diva manqué". (Manqué describes one who has
attempted something but failed at it, usually through no
fault of their own.)

Although I have heard some famous singers "live" (and paid
them homage backstage, aferward) I never had the opportunity
to work with any of them. I never met Moffo, although I
admired her. My favorite of that generation was Renata
Tebaldi - I don't think any of today's sopranos quite
measure up to her and Moffo and Callas or to Traubel and
Flagstad, but some of the mezzos and contraltos coming out
of Eastern Europe are terrific!

Kreisleriana...

She was the first opera singer I ever heard-- my father's recordings.
And she was extremely beautiful.

Theresa

Make Levees, Not War