Recordings

I’ve resigned myself to the reality that The Great iTunes Migration will never be finished — and that’s o-k. I enjoy doing this kind of stuff. It’s fun. Yes, fun. For people with a Master of Library “Science” degree, this is our sex — and carpal tunnel is the only thing we have to worry about catching. [more . . . ]

In 1963, she was in London. Forty-five years later, she’s in me. Elizabeth Taylor’s in me! I just discovered her. [more . . . ]

Has Anna Moffo’s recording of “Thaïs” ever been released on compact disc? Not to my knowledge, at least, however limited that may be. So, I’ve been putting out smoke signals on various internet groups hoping that someone will have transferred the LPs to digital format. Why? I can read your thoughts. Well, I’ve never heard the recording and, frankly, I’m curious. Also, I think I’m finally at the point in my life where I can handle Moffo’s Thaïs without going mad. [more . . . ]

Recently I discovered Sir Hamilton Harty’s Water Music and Royal Fireworks Music Suites –and I love them. They’re not for everyone, I’m sure, but then again I like Old School Baroque. I also don’t mind my Handel sounding like Elgar. Oops, three Baroque Opera Queens just fainted dead away. [more . . . ]

As I re-rip my iTunes at a higher bit rate, nostalgia rears its rose-colored head.

1998: I meet the divine one herself backstage after an Arabella in Houston.

“To Roy, with warmest regards Renée Fleming”

Back at ya Renée, x 10. What a decade it’s been, for both of us.

I’m the monk (or at least I’ve lived like one since moving to Philly) and you remember the elusive Snoopycat, don’t you? Well, I found her! I found Snoopycat! I was snooping around Rhapsody and, lo and behold, she was under my very nose as this time. As Marian Anderson would say, “And that’s why I call her Snoopycat”.

Now that I’ve heard the tale of Marian Anderson’s cat “Snoopy”, I’ve finally heard it all. The album defies description, but for my readers, I’ll attempt the impossible. Well, the album is literally the adventures of Marian Anderson’s Cat “Snoopy” interspersed with little ditties, narrated and sung by Anderson. But it’s so much more. [more . . . ]

Gilmore: When a person has an idea that gets many people involved in an event and then that person backs out, leaving everyone else hanging. ( The Urban Dictionary )

It was Mark’s idea that we all commit to this 150 mile bicycle ride… then he pulled a gilmore.

Does anyone remember Gail Gilmore, the mezzo who was up-and-coming at das Levinehaus for 2 years (1986-1988) until she, um, pulled a gilmore? Well, she’s back. Gail’s back! [more . . . ]

This post is an addendum to “Classical Barbra & Other Classical Instruments” where I quote Glenn Gould’s high praise for Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Lest we get too hep on the pianist, however, Betty gave me her opinion of Mr. Gould last night– and she’s dead, you know. [more . . . ]

“Barbra Streisand’s natural ability to make music takes her over to the classical field with extraordinary ease. It’s clear that she loves these songs. In her sensitive, straightforward, and enormously appealing performance, she has given us a very special musical experience.” -Leonard Bernstein

Oh Lenny! Lay off the hash. Puh-leeze. When Bernstein is on the podium, I listen. When he’s on the pulpit, I do not. As I grow older however, Leonard Bernstein falls lower and lower in my estimation, even as a conductor. I pride myself on having readers who can think for themselves though, so I”ll provide the tools to enable you to do so. Listen to the Rhapsody playlist I’ve created and have your own experience, as special, as musical, or as …NOT …. as befits you. [more . . . ]

Mere minutes after posting Mahogany Tosca, I stumbled upon this companion piece on the internet, totally by chance. I wasn’t even aware that such a creature even existed. Carmen would call that “fate”. I’d call it “poor boolean search strategy”. [more . . . ]

I’m amazed at the interesting things I stumble upon while googling those missing bits of iTunes tag information –and a little grateful too. For example, as much as we bitch about those Callas remasterings, EMI screwed Karajan over even worse! Karma’s a bitch, eh Maestro? [more . . . ]

On second thought, make neither love nor war. Surf the DGG LPs Gallery instead, for hours, just like I do