James Melton & Licia Albanese - "Vogliatemi Bene"

[Bettywhite12345]

I heard Albanese in Butterfly in 1946 in San Francisco--the first performance of the opera in SF since before World War 11. That was 65 years ago. She used to say backstage "it wasn't me;it was Puccini.". But it was Puccini and Licia. Nobody else was ever as heartbreaking in this role. How wonderful that we can still hear her. Thank you

[SHICOFF1]

I believe she is actually 100 years old already! The age given is 1913 but it may be 1910 ,  in any event --- Brava Albanese!

[SHICOFF1]

I liked him on the Firestone shows especially and he had a terrific classic car collection also but died financially wiped out and had some health problems. They all say a lovely man and he did always his best. She is just sensational as Butterfly.

[65attila]

A wonderfully passionate performance..

[hiram242]

Well, it was a "support the Met" gimmick", a fancy "donor gift". They have some titles still available, but the CDs are more.

[hiram242]

A crying shame RCA never gave us a complete "Butterfly" with Albanese. Toscanini did "Traviata" and "Boheme" with Albanese and Peerce. There was a complete live "Butterfly" with Albanese and Melton; one of those "Historic Broadcasts" you could order for $100. Wish they would release it on CD!!!!

[VinylToVideo]

@hiram242 $100? I'll sell you any one of my five Albanese "Butterfly" broadcasts for $10!

[Lovelytenor1]

Would love to hear Melton singing Mozart- a lovely, intelligently used voice. Not thrilling & suited for Puccini but still very pretty.

[billyguns2]

What a shame RCA didn't record a complete BUTTERFLY with Albanese! We are lucky to have this, several live performances, and a 1956 Highlights disc with Jan Peerce; I think it was her greatest role. She is in great voice here, as she was for the 1951 Highlights of LA BOHEME with di Stefano (why didn't RCA record THAT complete? GRRRRR! )

[hiram242]

Thank you for sharing this....beautiful beyond words....

[laonirica]

Beautiful tribute to this sensitive artist Licia Albanese,achieve both a particular and very romantic duet in the expression of both

Today she has 96 years, a glorious example to follow!!!

James Melton, a moderate Pinkerton,

unfortunately he died in the fullness of his years to continue her singing career.

Thank you*SheHadManHands *

for sharing this beautiful memory!!!

[sospello]

Grazie della condivisione, cara amica. Due cantanti notevoli.

[VMDICKS]

What a special rendition of this Love Duet. I heard Ms. Albanese in many performances at the old Met as a teenager. Mr. Melton was a special favorite of my Mom.

[hiram242]

You were fortunate beyond measure.....

[alrudina]

never heard about this great singer before,which was her origin please :)

[bditer]

born July 22nd 1913 In Bari South Italy

[ludiesgoodies]

When I first heard this duet on a Saturday morning "Met" radio broadcast, its beauty brought tears to my eyes. That was 60+ years ago. Thank heavens for records that enable us to relive such beautiful and memorable moments! And thank you, Youtube, for opening doors to such lovely music to listeners around the world!

May we please have some Irish tunes soon? Thanks again!!!