This is Toscanini all right, from the 1943 broadcast already mentioned. In earlier days transpositions in opera were quite common, and some survive to this day, notably in Rossini's "Barbiere", Bellini's "Norma", Verdi's "Il Trovatore" and Puccini's "La Bohème". I also have recordings of "O don fatale" with Marian Anderson (down a major third!) and Zara Dolukhanova (down a half step). The young Merriman sounds a little more contralto than she became later.
I doubt Toscanini has anything to do with this recording as tMerriman doesnt sing the aria in the original key - it has been trosposed down. This practice was a lot more common then than nowdays, nevertheless I would be surprised if Toscanini had recorded a transposed aria. Merriman was however, a very good singer.
I agree that the "O don fatale" is from the July 23, 1943 broadcast, which was Merriman's debut with Toscanini. I have it another version, where she is introduced by Milton Cross. The announcer has been edited off this one, as has the applause at the end. The Toscanini debut is quite a story. She won a contest sponsored by NBC. The prize was 15 minutes of air time, as a short recital with NBC Symphony. Toscanini, who did not conduct, heard the broadcast and hired her. Thanks!
This is Toscanini all right, from the 1943 broadcast already mentioned. In earlier days transpositions in opera were quite common, and some survive to this day, notably in Rossini's "Barbiere", Bellini's "Norma", Verdi's "Il Trovatore" and Puccini's "La Bohème". I also have recordings of "O don fatale" with Marian Anderson (down a major third!) and Zara Dolukhanova (down a half step). The young Merriman sounds a little more contralto than she became later.
helgeevju 1 year ago
I doubt Toscanini has anything to do with this recording as tMerriman doesnt sing the aria in the original key - it has been trosposed down. This practice was a lot more common then than nowdays, nevertheless I would be surprised if Toscanini had recorded a transposed aria. Merriman was however, a very good singer.
iskenderuna 1 year ago
I agree that the "O don fatale" is from the July 23, 1943 broadcast, which was Merriman's debut with Toscanini. I have it another version, where she is introduced by Milton Cross. The announcer has been edited off this one, as has the applause at the end. The Toscanini debut is quite a story. She won a contest sponsored by NBC. The prize was 15 minutes of air time, as a short recital with NBC Symphony. Toscanini, who did not conduct, heard the broadcast and hired her. Thanks!
jzannieri 1 year ago
She was so great!
7inga7 1 year ago