Maybe not the most luscious voice to ever sing this role, but who can match the drama and emotional impact? Her treasured interpretation of Butterfly stands among the greatest of the greats!
Today Licia Albanese is 98. Happy Birthday to a legend. I first heard her in San Francisco in 1943. When I was 17. The opera was La Boheme with Gaetano Merola conducting. I still haven't recovered from the passion and honesty of Albnese's performance. I can still see her in act 3 (my favorite act) hiding behind the tree, crying, coughing, bent over, looking so cold, so miserable. I have never seen another Mimi so touching, so real. What a blessing her voice has been for her and for all of us wh
@PatroniFan She is already over 100. The date of birth publicly stated is incorrect. Other sopranos of the era did the same thing including Grace Moore and Dorothy Kirsten.
Cette Grande cantatrrice a traversé le XXiè siècle Elle a chanté avec GIGLI, DI STEFANO, LANZA,TUCKER,....Elle était déja enfant,lors du décès de CARUSO. Elle a entendu PAVAROTTI et d'autres.C'est une mémoire lyrique de notre temps. Guy CREQUIE
This Large cantatrrice crossed XXiè century It sang with GIGLI, DI STEFANO, LANZA, TUCKER,….It was already child, at the time of the death of CARUSO. She heard PAVAROTTI and others. It is a lyric memory of our time. Guy CREQUIE
Actually, this recording IS on pitch. Gosh, is Albanese ever in good voice and in character, AND she phrases well and makes us listen to the words she is singing. Thank you VERY much for sharing this live snippet of the art of one OUTSTANDING soprano and artist and one OUTSTANDING lady!!!!! Happy birthday, Miss Albanese/Madame Gimma!!!!
Her signature role and no one sang it better live. Bet she can still sing magnificently at 101. I wonder why she's older than most sources say, similar situation with Dorothy Kirsten.
It's common with lady singers who usually like cheating on their real age. Maria Jeritza was born in 1882 and not in 1887, so when she died in July, 1982, she was about to be 100 years old. Beauty can be eternal in Art, not age.
Maybe not the most luscious voice to ever sing this role, but who can match the drama and emotional impact? Her treasured interpretation of Butterfly stands among the greatest of the greats!
cantorandopera 6 months ago
My comment was cut off: and for all of us who love her and honor her today and every day
Bettywhite12345 7 months ago
Today Licia Albanese is 98. Happy Birthday to a legend. I first heard her in San Francisco in 1943. When I was 17. The opera was La Boheme with Gaetano Merola conducting. I still haven't recovered from the passion and honesty of Albnese's performance. I can still see her in act 3 (my favorite act) hiding behind the tree, crying, coughing, bent over, looking so cold, so miserable. I have never seen another Mimi so touching, so real. What a blessing her voice has been for her and for all of us wh
Bettywhite12345 7 months ago
How wonderful her performances are to remember!
7inga7 10 months ago
I saw that she was born in 1913 so this year(2011) she will be 98.
PatroniFan 10 months ago
@PatroniFan She is already over 100. The date of birth publicly stated is incorrect. Other sopranos of the era did the same thing including Grace Moore and Dorothy Kirsten.
VinylToVideo 10 months ago
@VinylToVideo I know also that the great Giulietta Simionato was Born in 1908!!and not in 1910!!Many Divas of the Time used to erase some years!!
MariaCallasLegend 8 months ago
Even listening to this for the umpteenth time, she still gives me chills.
racheleleeba 1 year ago
Cette Grande cantatrrice a traversé le XXiè siècle Elle a chanté avec GIGLI, DI STEFANO, LANZA,TUCKER,....Elle était déja enfant,lors du décès de CARUSO. Elle a entendu PAVAROTTI et d'autres.C'est une mémoire lyrique de notre temps. Guy CREQUIE
This Large cantatrrice crossed XXiè century It sang with GIGLI, DI STEFANO, LANZA, TUCKER,….It was already child, at the time of the death of CARUSO. She heard PAVAROTTI and others. It is a lyric memory of our time. Guy CREQUIE
Guy CREQUIE
CREQUIE 1 year ago
@CREQUIE She sang with every tenor from Gigli to Pavarotti.. not many sopranos have careers that long.
VinylToVideo 1 year ago
@CREQUIE
Not only heard PAVAROTTI, but also sang with him in San Francisco in September 1973!
Aetion 8 months ago
She did some great stuff with Jussi Bjorling.
The99Gambo 1 year ago
I heard her in concert w/ Enrico di Giuseppe
in 1979 at Pasadena. She was in her
60s then, still moved well and sounded very
good.
In the 1960s I wrote to her. She kindly sent me
an autographed 8 x 10 glossy.
A great singer from the Golden Age.
Tx 4 posting.
rockgor 2 years ago
1909 (more sure) or 1913 it isn't important thing.
The Soprano Felicia Albanese is a Great in her singing.
FAUSTORICCARDO 2 years ago
A very nice photo, clear signature.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
Actually, this recording IS on pitch. Gosh, is Albanese ever in good voice and in character, AND she phrases well and makes us listen to the words she is singing. Thank you VERY much for sharing this live snippet of the art of one OUTSTANDING soprano and artist and one OUTSTANDING lady!!!!! Happy birthday, Miss Albanese/Madame Gimma!!!!
jmccracken1963 2 years ago 2
Remarkable singer--happy birthday--whichever one it may be!
sospello 2 years ago
Nice to hear her in her prime, nice tribute. Glad she's still with us and thanks for sharing the great photo
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Her signature role and no one sang it better live. Bet she can still sing magnificently at 101. I wonder why she's older than most sources say, similar situation with Dorothy Kirsten.
GermanOperaSinger 2 years ago 2
It's common with lady singers who usually like cheating on their real age. Maria Jeritza was born in 1882 and not in 1887, so when she died in July, 1982, she was about to be 100 years old. Beauty can be eternal in Art, not age.
GoldenAgeSunshine 2 years ago