Bumbry sings Medea in 1982

[kgarmaker123]

Wow, guess I never knew she performed the role.. 

[LongEyelandGuy]

Of special interest to me is that the tenor James Wagner sings in this clip. He died much too young in 2003. I wish more of his singing was available on youtube.

[whatever456]

How old was he?

[sillyboydeux]

@LongEyelandGuy I think with someone of her dramatic ability this would be an ideal role. When I heard it was being produced at City Opera, I turned paler than Jason at his wedding. Rehearsal time at State Theater is always pinched, and she needed much more time to go over the score with the conductor; there were some conflicts which I witnessed at dress rehearsal; Wagner wasn't thrilled either. But as you can hear, ever the professional, she did the best with what they gave her.

[courtneybaritone01]

WOW! This is great! She sounds so fresh and clear here. I have the old '82 Times review of her performances of Madea which were actually favorable. You just gave me a reason to go out and buy the pirate of this! Thanks!

[courtneybaritone01]

I have listened to this three times now and I find new stuff I love each time. Thanks for posting this! I love it!

[StarRaft]

baritone,

you should then get her london concert performance of this work (1983, i think, a concert in honor of maria callas). the voice was very high and powerful, even better than this performance. her athens one was not as good, i think.

[courtneybaritone01]

U know I've heard of that! Yes it was to honor Maria Callas. I read it in a book some years ago that she sang Medea in her honor. I would LOVE to get it, but I only own this recording. I wouldn't even know where to look for that recording from 1983.