It's her birthday...Gladys Kuchta

The career of American soprano Gladys Kuchta probably would have been a lot more sensational had it not been for one thing, Birgit Nilsson.  Blessed with a voice uncannily like that of La Nilsson, Gladys Kuchta also  shared much of the same repertoire, notably the Wagner heroines, Aida, Elektra and as here, Turandot.  As a result she was overshadowed by her more famous rival.

Listen to the audio below of In Questa Reggia and you will hear what I mean.  There are also some very good biographical details in there to give you a little more information on this greatly underrated singer.

Fortunately there a quite a few live recordings still available and highlights from a filmed version of R.Strauss' Elektra with Regina Resnick uploaded to youtube (which unfortunately I am no longer able to find).  Check them out if you can.

Happy birthday Gladys Kuchta, I need that hat.

           

Back on track with an Image of the Day

Andrea Solari - Salome with the head of John the Baptist

It's been a difficult week struggling with anxiety but now I'm back.  And nothing makes me feel more like me than an image of Salome and this is a particularly fine one I recently found and thought I'd share.

Currently I'm getting to know the new Janowsky Rheingold recording and enjoying it immensely.  Expect a review in a few days.  Have a great weekend.

It's her birthday...Ileana Cotrubas

Endearing is often a word one associates with the talent of Romanian soprano Ileana Cotrubas.  Her engaging stage presence and beautiful lyric voice made her popluar as Mimi, Gilda and Violetta in particular. These, her signature roles are well preserved on disc and film and still available.

I first heard her in the ROH La Boheme broadcast of 1983 and loved her ever since.  In fact I only recently purchased a copy on DVD and her interpretation is a fresh as ever.

Here is a snippet of a Met broadcast of La Traviata from 1981, from E strano to the end of Act 1.  You can also see the complete opera on YouTube too.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.