Jackie and Pat and Debbie and Flicka – DivaChat

This is a fun, free-wheeling conversation among four amazing opera divas: Marilyn Horne, Patricia Racette, Deborah Voigt, and Frederica von Stade. Among many topics, they discuss how they got their start; who their main influences are; and what they're up to now. Full of fun chat, interesting background, and some opera inside jokes (Flora Amici)! And Jackie schools Debbie on fach. Check it out. 

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), in collaboration with San Francisco Opera, presents "Sunday with the Divas," Moderated by Stephen Rubin. Recorded February 25, 2018 at the Nourse Theater, San Francisco.

The Orfeo/Orphee Comparo Edition (Part 1)

Franco Fagioli

So I keep listening to the new Orfeo broadcast, and I keep trying to figure out who Franco Fagioli reminds me of. While I was thinking, I decided to post the Act 3 duet, so we can all hear how well his voice blends with Malin Hartelius. What a lovely combo!

After a few listens, I realized that Fagioli kind of reminds me of Marilyn Horne. Wait, I know that sounds weird, but when he goes into his awesome chest voice...well, here is MH with Pilar Lorengar for comparison:

And just for good measure and because I was listening to all the different recordings I have, here are Richard Croft and Mireille Delunsch singing the French version. Have I mentioned that I think Richard Croft is a musical god?

And finally, Berlioz must have his say, too. So here are Anne Sofie von Otter and Barbara Hendricks: