OTELLO:Verdi
Stiedry; Vinay, Steber, Warren, Hayward
Original Air Date: 02/09/1952
SID.19430214
This performance has been on a European private label for some years, and the cast (including the conductor) get better and better as the afternoon progresses. Vinay is an acquired taste for some, but he fits well with this role. This is a very good time for Steber, and if you enjoyed her 1949 Violetta , this is very fine singing indeed. This is arguably Tebaldi’s best role, and her first two Met broadcasts first with Stiedry in 1955 and Cleva in 1958, both with Del Monaco still remain missing from the Sirius rebroadcast listings. Del Monaco’s first Met Otello (not broadcast ) is with this 1952 cast 6 days after Steber does her first with Vinay on the broadcast. The other major interest from Steber here is she sang Fiordiligi at night after this broadcast.