In this 11th year, over ten nights performances from the Met’s Live in HD series will be shown starting with a screening of FUNNY FACE in a special co-presentation with Film at Lincoln Center. Screenings run from August 23 through September 2. There will be 3000 seats in the Plaza in front of the Opera House with an additional standing room area. Cancellations due to thunder/lighting or high wind will not be rescheduled.
LA GIOCONDA:Ponchielli
Original Air Date: 03/16/1946
Cooper; Milanov, Tucker, Warren, Stevens, Vaghi
SID.19340638
The Met doesn’t reach back into the 1940s often, but La Gioconda is a good opera to do that. This is from Tucker’s debut broadcast (his house debut is in the same role the previous season). Milanov, Tucker, and Warren really show the type of voices necessary for this work. The MOoD from 1953 substitutes Baum for Tucker, but you pick up Barbieri and Siepi. A major Gioconda omission from rebroadcast is the 1959 the only other Gioconda broadcast with Milanov and Tucker together. It also features Merrill and Siepi which is about as potent a male lineup as can be imagined. Sirius, Met, how about a look at 1959, and the addition of this 1946 performance to MOoD.
ANDREA CHÉNIER:Giordano
Original Air Date: 12/28/1957
Cleva; Tucker, Milanov, Warren, Elias, Lipton, Amparan
MOD Audio SID.19360102
Better is Corelli to Tucker, Tebaldi to Milanov, and Bastianini to Warren in these Chenier roles, but the last four decades have rarely brought one let alone three singers for these roles. So enjoy this 1957 cast with 1966 (which Sirius still hasn’t rebroadcast) with Tebaldi, Corelli, and Colzani probably the last one with such authentic style.
ANDREA CHÉNIER:Giordano
Original Air Date: 12/28/1957
Cleva; Tucker, Milanov, Warren, Elias, Lipton, Amparan
MOD Audio SID.19360318
Better is Corelli to Tucker, Tebaldi to Milanov, and Bastianini to Warren in these Chenier roles, but the last four decades have rarely brought one let alone three singers for these roles. So enjoy this 1957 cast with 1966 (which Sirius still hasn’t rebroadcast) with Tebaldi, Corelli, and Colzani probably the last one with such authentic style.
ANDREA CHÉNIER:Giordano
Original Air Date: 12/28/1957
Cleva; Tucker, Milanov, Warren, Elias, Lipton, Amparan
MOD Audio SID.19360636
Better is Corelli to Tucker, Tebaldi to Milanov, and Bastianini to Warren in these Chenier roles, but the last four decades have rarely brought one let alone three singers for these roles. So enjoy this 1957 cast with 1966 (which Sirius still hasn’t rebroadcast) with Tebaldi, Corelli, and Colzani probably the last one with such authentic style.
ANDREA CHÉNIER:Giordano
Original Air Date: 12/28/1957
Cleva; Tucker, Milanov, Warren, Elias, Lipton, Amparan
MOD Audio SID.19360748
Better is Corelli to Tucker, Tebaldi to Milanov, and Bastianini to Warren in these Chenier roles, but the last four decades have rarely brought one let alone three singers for these roles. So enjoy this 1957 cast with 1966 (which Sirius still hasn’t rebroadcast) with Tebaldi, Corelli, and Colzani probably the last one with such authentic style.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Tucker, Warren, Siepi, Elias, Corena
Original Air Date: 03/17/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19410212
The A list male casting for this opera in the 1950s at the Met was Tucker, Warren, and Siepi. This is the only broadcast where all three gentlemen (who premiered the new production on opening night of the 1952 season. Milanov certainly had the voice for the Forza Leonora, but as others have noted she is not a young woman in the 1950s, and she could be uneven in a single afternoon. Her current competition is non-existent. Paul Jackson broadcast reviews on this performance, aresilent (he is particularly strong on singers he heard often). Though this has been on before, this is a must listen.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Tucker, Warren, Siepi, Elias, Corena
Original Air Date: 03/17/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19410428
The A list male casting for this opera in the 1950s at the Met was Tucker, Warren, and Siepi. This is the only broadcast where all three gentlemen (who premiered the new production on opening night of the 1952 season. Milanov certainly had the voice for the Forza Leonora, but as others have noted she is not a young woman in the 1950s, and she could be uneven in a single afternoon. Her current competition is non-existent. Paul Jackson broadcast reviews on this performance, aresilent (he is particularly strong on singers he heard often). Though this has been on before, this is a must listen.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Tucker, Warren, Siepi, Elias, Corena
Original Air Date: 03/17/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19410639
The A list male casting for this opera in the 1950s at the Met was Tucker, Warren, and Siepi. This is the only broadcast where all three gentlemen (who premiered the new production on opening night of the 1952 season. Milanov certainly had the voice for the Forza Leonora, but as others have noted she is not a young woman in the 1950s, and she could be uneven in a single afternoon. Her current competition is non-existent. Paul Jackson broadcast reviews on this performance, aresilent (he is particularly strong on singers he heard often). Though this has been on before, this is a must listen.
ERNANI:Verdi
Mitropoulos; Del Monaco, Milanov, Warren, Siepi
Original Air Date: 12/29/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19440210
Elvira is definitely a bit late for Milanov, but the men are the best in the business for these roles in 1956, and all among the greatest ever in these roles. It is the first Met broadcast of Ernani, and although Del Monaco is slightly better in his Florence broadcast with Cerquetti, he is the Verdian bandit to the life. This is a bit late for Milanov, but Warren and Siepi are certainly top drawer as well. Mitropoulos brings his accustomed fire and a few odd choices in musical text. Mitropoulos and Del Monaco are better represented from Florence, and this part is simply too late for Milanov. This part is HARD– check Freni’s challenge at La Scala. Ernani involvami demands full blown coloratura mastery from the moment you open your mouth, and while the rest of the role is mostly ensembles, it’s challenging. Leona Mitchell is mostly very up to the challenges. Two good stabs at the part were NOT broadcast, Arroyo’s opening night with Bergonzi and Milnes, and Millo, (two in the house, four in the parks very early in her Met career). The good news on Ernani is the complete Met broadcast history is documented on Sirius.
ERNANI:Verdi
Mitropoulos; Del Monaco, Milanov, Warren, Siepi
Original Air Date: 12/29/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19440426
Elvira is definitely a bit late for Milanov, but the men are the best in the business for these roles in 1956, and all among the greatest ever in these roles. It is the first Met broadcast of Ernani, and although Del Monaco is slightly better in his Florence broadcast with Cerquetti, he is the Verdian bandit to the life. This is a bit late for Milanov, but Warren and Siepi are certainly top drawer as well. Mitropoulos brings his accustomed fire and a few odd choices in musical text. Mitropoulos and Del Monaco are better represented from Florence, and this part is simply too late for Milanov. This part is HARD– check Freni’s challenge at La Scala. Ernani involvami demands full blown coloratura mastery from the moment you open your mouth, and while the rest of the role is mostly ensembles, it’s challenging. Leona Mitchell is mostly very up to the challenges. Two good stabs at the part were NOT broadcast, Arroyo’s opening night with Bergonzi and Milnes, and Millo, (two in the house, four in the parks very early in her Met career). The good news on Ernani is the complete Met broadcast history is documented on Sirius.
ERNANI:Verdi
Mitropoulos; Del Monaco, Milanov, Warren, Siepi
Original Air Date: 12/29/1956
MOD Audio
SID.19440642
Elvira is definitely a bit late for Milanov, but the men are the best in the business for these roles in 1956, and all among the greatest ever in these roles. It is the first Met broadcast of Ernani, and although Del Monaco is slightly better in his Florence broadcast with Cerquetti, he is the Verdian bandit to the life. This is a bit late for Milanov, but Warren and Siepi are certainly top drawer as well. Mitropoulos brings his accustomed fire and a few odd choices in musical text. Mitropoulos and Del Monaco are better represented from Florence, and this part is simply too late for Milanov. This part is HARD– check Freni’s challenge at La Scala. Ernani involvami demands full blown coloratura mastery from the moment you open your mouth, and while the rest of the role is mostly ensembles, it’s challenging. Leona Mitchell is mostly very up to the challenges. Two good stabs at the part were NOT broadcast, Arroyo’s opening night with Bergonzi and Milnes, and Millo, (two in the house, four in the parks very early in her Met career). The good news on Ernani is the complete Met broadcast history is documented on Sirius.
UN BALLO IN MASCHERA:Verdi
Panizza; Björling, Milanov, Sved, Andreva, Castagna
Original Air Date: 12/14/1940
SID.19510105
Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two–Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. It was widely available in various private pressings. This is still 1940s sound and this week is only the second appearance on Sirius. My guess is that this will appear in the MOoD offerings shortly [ well we’re two years later it still is not in MOoD], as almost all the big box reissues on CD make their way into MOoD.
UN BALLO IN MASCHERA:Verdi
Panizza; Björling, Milanov, Sved, Andreva, Castagna
Original Air Date: 12/14/1940
SID.19510315
Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two–Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. It was widely available in various private pressings. This is still 1940s sound and this week is only the second appearance on Sirius. My guess is that this will appear in the MOoD offerings shortly [ well we’re two years later it still is not in MOoD], as almost all the big box reissues on CD make their way into MOoD.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Penno, Warren, Hines, Madeira, Pechner
Original Air Date: 03/20/1954
SID.20010209
Milanov’s four broadcast Leonoras begin in 1952 with much of the above cast except Tucker for Penno. That performance is on MOoD and there are many fine moments. Penno is the point of interest in this week’s Forza, and clearly he must have had one of the largest tenor voices in an era of big voiced singers. His Met career was not long, but he is long remembered as well for several appearances with Callas– Macbeth and Medea. He is also the Pollione at the Met in Milanov’s final series of Normas. Milanov’s Norma has not appeared in the Sirius series, and while the 2 1940s performances will catch her in smoother voice, I would love to hear the 1954 performance as well. If memory serves, this is the best of MIlanov’s 50s Forza Leonoras. Penno is a comet that didn’t turn out so well, but other than not being Tucker or Del Monaco, he’s fine.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Penno, Warren, Hines, Madeira, Pechner
Original Air Date: 03/20/1954
SID.20010425
Milanov’s four broadcast Leonoras begin in 1952 with much of the above cast except Tucker for Penno. That performance is on MOoD and there are many fine moments. Penno is the point of interest in this week’s Forza, and clearly he must have had one of the largest tenor voices in an era of big voiced singers. His Met career was not long, but he is long remembered as well for several appearances with Callas– Macbeth and Medea. He is also the Pollione at the Met in Milanov’s final series of Normas. Milanov’s Norma has not appeared in the Sirius series, and while the 2 1940s performances will catch her in smoother voice, I would love to hear the 1954 performance as well. If memory serves, this is the best of MIlanov’s 50s Forza Leonoras. Penno is a comet that didn’t turn out so well, but other than not being Tucker or Del Monaco, he’s fine.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Penno, Warren, Hines, Madeira, Pechner
Original Air Date: 03/20/1954
SID.20010641
Milanov’s four broadcast Leonoras begin in 1952 with much of the above cast except Tucker for Penno. That performance is on MOoD and there are many fine moments. Penno is the point of interest in this week’s Forza, and clearly he must have had one of the largest tenor voices in an era of big voiced singers. His Met career was not long, but he is long remembered as well for several appearances with Callas– Macbeth and Medea. He is also the Pollione at the Met in Milanov’s final series of Normas. Milanov’s Norma has not appeared in the Sirius series, and while the 2 1940s performances will catch her in smoother voice, I would love to hear the 1954 performance as well. If memory serves, this is the best of MIlanov’s 50s Forza Leonoras. Penno is a comet that didn’t turn out so well, but other than not being Tucker or Del Monaco, he’s fine.
LA GIOCONDA:Ponchielli
Cleva; Milanov, Poggi, Warren, Rankin, Siepi
Original Air Date: 04/20/1957
SID.20020209
Paul Jackson in his history of Met broadcasts only deals with 1953 and 1961 in his volume that covers post 1950 Milanov. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are all among the very best exponents of their roles, but I’ve never gotten Poggi’s message. So it’s all about Milanov, and generally always want her earlier (like 1939) rather than later. Milanov was definitely variable in the 50s for her Giocondas. She has 2 more going as last as 1961. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are fine support, and it all depends what kind of a day ZM is having. Her first (not yet broadcast by Sirius) is her best, though the 1946 is also very good (Tucker’s debut year, and he is leagues ahead of Poggi).
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI:Mascagni / Leoncavallo
Erede; Milanov, Tucker, Harvuot / Rigal, Baum, Warren
Original Air Date: 03/03/1951
MOD Audio
SID.20020211
The Cavalleria is strongly cast, and Warren was the major Tonio of the 1950s in Pagliacci. The two highlight vocal performances are Tucker in the Cavalleria and Warren in the Pagliacci. Milanov has a later broadcast on MetPlayer with Baum as Turiddu and Del Monaco as Canio. Representative Met performance, especially in Cavalleria, but Warren’s Prologue is something to hear as well.
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI:Mascagni / Leoncavallo
Erede; Milanov, Tucker, Harvuot / Rigal, Baum, Warren
Original Air Date: 03/03/1951
MOD Audio
SID.20020422
The Cavalleria is strongly cast, and Warren was the major Tonio of the 1950s in Pagliacci. The two highlight vocal performances are Tucker in the Cavalleria and Warren in the Pagliacci. Milanov has a later broadcast on MetPlayer with Baum as Turiddu and Del Monaco as Canio. Representative Met performance, especially in Cavalleria, but Warren’s Prologue is something to hear as well.
LA GIOCONDA:Ponchielli
Cleva; Milanov, Poggi, Warren, Rankin, Siepi
Original Air Date: 04/20/1957
SID.20020425
Paul Jackson in his history of Met broadcasts only deals with 1953 and 1961 in his volume that covers post 1950 Milanov. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are all among the very best exponents of their roles, but I’ve never gotten Poggi’s message. So it’s all about Milanov, and generally always want her earlier (like 1939) rather than later. Milanov was definitely variable in the 50s for her Giocondas. She has 2 more going as last as 1961. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are fine support, and it all depends what kind of a day ZM is having. Her first (not yet broadcast by Sirius) is her best, though the 1946 is also very good (Tucker’s debut year, and he is leagues ahead of Poggi).
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI:Mascagni / Leoncavallo
Erede; Milanov, Tucker, Harvuot / Rigal, Baum, Warren
Original Air Date: 03/03/1951
MOD Audio
SID.20020428
The Cavalleria is strongly cast, and Warren was the major Tonio of the 1950s in Pagliacci. The two highlight vocal performances are Tucker in the Cavalleria and Warren in the Pagliacci. Milanov has a later broadcast on MetPlayer with Baum as Turiddu and Del Monaco as Canio. Representative Met performance, especially in Cavalleria, but Warren’s Prologue is something to hear as well.
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI:Mascagni / Leoncavallo
Erede; Milanov, Tucker, Harvuot / Rigal, Baum, Warren
Original Air Date: 03/03/1951
MOD Audio
SID.20020637
The Cavalleria is strongly cast, and Warren was the major Tonio of the 1950s in Pagliacci. The two highlight vocal performances are Tucker in the Cavalleria and Warren in the Pagliacci. Milanov has a later broadcast on MetPlayer with Baum as Turiddu and Del Monaco as Canio. Representative Met performance, especially in Cavalleria, but Warren’s Prologue is something to hear as well.
LA GIOCONDA:Ponchielli
Cleva; Milanov, Poggi, Warren, Rankin, Siepi
Original Air Date: 04/20/1957
SID.20020642
Paul Jackson in his history of Met broadcasts only deals with 1953 and 1961 in his volume that covers post 1950 Milanov. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are all among the very best exponents of their roles, but I’ve never gotten Poggi’s message. So it’s all about Milanov, and generally always want her earlier (like 1939) rather than later. Milanov was definitely variable in the 50s for her Giocondas. She has 2 more going as last as 1961. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are fine support, and it all depends what kind of a day ZM is having. Her first (not yet broadcast by Sirius) is her best, though the 1946 is also very good (Tucker’s debut year, and he is leagues ahead of Poggi).
LA GIOCONDA:Ponchielli
Cleva; Milanov, Poggi, Warren, Rankin, Siepi
Original Air Date: 04/20/1957
SID.20020745
Paul Jackson in his history of Met broadcasts only deals with 1953 and 1961 in his volume that covers post 1950 Milanov. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are all among the very best exponents of their roles, but I’ve never gotten Poggi’s message. So it’s all about Milanov, and generally always want her earlier (like 1939) rather than later. Milanov was definitely variable in the 50s for her Giocondas. She has 2 more going as last as 1961. Rankin, Warren and Siepi are fine support, and it all depends what kind of a day ZM is having. Her first (not yet broadcast by Sirius) is her best, though the 1946 is also very good (Tucker’s debut year, and he is leagues ahead of Poggi).
IL TROVATORE:Verdi
Cleva; Baum, Milanov, Nikolaidi, Warren, Moscona
Original Air Date: 01/16/1954
SID.20100318
This is a little late for Milanov in one of her trademark roles. Her 49 Leonoras are a Met record (Martina Arroyo is number 2 at 29). Still, she definitely has her moments. I find her commercial RCA the most consistent of her Leonoras. Baum is Baum, and his 60 Manricos are second only to Martinelli’s 69. Tenors generally do not stay long with this role with most of the major singers including Caruso hover only around a dozen. This is Nikolaidi’s only Met broadcast (her only other role is Amneris in which she debuted on opening night two seasons earlier). Leonard Warren really owned Luna, so I was somewhat suprised to realize that his 45 Counts ties him for second; Merrill has 73 (!!!!!) and Milnes is not far behind Warren at 37. The high tessitura suits Warren best of all and always worthy of a listen.
IL TROVATORE:Verdi
Cleva; Baum, Milanov, Nikolaidi, Warren, Moscona
Original Air Date: 01/16/1954
SID.20100535
This is a little late for Milanov in one of her trademark roles. Her 49 Leonoras are a Met record (Martina Arroyo is number 2 at 29). Still, she definitely has her moments. I find her commercial RCA the most consistent of her Leonoras. Baum is Baum, and his 60 Manricos are second only to Martinelli’s 69. Tenors generally do not stay long with this role with most of the major singers including Caruso hover only around a dozen. This is Nikolaidi’s only Met broadcast (her only other role is Amneris in which she debuted on opening night two seasons earlier). Leonard Warren really owned Luna, so I was somewhat suprised to realize that his 45 Counts ties him for second; Merrill has 73 (!!!!!) and Milnes is not far behind Warren at 37. The high tessitura suits Warren best of all and always worthy of a listen.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Labò, Sereni, Siepi, Roggero, Corena
Original Air Date: 01/25/1958
SID.20130104
RWW: The fourth and last of Milanov’s Forza Leonoras. Siepi is the big plus here. A fresher Milanov can be heard in 1952 on MOoD with Tucker and Warren. In her best moments, her Leonora is major, but regardless of year, she can be uneven. Unlike most singing the part at 52, she still has the right voice.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO:Verdi
Stiedry; Milanov, Labò, Sereni, Siepi, Roggero, Corena
Original Air Date: 01/25/1958
SID.20130322
RWW: The fourth and last of Milanov’s Forza Leonoras. Siepi is the big plus here. A fresher Milanov can be heard in 1952 on MOoD with Tucker and Warren. In her best moments, her Leonora is major, but regardless of year, she can be uneven. Unlike most singing the part at 52, she still has the right voice.