Mary, you’ve highlighted two of my most favorite things! As you know, I thrive on music—it’s one of life’s most purest joys for me! And, since I can remember, I’ve watched people, inside and out. I look at their walk, their talk, and their thoughts. I try to imagine what kind of day they’re having. Now, if I set all that to music, I’m in my element of thrills!
He's one of the great ones, all right. I feel like my musical tastes are as broad as my book tastes. Last night, I listened to one of my favorite operas, Verdi's "Aida." The tenor's opening aria is absolutely incredible.
I will have to listen! I have not gravitated to opera in the past and think it's important to check in with various musical genres at various stages of life.
Thank you, Wendy! This will be fun. I love new experiences, and your guidance is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know what I think. Oh, do you have a recommended recording of it?
Thank you, Wendy, for doing this research and including the links. That was beyond kind, and you know how some days, you just need kindness? This is one of those for me. I can't wait to listen!
Jim, isn't that album amazing? NPR used to do an "Island Records" broadcast where (usually famous) people would have to pick ( I think it was 10) albums that they would bring to a deserted island. This would be one of my 10.
Mary, you’ve highlighted two of my most favorite things! As you know, I thrive on music—it’s one of life’s most purest joys for me! And, since I can remember, I’ve watched people, inside and out. I look at their walk, their talk, and their thoughts. I try to imagine what kind of day they’re having. Now, if I set all that to music, I’m in my element of thrills!
Total agreement! Ahhhh, music and people-watching. Sublime.
He's one of the great ones, all right. I feel like my musical tastes are as broad as my book tastes. Last night, I listened to one of my favorite operas, Verdi's "Aida." The tenor's opening aria is absolutely incredible.
I will have to listen! I have not gravitated to opera in the past and think it's important to check in with various musical genres at various stages of life.
You might want to start with an opera that's easier to listen to. "La Traviata" is a great one.
Thank you, Wendy! This will be fun. I love new experiences, and your guidance is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know what I think. Oh, do you have a recommended recording of it?
The full opera with Anna Netrebko (soprano) and Rolando Villazon (tenor) used to be on YouTube, but now I can only find selected arias there. Those are a good place to start, however (e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7SkzUTLosA); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plvzA5rjZJs). There's a separate recording of Dmitri Hvorostovky singing his last performance before he died of a brain tumor in the role of the father, which I also find very moving (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbJYvh8D1Rc).
Thank you, Wendy, for doing this research and including the links. That was beyond kind, and you know how some days, you just need kindness? This is one of those for me. I can't wait to listen!
You may have to give them a few listens for it to grow on you. Opera isn't for everyone!
This is definitely in my top 10 favorite albums of all time!
Jim, isn't that album amazing? NPR used to do an "Island Records" broadcast where (usually famous) people would have to pick ( I think it was 10) albums that they would bring to a deserted island. This would be one of my 10.
It is fabulous. The late Minnie Riperton sings backup on a lot of the songs.
My daughter sang a snippet of the the theme to Goldfinger by Shirley Bassey and now it won’t exit my brain!