Foto Ellinger
Lisa della Casa (Arabella) and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Mandryka) - Munich 1958
Those of my generation growing up and learning about opera were mesmerised by the Swiss soprano Lisa della Casa who died on Monday at the grand age of 93. It just days after my 20th birthday in 1961 that I first saw her, with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, in her most celebrated role - Arabella. This was at the Munich Festival in the then home of the Bavarian State Opera, the Prinzregentetheater. And four years later this same pair appeared in these roles at the Royal Opera House. They were great days indeed for those of us discovering the joys of Strauss and Mozart.
Meanwhile in London December 2012 it is the season of Carol Services. My first was today - at St Paul's, Hammersmith, where my daughter's school had their event in which every single child in the school participated as either a singer, reader, or orchestral player. It is good to see music so strong in some schools..........
There will be a good service to attend somewhere on Sunday, and no doubt a couple more before the season is over. I will let you know!
Dear Mr. Dickie,
I've recently read that you supported Franco Fagioli at the Neue Stimmen competiton 2003 which became a Springboard for his singing carrier. As a great admirer of Mr. Fagioli I'd like to thank you for that. Since 2009 I visit his performances here in Europe. At the moment he has been triumphing as Arbace in Vincis Artaserse. He is a dignified(a right word?)successor of Senesino, Farinelli and Carestini. We fans in Germany, France, Austria, Swiss, Japan, surely in Argentina are very happy for his success. I'm looking forward to his Aci in Polifemo(Porpora) at the Theater an der Wien.
Wish you happy holidays!
Posted by: lotus-eater | December 16, 2012 at 03:11 PM