On this day upon which we celebrate the 93rd birthday of the
beautiful Magda Olivero, for whom the word "miracolo" was invented, I
wanted to send you her personal greeting,as she sounds as vibrant and
joyful as always. My annual telephone call to her always brings me
great joy and the same wonderment that this lady is still so active
and is apparently in good health. She still gives her master classes
to students in Italy, and according to friends,is still capable of
illustrating her amazing technique in her classes with actual
vocalism.
As I have always stated, the speaking voice always reminds
me of the "verismo style," with that gorgeous Italian diction and the
depth of emotion and love of humanity that she has brought to so many
for so long. Those acquainted with her myriad live performances
(another great singer who recorded practically nothing commerically)
can always attest to her use of the word, the phrase,and I did remind
her of the Met debut I attended in 1975,when she was just a young kid
of 65,reminding her of the 20 minute ovation and the effect she had
on all of us.
I always delight in reminding the older singers of how much
joy they brought to countless audiences, and how they are not
forgotten.They are always so very happy and grateful that their many
contributions are recalled with fondness and appreciation. You know
that one of my main "duties" (pleasures) on these forums is to alert
the next generation (or those who just converted to opera) to the
glories of the famous artists who are no longer physically before the
public.,although Magda is still a vibrant presence in her country.
I am most fortunate to have caught her Fedora and Tosca here
in the 1970's and of course I must own close to 100 performances and
recitals featuring her,going back to the 30's and early 40's,and
then,after the long hiatus, from the late 50's all the way through
the 90's,including an amazing appearance in Spain in 1993,in which
the 83 year old Magda sings the Adriana arias and the "Sola,perduta"
from Manon Lescaut full voice,as if she just stepped on the stage 60
years before.
God bless this beautiful lady and I hope she makes it to
100....(and I have no doubt that she will still be singing!!)
Miraculously yours, Charlie