February marks Black History Month. Read about four singers who changed history—and the forward-thinking administrators who helped them. These bold pioneers left an inspiring artistic legacy, which challenged the operatic world and changed it for the better.
Imagine learning and performing the First Lady in Die Zauberflöte in just 24 hours. Read about Kirsten Flagstad who was a legend for such feats. Also find out how her voice doubled and then tripled in size, making her another legend as a Wagnerian singer.
Christa Ludwig remains one of the greatest voices of the last century. Her career spanned five decades (from her debut in 1946 to her final performance in 1994) in both the mezzo soprano and dramatic soprano Fachs. Since her retirement, Ludwig gives regular masterclasses, passing on her pearls of wisdom polished over a lifetime of experience, to a new generation of singers. CS caught up with the mezzo/soprano at just such an event in Graz, Austria, last summer.
Arguably the best American tenor of the last century, Richard Tucker made a name for himself at home and abroad singing over 700 roles at the Met and with performances in London, Vienna, Verona, Milan, and Florence. Find out what made this tenor great.
Learn more about this extraordinary artist who will be honored this month by the Met, including how she was the first mezzo-soprano to make the same fees as sopranos and tenors.
There are more ways to practice than simply singing vocalises and repertoire for hours. Consider some ideas for maximizing your time, stamina, and results, all while never even opening your mouth.
Aureliano Pertile was one of many tenors cursed to follow in the legendary and large shadow of Enrico Caruso. Read about this Italian singer who came of age during the Verismo period and if and how that affected his singing.
This installment of singers of the past features soprano Mary Garden, a revolutionary of her time who set the stage for the singer-actor emphasis of the present day.
Learn about the notable though short-lived career of Italian baritone Pasquale Amato, including what brought his promising career to a premature end.
Read about this remarkable contralto who appeared on the operatic scene in the U.S. and abroad in the early 1900s. Discover where you can hear her now, in both operatic and concert repertoire.
In the third installment of this new series featuring singers of the past, learn more about the career tenor John McCormack. Discover which recordings showcase him best and where you can find them.
