James King, born on May 22, 1925, would go onto a prolific career as a heldentenor. But it took him a long way to get there. In fact, he didn’t make his debut as a tenor until 1961 when he was in his mid-30s. The reason for this is that his initial studies had led him down the path of {…}
This week, two rarely-performed works will get DVD and CD releases while one major artist releases a crossover album. There will also be a major archival release that should be popular among opera lovers. Il Borgomastro di Saardam Dynamic releases a rarely-performed Donizetti work from the Fondzaione Donizetti. Roberto Rizzi Brignoli conducts the work with Juan Francisco Gatell, Andrea Concetti, {…}
Ludwig Van Beethoven turned 246 on Friday, Dec. 16. Upon his death in 1827, the composer left behind veritable masterpieces of classical music. His most famous works are his nine symphonies, his piano sonatas and concertos and his string quartets. There was also one opera, “Fidelio.” The composer is said to have struggled to create this singular work, creating three {…}