Terrible Opera Singers

[ramseytheii]

I am looking for the name of a woman who used to go on New York City public television and "perform" (mangle) famous Italian operas.  I used to watch some of her videos and would love to see them again.  The one that sticks out in my mind is a hilarious reading of Germont's letter to Violetta, "Teneste la promessa.." and then a performance of the aria, with an absolutely atrocious pianist.

For anyone who knows and appreciates the subtle art of Florence Foster Jenkins, you may like this modern version, who has a real stage presence which makes up for the slight... weakness of range.

(I especially enjoy the bit where she points up at the ceiling during the high notes, because otherwise we wouldn't know that they were supposed to be high!)


Walter Ramsey

[pianoplayer88]

I don't know what to say...

[cmg]

Well, Walter, I once knew of a wealthy woman in NYC in the late 1980s, named Esther Flynt, a soprano with vocal talents easily rivaling Madame Florence Foster Jenkins.  She sponsored annual recitals in Weill Hall under the name of "Bella Voce."  A close friend of mine, who sang in her group, and later made a minor sensation singing "Aida" (title role) with a famous Lower Eastside independent opera company, introduced me to her Art.

I have a tape (now transferred to CD) of one of her NYC performances that rival the great Madame Jenkins:  a "Laughing Song" from "Fledermaus" that is the funniest thing I've ever heard in my life.  She likewise renders (asunder) some of Mozart's most famous arias. 

If you're interested, I'd be happy to install them in the Audition Room.  But, nils might object.  So, maybe I could email them to you?

Let me know, sir.  These recordings shouldn't be my private pleasure alone. 

Hysterical.  I promise! 

p.s. I found something else.  The soprano Jenny Williams "singing" excerpts from "Faust" with Thomas Burns, ("baritone") on an old RCA release?  Is this the culprit who savaged "Traviata," too?

p.s. in lieu of all of the above, try this link.  Somebody here will undoubtedly be able to help you in your search!  Believe me, every singer in NYC checks out this website.

https://parterre.wordpress.com/

[cmg]

Oh . . . you're welcome, Walter.