Countermelody
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Latest Episodes
Episode 287. Meet Hugo Hasslo
Unless by some miracle you know him already, the Swedish baritone Hugo Hasslo (1911 1994), is almost certainly the greatest baritone you never heard of. I discovered him entirely by accident years a
Episode 286. Julia Varady Revisited
This week, the sublime Julia Varady celebrated her 83rd birthday, and here at Countermelody that is an occasion well worth commemorating and celebrating. Im newly home in Berlin, but with a huge pile
Episode 285. Edda Moser Reappraised
Lately I have been doing a series of episodes on artists that in my opinion deserve a reassessment, a second glance, if you will. Edda Moser is almost universally regarded as the best Queen of the N
Episode 284. Claudia Muzio Revisited
Claudia Muzio was known as the Duse of Song, a title that might be lost somewhat in time, since it refers to the great stage actress Eleanora Duse, felt to rank among the greatest actresses of all t
Episode 283. Betty Allen
Betty Allen has been featured on countless omnibus Countermelody episodes, but its time for her to get her own episode! Born in Ohio on 17 March, 1927, she died at the age of 82 on 22 June 2009. Not
Episode 282. Janet Baker @ 91
How can it even be that our beloved Janet Baker is turning 91 today? I have been so moved by all the tributes pouring in and I feel compelled to add my humble wishes to all the others. - Last year whi
Episode 281. La Scottissima
I began work on this episode on the one-year anniversary of the death of Renata Scotto, perhaps the most beloved of my many dearly-loved divas. But I have been thinking about and planning it ever sinc
Episode 280. Heather Harper Revisited
The beloved Irish soprano Heather Harper died at the age of 88 on 22 April 2019 in London. In music ranging from the Baroque through the modern eras, she displayed an easy mastery as did very few othe
Episode 279. Ernst Kozub Reappraised
Have you heard of the remarkable German Heldentenor Ernst Kozub? If you havent, youre in for a special treat. And if you have, you know doubt have preconceived notions about him, which I hope that y
Episode 278. George Shirley Revisited
This August I shall be supplementing each new episode published with a first-time general posting of bonus episodes which were originally available only for my Patreon subscribers. Today, in the first