Countermelody
Latest Episodes
Episode 189. Marni Nixon
Today, in another of my Womens History Month episodes, I present to you the extraordinarily versatile, even chameleon-like singer and actor Marni Nixon (22 February 1930 - 24 July 2016), who is no do
Episode 188. Sarah Reese
Greatness expresses itself in different ways. Sometimes in indisputable artistic talents, and other times in profound displays of humanity. And sometimes, as in the case of todays subject, Sarah Rees
Episode 187. Elly Ameling Sings Bach
An artist whose singing has been with me throughout my entire life journey is Dutch soprano Elly Ameling, who on February 8 celebrated her 90th birthday. Ameling was most celebrated as a singer of art
Episode 186. Roberta Alexander in Opera
Today it is with the utmost excitement that I bring you an episode devoted to one of my favorite singers of all time, soprano Roberta Alexander, who celebrates her birthday today, March 3rd! I remembe
Episode 185. Black Pop Icons auf Deutsch (Black History Month 2023)
There are advantages to being ones own boss, and one of those is that when Frau Corona (AKA Madame Covid) comes to visit, one can reshuffle and recalibrate ones plans to fit the exigencies of the mo
Episode 184. Eugene Holmes (Black History Month 2023)
Eugene Holmes (1932 2007), baritone supreme, should be remembered as one of the most significant voices of the Twentieth Century and a Black singer on a par with the most revered and celebrated. Tho
Episode 183. Martina Arroyo (Black History Month 2023)
Last week on Feburary 2, the beloved African American soprano Martina Arroyo turned 86 years old. Although the Countermelody birthday tribute to Ms. Arroyo is a week late, it is nonetheless profoundly
Episode 182. Dorothy Maynor (Black History Month 2023)
I lead off my new episodes for Black History Month 2023 with one of the most glorious voices ever captured on recordings, Dorothy Maynor (03 September 1910 19 February 1996), one of the most gloriou
Episode 181. Nicolai Gedda in Song
Todays episode is a special request from one of my most dedicated listeners, and one with which I am happy to comply. It is already seven years this month since the death of the great Swedish tenor N
Episode 180. Anna Moffo Reappraised
The Italian-American lyric coloratura soprano Anna Moffo (1932-2006) is, for many, one of the great singers of the past century. My first exposure to this artist was one of two, frankly, disastrous re