Elisabeth Rethberg

Tonight's is my first blog entry. I sit here listening to one of the two Romophone CD releases devoted to the great soprano Elisabeth Rethberg (1894-1976) and am amazed at this artist's abilities. It's hard to compare this artistry to what is called "artistry" in the world of vocal performance today. I'm not saying that there aren't comparable artists alive today but the process by which a vocal artist achieves greatness is greatly diminished. Maestra Rethberg attained her vocal prominence in an age that required incredible skill and imagination........combined with a lot of work and not with winning competitions..............hers is a voice uncomparable to today's supposed "greats". Take some time to hear these recordings if you can, especially if you're a young vocalist. The better of the two sets is the one entitled "the HMV, Parlophone and Victor Recordings (1927-34)". Listen to the trio with Benjamino Gigli and Ezio Pinza...........it will floor you!