The Unanswered Question

Queries are kept on line here until we know that they have received a satisfactory answer, or the questioner's email address has disappeared, or the question has become moot, or we become convinced that no answer is likely to be forthcoming, whichever comes first!

31 May 2001

Some opera recordings, mostly live, often have inadequate listings of the cast. Can anybody please help with these:

• Donizetti: La favorita (Previtali) Naples 12/5 1963 GAO 105/6;
• Donizetti: Figlia del reggim (Sanzogno) Venezia 1975 SRO 513-2;
• Mascagni: Cavalleria (Karajan) 1968 Frequenz 011 044;
• Meyeberr: Prophete (Lewis) Turin 11/7 1970 Claque GM 3013;
• Mozart: Nozze (Walter) NY 29/1 1944 AS Disc 419/20;
• Strauss: Elektra (Mitropoulos) Florence 1951 Cetra CDO 4;
• Verdi: Ballo (Fabritiis) 1961 Mov Mus 051 020;
• Verdi: Trovatore (Capuana) Naples 7/12 1957 GAO 101/2;
• Verdi: Traviata (Questa) Naples 11/8 1957 GAO 103/4;
• Wagner: Lohengrin (Bodanzky) NY 21/12 1935 Melodram 37040;
• Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Böhm) Orange 7/7 1973 RPC 32553

Information is taken from the sleeve-notes, as you can see, sometimes only the year is indicated!

Reply to toraure@frisurf.no (Tor Aurebekk)

1 Mar 2001

I am looking for any information on my aunt, Czerna Jean Faubion, who sang at the Hollywood Bowl in 1950 or so, perhaps a little earlier. She died shortly thereafter. I think she was only about 25 when she sang there. She was a contralto, and this was her first major concert. She lived in Hollywood at the time. There is very little information on her, and I am trying to piece together some history. She was from Bainbridge Island, Washington. She may have used the name Czerna Wilson. Thank you very much.

Reply to maryann@brightring.com (MaryAnn Faubion Kohl)

27 Feb 2001

I have been trying to locate a synopsis of Hervé's Estelle et Nimorin. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Reply to klg8@hotmail.com (Karen Gall)

25 Jan 2001

I would like to have more information about Hugo Weisgall's opera Will you marry me? and Mark Bucci's The dress. I study régie in Colon's Theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina and I'm looking for short operas, for 2 or 3 singers. And operas that are not known here. Thank you,Mariana

Reply to marianam@nosis.com.ar (Mariana Mera)

9 Dec 2000

I am contemplating a book project about the rivalry between Oscar Hammerstein's Manhattan Opera Company and the Metropolitan Opera (1906). Does anyone know of the existence of archival material (letters, contracts, etc.)?

Reply to charles.affron@nyu.edu (Charles Affron)

7 Nov 2000

I am trying to research the Greek opera singer Spiro Makris, who I believe sang in the late 1950s and 1960s. Can you give me any guidance on where to start?

Reply to grehnert@audaxgroup.com (Geoff Rehnert)

2 Oct 2000

Can you direct me to a recording of Cenerentola which includes Clorinda's last act aria. In most to which I've listened, it is cut. Thanks very much for any help you can offer.

Reply to dntndiva@aol.com (Lynne ?)

2 Aug 2000

I am searching for information about Viva Della Caisa, an Italian opera singer who performed in (New York) in the 1930's. She then returned to Italy in approximately 1931. The first spelling I had of her name was Vivian Della Chiesi. I was advised of the correction. If you can provide information or direct me, I would appreciate the effort. Thank You!

Reply to italianprincess@earthlink.net (Antoinette Tedesco-Bell)

13 Jun 2000

I am looking for information about the early 20th century French opera singer Charles Fontaine. I could find a very little information on him. He performed at least between 1881 and 1916. I am looking for pictures, posters, adds, bibliography, records, etc.

Reply to alain.bras@free.fr (Alain Bras)

6 Jun 2000

On what disk can I find the recording of Callas singing Adèle's laughing song ``Mein Herr Marquis'' from Die Fledermaus?

Reply to hpwebber@hotmail.com (Henry Webber)

3 Jun 2000

I am looking for information on the life and carrer of Spanish soprano Dolores Perez, aka Lily Berchman. All I know is that she made countless zarzuela recordings in the fifties and sizties in Spain. I will appreciate any light you can shed on this wonderful singer and her whereabouts today.

Reply to ladyfela@aol.com (Fela Bella)

29 Sep 1999

I am trying to find information on Louis P. Russell, a grandfather of a dear friend, who became estranged from his family. He was reported by the LA Times to have performed (a tenor opera singer) at the "Alexandria" (hotel? in LA or maybe Hollywood) in the late 1920s. It was said by the LA Times that "he had the voice of Caruso". If you can help direct me to possible resources or know anything about the "elusive" Mr. Russell, I would be most appreciative.

Reply to john@navi-gator.com (John Wade)

15 Sep 1999

I am trying to track down a copy of an advertising poster featuring Maria Callas. It is a black and white photograph with Callas standing at the front of a stage. The poster title is "CALLAS AL FENICE". If anyone knows of a stockist I would be most appreciative.

Reply to MrsCazabo@aol.com (Tracy Cazabo)

2 Aug 1999

I am trying to locate any information on an opera singer who lived in Argentina, Felipe Romito, born in 1898, died in 1961. He was originally from Italy. Thank you, Lori

Reply to debo@icubed.com (Lori Di Battista)

1 Jul 1999

I am serching for an Editor for my new book on Giuditta Pasta, the Casta Diva of Bellini (Italian language). I'm the author of Voices of Rossini edited by EDA- Torino in 1992

Reply to ravenswood@pn.itnet.it (Giorgio Appolonia)

11 Dec 1998

Does anyone know about the Rigoletto recording from New Orleans which was released as Legendary Recordings 205 on 2 LPs? The date is supposed to be 1952, and the cast said to be Eugene Conley, Leonard Warren, Hilde Gueden, William Wilderman, Marietta Muhs, and Norman Treigle, conductor Walter Herbert. New Orleans Opera Association informs me that there was no performance in 1952, and the nearest they can get is May 1950, with Di Stefano, Valdengo, Rivera, Wilderman, Muhs, and Treigle. I am also interested in getting information about a possible New Orleans Rigoletto on Edizione Lirica 12 (2 LP) said to be from (?)1954, with Richard Tucker, Leonard Warren, and Hilde Gueden, Walter Herbert conducting. Again, there was no performance of Rigoletto (New Orleans had it performed in 1947, 1950, and 1955), and the 1955 cast was different. Thanks in advance if anyone can help me.

Reply to busse@phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de (Wilhelm Busse)

7 Dec 1998

I am finishing a book on the Opera House of Corfu Greece built in 1902 and bombed in 1943. I have more than 400 pages of information. I am searching for photos of Finzi Magrini, an Italian soprano active in the beginning of the 20th century.

Reply to arch_laskaris@ker.forthnet.gr (Periklis C.Laskaris)

14 Nov 1998

I am very interested in Oralia Dominguez's art. Could anybody tell me if Oralia Dominguez is alive, where she lives, what she is doing now, etc. I am also very interested in Oralia Dominguez's discography. I would be very grateful in any information about this wonderful artist.

Reply to ksk@venus.ci.uw.edu.pl (Tomasz Pasternak)

2 Nov 1998

My mother's cousin Mary Therese Luise Schmid (b.1889 in Dresden) sang at the Opera House there between the dates of 1910 and 1934. I have several photographs of her in various roles, but no further information. she was last heard of in Berlin during WW2. Has anyone ever heard of her? Mentions in cast lists etc.? There is a publicity postcrd of her with her name printed on the front so she may have been fairly well known, ANY information would be greatly appreciated, or any suggestions as to where I may obtain further information.

Reply to alanjo.taylor@wanadoo.fr (Jo Taylor)

27 Sep 1998

Is there an opera depicting the life and martyrdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor who was executed in a Nazi concentration camp? I thought I read about such a work several years ago in Opera News, but have not been able to locate any references to it.

Reply to gcfatpts@aol.com (Gregory C. Faulkner)

7 Aug 1998

My mother was an opera singer in Bulgaria (1945-1948) and in Israel (1948-1951). I have very little information about her performances. Her name was Lydia Yossifova or Lydia Moscona and she sang contralto roles. I would appreciate any information about what performances she may have been in. Thanks.

Reply to ursula@mail.internet.com.mx (Michael Moscona)

7 Aug 1998

I am in possesion of a bound manuscript piano reduction for the opera "Mater Dolorosa" by Giuseppe Orsini. The opera dates from about 1901 and appears to have been composed either in Boston, or in Parma, Italy. I have been unable to find any biographical information on Mr. Orsini, except that he may have been born in 1851. Do you have any information, even on just his birth and death dates? The manuscript is a very fine piece of work and the music is actually not bad at all; unfortunately there are not any very lengthy arias. I don't read Italian very well, so I am not sure what the libretto or story is for this opera. Do you have any information on that? I don't expect to get much information, but I would be grateful for any help.

Reply to wd0fli@aol.com (Scott Miller)

25 Jul 1998

I am searching for information or music of a soprano, who is deceased, Loretta Branch. She sang in the New Orleans Opera Company in the 50's, 60's and 70's. She also sang once or twice on the Dick Van Dyke Show. Her son would love to have her voice on tape, and I would like to give this to him as a gift. Any information on Loretta Branch would be greatly appreciated. Yes, I have asked many sources, and so far it is the mystery of Loretta.

Reply to PinkyD007@aol.com (Geri Drudge)

25 Jul 1998

I am doing family history research and am searching for information about an opera teacher/coach named MME Ella Backus-Behr. She resided in New York City @ the 20s and 30s. My paternal grandmother was a travelling companion for her when she travelled throughout the world teaching (I believe voice). We have several pieces of memorabelia along with pictures and letters. I'd love to know more about her. My father was a favorite of hers. She also had a house on Cape Cod with a library full of Zane Grey books. I believe she knew him personally. My father remembers spending time there several summers of his youth. I only have heard of one famous opera singer that she taught back then but for the life of me I cannot remember the name at the moment. Any direction or information you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to crt@bjtassociates.com (Carolyn Tabarini)

21 Mar 1998

I have been unsuccessfully tryng to locate the lyrics to the Italian song Tu lo sei composed by Berrafato, once sung by Franco Corelli. This would be an enormous gift to my Dad, who will be 75 yrs. old on April 24th. He has been searching for years for the lyrics, but to no avail. Any help would be apprreciated. Thank you.

Reply to rfur@email.msn.com (??)

20 Mar 1998

I am interested in Maria Caniglia and possibly creating a fan page about her. I would like to hear from others interested in this legendary Italian spinto of the 1930s and 40s. I am also interested in Wagner singing in Italy, in Italian, in the 1930s and 40s. Any information would be appreciated.

Reply to Cobelli@aol.com (Scott Grunow)

11 Mar 1998

In the list of operas by Adolphe Adam is one entitled "Le Hussard de Felsheim". I wonder if you can tell me anything about this opera, or where I might go to try to find a copy of it. Felsheim is my family name. In researching our family tree we discoverd a series of short stories about one Andreas von Felsheim who led a group of brigands known as "The Outlaws of Falkensteig" from 1638 to 1643 in southern Germany. The title of the above opera seems to imply that it may be about the same person. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Reply to mjfelshe@students.wisc.edu (Mark J Felsheim)

5 Mar 1998

I am looking for information on Hariclea Darclee in general (is there a biography?) and especially for information on the subject of her recordings. Horst Wahl heard them in the mid thirties; where have they gone (the early fonotipias)? And then she recorded songs in 1928, of which one can be heard on 'Un secolo di Voce genovese', but where are the others? Does anyone have any others then 'Vai mindrutto drgi n'avven' from Bredicaneau? I am writing an article about it for a Dutch opera magazine and would like to have this question on the question list. Thank you.

Reply to jono@jono.demon.n (Rene Seghers)

16 Nov 1997

Could anybody help me locate and/or identify an Italian opera - probably 17th century - which contains an aria beginning: Io ho trovato mi amore. It could possibly be by Cavalli, but that's only a guess. I'd be so grateful if anyone knows it.

Reply to POPLARFILM@aol.com (Carole)

11 Nov 1997

My spouse and I are beginning research on her great-grandmother's life: Nannie Hart Van Sauter, American soprano, professional name "Alexandra Morrisini," b. 1853 d. 1942 (obit in New York Times, May 15, 1942, p. 19). She studied under Leopold Damrosch, sang "Aida" at La Scala. Her performing career seems to have been during 1873-79. Any tips for resources on American prima donnas during 1870s? Much obliged for any help...

Reply to jmceuen@imf.org (Jim McEuen)

7 Nov 1997

I am trying to dig up some information on my grandmother, Leila Trumbull. She was an opera singer. My father told me a little about her when I was too young to absorb the information. I know she lived in Texas (probably El Paso). I believe she toured. I know she sang at a funeral service for President McKinley in 1901. I have pictures of her, but that's about it. I never met her. Any ideas how to obtain info. about her?

Reply to ozy@yahoo.com (Maureen Moore)

31 Oct 1997

A Russian emigre friend showed me an article from a Russian news- paper about a forgotten tenor named Ivan Jadon. He appeared at the Bolshoi in the thirties and apparently was a lyric tenor along the lines of Kozlovsky and Lemishev. He survived under the German occupation during WWII and emigrated to the U.S. during the forties. Apparently, he appeared at Town Hall and was under Sol Hurok's management. For some reason he "retired" and became a gardener/maintenance worker in Florida!! Then he moved to the Virgin Islands with his American wife. Bizarre? Does anyone have more information including anything about his recordings?

Reply to moses20@ix.netcom.com (Mel Bernay)

27 Oct 1997

Am looking for information on British opera composer Gerald Cockshott. We are performing his comic chamber opera A Faun In The Forest. So far we have found no references to this composer. Any info would be helpful. Thank you.

Reply to cassburg@aol.com (Paul Burgay)

26 Oct 1997

I am researching my boyfriend's grandmother, Teresa Gluck, who performed opera the US and Europe between 1920 and 1945 (dates approximate) I don't have a lot of other information but am interested in finding if any early recordings exist, programs, pages in history books, etc. My local library has a very limited music section. I would appreciate the names and publishers of any books that might help, so I can order them.

Reply to kcouch@mindspring.com (Karen Couch)

20 Oct 1997

Does anyone know if a biography or interviews of Cesare Siepi is published? Any kind of books, magazines, etc.

Reply to miya@chive.ocn.ne.jp (Miyako Asanomi)

22 Aug 1997

I have an old charcoal drawing by Gino E. Conti. Does anyone know if this could be the same Gino Conti the opera singer?

Reply to boz2@ix.netcom.com (Steve Costa)

13 Aug 1997

I am looking for a synopsis of La jolie Parfumeuse by Offenbach. I am working on the Neighbor's Chorus and would like to be able to give my students the story line.

Reply to sschlobohm@gogebic.cc.mi.us (J Schlobohm)

5 Aug 1997

I am looking for an organ arrangenent of Tristan and Isolde by Wagner. An arrangement was in existance, but is now out of print. If you can help, please let me know.

Reply to BITSER123@AOL.com (Linda Burlew)

20 May 1997

I am a journalist in Kitchener, Ontario. I am currently putting together a piece on an opera singer named Kevin McMillan. An information about him and/or work he has done would be appreciated.

Reply to JJubinv664@aol.com (Corey Jubenville)

8 May 1997

Where can I find sellers of opera scores and information about composers and music societies in Mexico, Cuba, Spain, and elsewhere in Latin American?

Reply to mgcarril@rtn.uson.mx (Miguel Carrillo Sánchez)

5 May 1997

I am trying to find any information about Richard Brinsley Peake. He composed The Bottle Imp in the 1820's. It was perfomed at the English Opera House in 1828. Can anyone help?

Reply to warren@photosphere.on.ca (Warren Hales)

2 May 1997

I am seeking support for a composer. I have written a multimedia, bilingual (Spanish, English) libretto based on the life of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz -- the first feminist of the Americas who defended women's right to learn. She wrote music and love poetry to two women during the inquisition -- of her poem First dream Octavio Paz noted: something ended in the world and something else began. I am seeking initial seed funding to support the composer, Crystal Juelson while she creates the music for the opera, say an amount between $5,000 and 10,000. This initial funding may later help us secure a match for future funding to bring the opera into workshop phase... I would appreciate any information on funding sources.

Reply to sbear@cruzio.com (Sandia Belgrade)

24 Apr 1997

I am interested in spring '98 opera schedules for Naples and Sicily. Also folkmusic & concert events. No listings yet on the net. Can anyone advise?

Reply to lilienst@erols.com (Saul Lilienstein)

7 Mar 1997

In the l940's my mother had a friend, Viola DeBickery (sp?) Fern, who may have been a singer, and was a neighbor of my family in S.E. Washington, D.C. Her father, a Mr. DeBickery, was an impressario. Does anyone have any information about either person? Thank you much.

Reply to kagiesey@erols.com (Kathy Giesey)