Jay’s mention of Beverly Sills brought back memories of witnessing this singular star soprano delight the thousands of operagoers who packed into San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House in November 1974 to hear her sing the eponymous role of Marie in Donizetti’s comic opera, "Daughter of the Regiment."
One of Sills’s most memorable performances was in the title role of Carlisle Floyd’s opera, "Baby Doe," which premiered in July 1956. Here’s a link to a recording of Sills singing the final aria, “Always Through the Changing.” John Latouche, who died in August 1956, shortly after the opera premiered, wrote the poetically eloquent libretto.
I am delighted and surprised that there will be a Michael Chabon opera -- although I don't know the composer! I am a big Chabon fan, and so are my oldest daughter and my son the trombonist. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is surely one of the half dozen best novels of the last 25 years. And one of the funniest.
My daughter and I got to "meet" Mr. Chabon nine years ago when he came to Rochester to give a talk and, I suppose, to promote his new novel Moonglow. He graciously posed at his signing table for a picture with my daughter.
Jay’s mention of Beverly Sills brought back memories of witnessing this singular star soprano delight the thousands of operagoers who packed into San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House in November 1974 to hear her sing the eponymous role of Marie in Donizetti’s comic opera, "Daughter of the Regiment."
One of Sills’s most memorable performances was in the title role of Carlisle Floyd’s opera, "Baby Doe," which premiered in July 1956. Here’s a link to a recording of Sills singing the final aria, “Always Through the Changing.” John Latouche, who died in August 1956, shortly after the opera premiered, wrote the poetically eloquent libretto.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKxL5TZW6HY
Always through the changing of
Sun and shadow, time and space,
I will walk beside my love
In a green and quiet place.
Proof against the forms of fear
No distress shall alter me
I will walk beside my dear
Clad in love’s bright heraldry.
Sound the battle’s loud alarm
Any foe I shall withstand
In the circle of his arms
I am safe in Beulah Land.
Passion fades when joy is spent:
Lust is lure for gold and crime.
Beauty’s kiss is transient.
Love alone is fixed in time.
Death cannot divide my love
All we sealed with living vows
Warm I'll sleep beside my love
In a cold and narrow house.
Never shall the mourning dove
Weep for us in accents wild
I shall walk beside my love
Who is husband, father, child.
As our earthly eyes grow dim
Still the old song will be sung.
I shall change along with him
So that both are ever young.
I am delighted and surprised that there will be a Michael Chabon opera -- although I don't know the composer! I am a big Chabon fan, and so are my oldest daughter and my son the trombonist. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is surely one of the half dozen best novels of the last 25 years. And one of the funniest.
My daughter and I got to "meet" Mr. Chabon nine years ago when he came to Rochester to give a talk and, I suppose, to promote his new novel Moonglow. He graciously posed at his signing table for a picture with my daughter.