There has been an ongoing rather lurid discussion (on Opera-L) in many cases, as to whether Licia Albanese kept Magda Olivero out of the Met. Many know-nothings are saying the most absurd things. Here is what I wrote: I can tell you a few things from personal knowledge. I knew both ladies, and they were charming. I didnt know them very well, but in Licias case I knew her for about 50 years, and as for Magda, about 40. I never heard one speak badly of the other. Ever. A few years ago, when Licia turned 100, I received a call from Magda. Actually it was initially from her live in assistant, Matteo Zambito, whose English was far better than my Italian. He said that Magda was trying to call Licia to wish her a Happy Birthday, but seemingly had an old phone number from before Joe Gimma, Licias husband, had passed away several years earlier. I gave them the new phone number, and then Magda got on the phone, and lucid as a young woman (she was also 100) spoke to me as she always did, which is to say very slowly and clearly, and I was able to understand every word she said and answered with my own brand of Italian, which is very good pronunciation, but lacking knowledge of proper tenses, etc. We chatted for about 15 minutes, as we usually did when I would call her every year on her birthday. Matteo called me back the next day and thanked me for giving Licias current phone number, and told me that the two Divas had had a very long conversation and both were extremely glad to have talked to each other. So much, I believe, with any talk of animosity between Licia and Magda. There was love and mutual respect and admiration between them.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:25:43 +0000
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