[squash54]

Originally Posted by Hirs Ute

30 Demis Roussos albums on Sparks that is so scary

Except whan you realise there are 12 Barry Manilow albums

[squash54]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Was just trying to see if there is a review in NY Times of last week's Norma. All I found is this :-

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/ar...ic/01norm.html

Talk about drama!

Renee Fleming is a class act but is getting to the stage in her career where she has to make sure that what ever she takes on, she nails - otherwise the so-called critics will start with the 'she is on the way out' mantra.
Like cats, these great performers should be allowed to age gracefully, with the authority, dignity and respect they have earned from their dedication to one of the world's most difficult arts.

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by squash54

Renee Fleming is a class act but is getting to the stage in her career where she has to make sure that what ever she takes on, she nails - otherwise the so-called critics will start with the 'she is on the way out' mantra.
Like cats, these great performers should be allowed to age gracefully, with the authority, dignity and respect they have earned from their dedication to one of the world's most difficult arts.

Squash, all that's well and good, except from reading her comments on why she's withdrawn, I got the impression that it doesn't have to do with "aging gracefully". Seems like she has some personal reasons for not wanting to "act", rather than "sing" the part. I was just wondering why

[squash54]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Squash, all that's well and good, except from reading her comments on why she's withdrawn, I got the impression that it doesn't have to do with "aging gracefully". Seems like she has some personal reasons for not wanting to "act", rather than "sing" the part. I was just wondering why

There is a world of difference to 'singing' in a recording studio and 'singing' in an opera performance. In the former the artist can concentrate entirely on phrasing, pitch and tone without having to be concerned with the quite seperate skill of "acting" - projecting a convincing character to an audience - and,at the same time, singing with control and volume (no amplification) to fill a cavernous concert hall. Also, as you know, after the singer's studio sessions, the mastering engineers come in and apply their black arts to shine the final brilliant product.
Concert performances also remove many of the pressures of performing in an opera, but retain the benefit of audience adulation for a good performance.

Oh, and in show business, there is no such thing as bad publicity

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by squash54

There is a world of difference to 'singing' in a recording studio and 'singing' in an opera performance. In the former the artist can concentrate entirely on phrasing, pitch and tone without having to be concerned with the quite seperate skill of "acting" - projecting a convincing character to an audience - and,at the same time, singing with control and volume (no amplification) to fill a cavernous concert hall. Also, as you know, after the singer's studio sessions, the mastering engineers come in and apply their black arts to shine the final brilliant product.
Concert performances also remove many of the pressures of performing in an opera, but retain the benefit of audience adulation for a good performance.

Oh, and in show business, there is no such thing as bad publicity

Another good point Once again - not how I understood that article I thought she has a personal reason for not wanting to sing THAT particular character of Norma

[squash54]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Another good point Once again - not how I understood that article I thought she has a personal reason for not wanting to sing THAT particular character of Norma

I re-read the article and noted she has also backed out of two concert performances of the opera that were planned as well. My conclusion is that she has decided her voice is no longer up to such a demanding and difficult role. Fair enough, even the soprano that Bellini wrote the work for (the great Giuditta Pasta) declared the Casta Diva aria "impossible". Bellini pleaded with her to take the piece home and work on it for a week and if she still felt the same way he would scrap it. She returned a week later and declared he was a genius!
I couldn't agree more.

[petra.blanke]

Back on point - I find it IMPOSSIBLE to add any money to the new account I have just opened with MP3Sale - I've tried ALL the options, and keep getting knocked back for reasons unknown - and insurmountable.
And I can't use my allTunes account since crappy CMpass has been down for weeks now.
+I give up !
Welcome back - iTunes - and no money......
P.S.I'm a Brit, living in Spain.

[Manco Capac]

Originally Posted by petra.blanke

Back on point - I find it IMPOSSIBLE to add any money to the new account I have just opened with MP3Sale - I've tried ALL the options, and keep getting knocked back for reasons unknown - and insurmountable.
And I can't use my allTunes account since crappy CMpass has been down for weeks now.
+I give up !
Welcome back - iTunes - and no money......
P.S.I'm a Brit, living in Spain.

Hi petra.blanke.


They accept Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, PayPal, OneBip and Web Money and not one of them works for you?

If you have friend - even if this friend lives far from you - you can have him or her either accessing your account and deposit money on it if he/she is able to or he/she could buy you a pin code, so you can replenish your account yourself

You can also PM pastor39 (who is the administrator of MP3Sale) here: http://www.aom3.org/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=384 and explain your current troubles to him...