German opera – Evelyn Waugh

When in June 1941 famous English writer Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966) returned from Greek battlefield, where he participated in the battle for Crete as a British soldier, he was asked to describe his first war experience.

Everyone expected an extensive report. However, Evelyn Waugh was brief. He wrote only this:

„War is like German opera, too long and too loud“

read more...

Devil and his apprentice – Georg Friedrich Handel and Francesca Cuzzoni

When capricious singer, soprano Francesca Cuzzoni (1696-1778), refused to sing the aria 'Falsa immagine' from Handel's opera "Ottone, re di Germania", Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1759) threatened her that he will fling her out of the window.

At first, the singer and composer began to argue fiercely, but then he thundered:

“Oh! Madame I know well that you are a real she-devil, but I hereby give you notice, me, that I am Beelzebub, the Chief of Devils."

Having said that, Handel grabbed her around the waist and carried her to the window, threatening that he will fling her out, if she doesn’t do what he says.

Francesca started begging for mercy.

She was now ready to sing the aria.

read more...

People's Artist – Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin

The famous Russian opera singer, Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin (1873-1938), was a very rich man - a real millionaire. But then came the October Revolution and almost everything he had was taken from him.

However, Chaliapin continued to appear on stage, but his fees were no longer the same. More precisely, instead of the money he was paid "in kind". For example, six month after the Revolution, the former millionaire would a get bag of flour, a little bit of ham and sugar, and a sack of potatoes after he held a concert.

This doesn’t mean that the new Soviet government did not respect him and appreciate him. On the contrary! Chaliapin was among the first people who were declared as People's Artists.

Even on that occasion, instead of monetary prize, he was awarded with – food.

read more...

Statue – Gioachino Rossini

Parisians, fans of the famous Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), were so enthusiastic about his operas that they decided to raise a statue with his image while he was still alive.

They collected twenty thousand francs and started to confer which sculptor should they hire to do it.

However, Rossini arrived at that moment and interrupted their argument with the following words:

"Give me the twenty thousand, and I'll stand on the pedestal myself!”

read more...

Secret admirer – Gioachino Rossini

"Maestro, since I'm not able to write you what I can tell you in private, be in the theater 'La Scala' tonight, in a box number nine, during the performance of your opera. I will wait for you with impatience in my heart. Your secret admirer."

When the famous Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) received this letter, he immediately began to prepare himself for a date in the theater. He even put a wig to look younger.

As soon as he arrived at the theater, the theater manager told him, casually, that a beautiful lady, who just arrived in Milan, reserved the box number nine and that she is a French ambassador’s wife.

Gioachino's heart started pounding wildly. Otherwise, he was known as a man who doesn’t miss any opportunity for flirting. 

However, the curtain went up, the opera began, but no one came to the box. Rossini was sitting there, lonely and disappointed.

Finally, a doorman came and brought him an envelope. He opened it and found a letter that said:

"Maestro, His Excellency the Ambassador of France has long been a widower. So tonight, you'll be alone in the box. Your eternal admirer – April Fool’s joke. "

read more...

Opera is not a thriller – Alfred Hitchcock

“What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out”, claimed famous British film director Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980).

When he was asked why he never wrote some operatic piece, the creator of "Psycho" answered:

- “Well, after the second act all the main characters would certainly have been murdered. Who would then remain to sing?”

read more...

False cheers – Giuseppe Verdi

Although he gained fame during his lifetime, Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was not completely convinced that his entire work will survive the course of history, so he burned some of his early compositions.

In addition, when Italian patriots cheered “Verdi! Verdi!“ after he performed some opera, he usually refused to bow. Why?

- I know that they don't cheer for me, but for someone else to whom they do not dare in public! - Giuseppe Verdi used to say.

His surname was an acronym within the Risorgimento (Italian unification).  Verdi stood for Vittorio Emanuele Re D'Italia, Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy.

read more...

Kiss of God – Luciano Pavarotti

Celebrated Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), was known for not missing any opportunity he had to flirt with beautiful women.

Famous actress Isabella Rossellini, daughter of famous actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini, in an interview with Pavarotti, on a show broadcasted on Italian television, said that Luciano has such a beautiful voice as if his vocal chords were kissed by God.

"If this is true," Luciano said, unable to restrain himself, "then God kissed you all over your body."

read more...

Much Better!

When a friend of Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) came to visit this famous opera composer, he found him, as usual - playing the piano.

Rossini's friend, who was  a conductor, was surprised when he saw that on the piano was the score of Wagner's opera "Tannhauser", but turned upside down.

"Maestro, how is it that you play with the notes turned upside down," asked the conductor.

"I tried it in another way, but it sounded terrible. Now I have turned them upside down. This way it is much bearable! ", cheerfully replied Rossini.

read more...

Now I Know!

When the Italian composer Luigi Arditi (1822-1903), who was famous  opera conductor, once visited England, the kind hosts wanted to show him the sights.

One of Arditi’s friends suggested that they visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

       - It would be a shame for you to leave England, and not go to Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born - said to him the musician.
       - But, who was this Shakespeare of yours? - Arditi asked the stunned hosts.
       - Have you not heard of "Othello," "Romeo and Juliet" ...
       - Ah, yes! - the musician hit himself on the forehead. - Now I remember! Of course I know him! He is that libretto writer!

read more...