More Lily Pons (1898-1976)!
Enjoying this "live" 1950 met production,with the diva,Lily Pons. Pons,who was a big star in her day (albeit,diminutive in stature) seems to have gone out of favour as far as the critics are concerned. I've always thought the Ormandy Met recording of Die Fledermaus,with Lily Pons was the best ever. What a funny,voice,though?! Very distinctive. I would put her on a par with Mady Mesplé,in that respect. And either you like her voice or hate it! A Marmite opera singer,you might say?!! (Nobody said anything!!) Mady Mesplé was fortunate,in some ways,to live in the age of studio recordings of opera and operetta. I think Pons made one or two,near the end of her career. Her recording of Lucia di Lammermoor getting panned,because poor old Lily was past her prime! Shame on her for getting old!!
I like her singing! She was what is known as a coloratura soprano,and you get all the,obligatory,vocal gymnastics! Needless,to say,Lily is very good at them,and wants you to know it!
