Countermelody

Recent Episodes

Episode 32. Fedora Barbieri (Mezzo Madness III)

Posted April 25, 2020 • 01:17:11

The Italian mezzo-soprano Fedora Barbieri (1920-2003) was never a great favorite of mine. That is, until I recently came across her rare 1953 recording...

Episode 31. Janet Baker (Mezzo Madness II)

Posted April 19, 2020 • 02:06:12

Few singers have more affected my life in a more fundamental way than the great Janet Baker. This episode seeks to pay humble tribute to that exceptional...

Episode 30. Giulietta Simionato (Mezzo Madness I)

Posted April 12, 2020 • 01:30:02

Today’s episode, a celebration of the delicious and versatile Italian mezzo-soprano Giulietta Simionato (1910-2010), kicks off a miniseries in celebration...

Episode 29. A Social Isolation Schubertiade (Music for a World in Crisis III)

Posted April 5, 2020 • 01:52:25

Franz Schubert is the composer who speaks to me like no other. His insight into the human condition is profound: in particular, he explores that narrow...

Episode 28. Alternate Universe Bel Canto (April Fool’s 2020)

Posted March 29, 2020 • 01:19:01

We need a laugh right now. At least I did, and that was the inspiration for today’s episode. I have long cherished the art of truly terrible singing,...