RIP Mary Curtis-Verna

Today, we say goodbye to Mary Curtis-Verna, soprano at the Met in the 1950's and 60's. Here is the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/arts/music/22verna.html?scp=1&sq=mary%20curtis&st=cse

and a recording of her singing "Vicino a te" with Richard Tucker:

Seymour/Dowell: A Month in the Country

Today I am bringing you the great Lynn Seymour with the equally great Anthony Dowell in Frederick Ashton's one-act masterpiece, A Month in the Country.

Alistair Macaulay on Dance in 2009

Alistair Macaulay wrote an article about some of the important losses and triumphs in dance this year, but he left out one loss in particular that I think needs to be remembered: Ninel Kurgapkina died this year. As the Mariinsky becomes ever more athletic, their dancers could really use her stylistic guidance. One of the most important dancers she produced was Zhanna Ayupova, who was both excellent (much better than most--if not all--of the principals the company has now) and underrated. As Nureyev's frequent partner whilst he was in Russia, Kurgapkina had invaluable experience, and although extensions crept higher and higher even when she was alive, her students and the dancers she coached always retained beautiful upper bodies and the refinement that marks the Mariinsky's style. Without her, I'm afraid the company will only decline faster.

Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/arts/dance/20macaulay.html?_r=5&partner=rss&emc=rss

Mady Mesplé: Je Veux Vivre

Today I am bringing you a very underrated French soprano, Mady Mesplé, performing Gounod. Enjoy!

The First of Many

La Vie en Citron is a blog featuring an arts-related post each day, including videos, articles, reviews, and personal experiences.

For my first post, I've decided on Lucia Popp, one of my favourite singers. Here she is performing the Pie Jesu from Fauré's Requiem.