And so, farewell then Maria Ewing - one of the most lauded dramatic mezzo-sopranos of her generation, former Lady (Peter) Hall, mother of actress-director Rebecca Hall (of Vicky Cristina Barcelona fame), she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1976, and went on to conquer audiences across the world's best stages including La Scala Milan, the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and the Chicago Lyric Opera.
Miss Ewing became most famous notorious for being the first leading lady to appear totally naked on stage in the role of Salome by Richard Strauss...
...and here she is, in all her glory (but clothed in this instance), as Bizet's magnificent Carmen:
Love! Love!
Love is a gypsy’s child,
it has never, ever, known a law
Love me not, then I love you
If I love you, you’d best beware!
RIP, Maria Louise Ewing (27th March 1950 - 9th January 2022)
Only 72. Some burn bright, but fast. Lovely tribute, dear.
ReplyDeleteIt's no age, these days, is it? Such a sad loss. Jx
DeleteOh, but nobody did that final scream the way Maria Callas did..."eEEYAAAAAGHHhhhhh..."
ReplyDeleteCallas was unique. We watched the documentary film Maria By Callas over Xmas, and we were in awe - what a life! Jx
DeleteA sad loss but her voice will remain with us.
ReplyDeleteA remarkable singer and a remarkable person.
She certainly was an unconventional diva! But yes, her legacy lives on. Jx
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