Tuesday, August 10, 2010

In Memoriam: Blanche Thebom (1915-2010)

"Blanche Thebom, one of the great operatic mezzos of the postwar era, died at her home in San Francisco on March 23. Increasingly isolated due to dementia, Miss Thebom, as she was known to most, or “Miss T,” as she was called by many of her students, died a week after contracting pneumonia.

During her career, Thebom was prized equally for the rich maturity of her voice, her face and figure (which also received their due in a number of films, including The Great Caruso), her profound acting ability and innate musical intelligence, and even her long tresses (at one time, her hair descended over 6 feet, far longer than her reach)."
A lengthy and warm obituary, but light on the anecdote I like, alas. I like the idea she could trace her teaching back so far, boasting a knowledge of the "true bel canto style." She'll make the series.

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