ECU Libraries Catalog

From Johnson's kids to Lemonade Opera : the American classical singer comes of age / Victoria Etnier Villamil.

Author/creator Villamil, Victoria Etnier
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoBoston : Northeastern University Press, ©2004.
Descriptionxix, 332 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Prologue. an epiphany -- 1935 -- Microphone metamorphosis -- Edward Johnson and the Gatti legacy -- Johnson opens the floodgates -- Not much else -- "Aida without makeup" -- Clouds and kids -- Star spangled banner time -- Meccas and milestones -- 1945 -- Mushrooms and lemonade -- "Thanks to Hitler" -- Transatlantic turnabout -- Purple pins and pioneers -- Broadway opera and the Halasz gang -- Final kids and farewell -- 1950 -- Fifties fallout.
Abstract In this work, the author chronicles the time from 1935 to 1950 when American artists, who felt intensely inferior to foreign performers, journeyed from being unappreciated in their own country to standing without apology on stages at home and abroad. Drawing on exhaustive primary research and extensive interviews, Villamil tells the story of a generation of American opera singers whose profession, image, and art were forever altered by the upheavals of World War II, as well as sweeping cultural and technological changes. The author's in-depth look at these breakthrough years explores such defining factors as Edward Johnson's drive to 'Americanize the Met' in his first seasons as general manager, the impact of the microphone on singers and singing styles, and the importance of radio and motion pictures in introducing classical music voices to wider audiences. Villamil also considers how travel restrictions imposed on European artists during the war unlocked opportunities for American artists, and the role of political and Jewish refugees in enriching music education and training in this country. In addition, the author discusses thoroughly the founding of the New York City Opera, the rise of regional and smaller opera companies, including the enterprising and popular Lemonade Opera, and advancements for African American classical singers. Brimming with entertaining anecdotes and colorful figures, both famous and little remembered, the book concludes with an examination of this crucial period's legacy for the American classical music scene in the 1950s and beyond. From Johnson's Kids to Lemonade Opera contains an invaluable appendix that provides biographical sketches of the over 250 opera and radio singers, as well as art song specialists, featured in this study.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 310-314) and index.
LCCN 2004006204
ISBN1555536352 (cl : alk. paper)

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML400 .V56 2004 ✔ Available Place Hold