Episode 33. Florence Quivar (Mezzo Madness IV)
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Today I am thrilled and proud to present the superlative American mezzo-soprano Florence Quivar in a selection from her 1990 recording of spirituals. I am not the only person out there who thinks that her work here represents the pinnacle in the performance of African American spirituals as well as a high point in her singing career. I also feature live recordings of the artist in recital and in opera. And just when you least expect it, a certain gay icon pops in to offer some relevant and valuable musical commentary. Also included are brief tributes to two artists: the pop singer India Adams, who died on 25 April at the age of 93 and who provided the ghost voice for iconic performances by Cyd Charisse and Joan Crawford; and the Greek soprano Jeannette Pilou, who left an indelible mark in the 1970s with her performances around the globe of French opera in particular, and who died on 28 April at the age of 83.
RECORDINGS HEARD IN THIS EPISODE
Fred Spielman, Kermit Goell: You Won’t Forget Me (from Torch Song). India Adams, Walter Gross (piano), Dave Gilbert (guitar), Bob Shevak (bass)
Walter Gross plays music from Torch Song with India Adams featured on three tracks India Adams and Joan Crawford A movie poster for Torch Song depicting the infamous blackface number
Arthur Schwartz, Howard Dietz: Two-Faced Woman (from Torch Song, and cut from The Band Wagon). India Adams
Jules Massenet: N’est-ce plus ma main? (Jeannette Pilou [Manon], Giacomo Aragall [Des Grieux], Serge Baudo, conductor [Wiener Staatsoper, 20 November 1971]
Unless otherwise indicated, all other selections are from Ride On, King Jesus: Florence Quivar Sings Black Music of America (Larry Woodard, pianist) (EMI, 1990)
Give Me Jesus (arr. Hall Johnson)
On Ma Journey (arr. Edward Boatner)
His Name So Sweet (arr. Hall Johnson) [with Ara Guzelimian; live recording, Pasadena, March 1992]
De Gospel Train (arr. H.T. Burleigh)
Ride On, King Jesus (arr. Hall Johnson)
Witness (arr. Hall Johnson)
The Lord’s Prayer (arr. Max Saunders)
Marc Cohn Cher in the Walking in Memphis video
Marc Cohn: Walking in Memphis. Cher (from It’s a Man’s World) [UK mastering]
Round’ about de Mountain (arr. Roland Hayes)
I’m Gonter Tell God All o’ My Troubles (arr. Hall Johnson)
I Am Seeking for a City (arr. James Miller)
Giacomo Puccini: Il Principe Gualtiero, vostro padre (Suor Angelica). Teresa Stratas [Suor Angelica], Florence Quivar [Zia Principessa] [live, 26 September 1989]
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand (arr. Margaret Bonds)
I really enjoyed this episode and your song choices. I’ve never listened to your podcast before, but I will listen again.
Thank you, Clinton! I had an inspiring subject to guide me! I hope you will check out my latest episode on Charm.