Podcast

Opera on Record

Arts, Music, Music History, Performing Arts

Welcome to Opera on Record

Ever wondered how legendary roles have evolved over a century of sound? In Opera on Record, we take you on an immersive journey across time—tracing iconic operatic roles from the pioneer recording artists of the late 19th century all the way to today's modern stars.

Opera is a living tradition. For generations, vocal nuances and master secrets were passed down only through word of mouth or worn sheet music. But with the invention of the gramophone, history shifted: the composer's true intent was captured in wax, vinyl, and digital tracks. Join us as we uncover timeless musical choices, shifting audience tastes, and the fascinating evolution of the operatic voice. Tune in and discover how the art of singing continues to reinvent itself!

Episodes
2
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
33 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
1 week ago

Episodes

2 episodes, newest first

  1. Brünnhilde's Battle Cry: Part 2

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    (00:00:00) Introduction
    (00:02:42) The 1930's
    (00:07:23) The 1940s
    (00:09:33) The 1950's
    (00:13:52) The 1960's
    (00:19:11) The 1970's and 1980's
    (00:24:23) The 1990's and beyond

    In Opera on Record, we examine historic recordings of an opera aria from the earliest example possible, hopefully near or within the composer's lifetime, through the acoustic recording era that began in the late 19th century on into the modern era.

    This episode, the first of a pair, is an exploration of recordings of Brünnhilde's Battle Cry (Wagner: Die Walküre) fom 1930 to the present day.

    Join us as we explore rare and historic recordings from:
    Maria Jeritza
    Marjorie Lawrence
    Kirsten Flagstad
    Helen Traubel
    Astrid Varnay
    Martha Mödl
    Birgit Nilsson
    Regine Crespin
    Rita Hunter
    Gwyneth Jones
    Jeanine Altmeyer
    Jane Eaglen
    Christine Goerke
    Irene Theorin

    Welcome to Opera On Record, brought to you by Hope and Anchor Opera, Inc.—a 501(c)(3) non-profit opera company based in Providence, Rhode Island, dedicated to bringing more opera to Rhode Island and the surrounding area.

    Written and hosted by George Lyons, Artistic Director of Hope and Anchor Opera.
    Produced by Nate Sykes.

    Discover more about our upcoming performances and community initiatives at https://www.anchoropera.org/.

    If you are in Rhode Island or the Southern New England area, join us for a live performance—we would love to welcome you!

    If your would like to contribute to our goal of bringing MORE opera to Southern New England or just to help support this podcast, consider making a tax-deductable contribution to Hope and Anchor Opera via GiveButter

    Opera on Record on GiveButter

    29 min
  2. Brünnhilde's Battle Cry : Part One

    Season 1, Episode 1

    Show notes

    In Opera on Record, we examine historic recordings of an opera aria from the earliest example possible, hopefully near or within the composer's lifetime, through the acoustic recording era that began in the late 19th century on into the modern era.

    This episode, the first of a pair, is an exploration of recordings of Brünnhilde's Battle Cry (Wagner: Die Walküre) fom 1901 to 1928.

    Join us as we explore rare and historic recordings from:

    Martha Leffler-Burkhard
    Pelagie Andriessen-Greef
    Felia Litvinne
    Johanna Gadski
    Sophie Sedlmair
    Lillian Nordica
    Solomiya Krushelnytska
    Olive Fremstad
    Eleonora de Cisneros
    Helene Wildbrun
    Florence Austral
    Gertrude Kappel
    Frida Leider

    Welcome to Opera On Record, brought to you by Hope and Anchor Opera, Inc.—a 501(c)(3) non-profit opera company based in Providence, Rhode Island, dedicated to bringing more opera to Rhode Island and the surrounding area.

    Written and hosted by George Lyons, Artistic Director of Hope and Anchor Opera.
    Produced by Nate Sykes.

    Discover more about our upcoming performances and community initiatives at https://www.anchoropera.org/.

    If you are in Rhode Island or the Southern New England area, join us for a live performance—we would love to welcome you!

    If your would like to contribute to our goal of bringing MORE opera to Southern New England or just to help support this podcast, consider making a tax-deductable contribution to Hope and Anchor Opera via GiveButter

    Opera on Record on GiveButter

    37 min