Answer some questions about live recordings of operatic moments in which a soprano held a high note over the ensemble. For 10 points each:
[10e] During performances of this opera in Mexico City, Maria Callas interpolated a high E-flat at the end of this opera’s Act II finale, “Gloria all’Egitto.” The title Ethiopian princess of this Verdi opera sings, “O patria mia.”
ANSWER: Aida
[10h] At the end of a 1972 performance of Don Carlo at the Met, this soprano held a high B for nine full measures. This soprano is best known for her floated pianissimi and collaborating with Freddie Mercury on the album Barcelona.
ANSWER: Montserrat Caballé [or María de Montserrat Bibiana Concepción Caballé i Folch]
[10m] Caballé floated a pianissimo on G for 22 seconds in a performance of this composer’s opera Maria Stuarda. This composer’s “Three Queens” operas include Anna Bolena and Roberto Devereux.
ANSWER: Gaetano Donizetti
<Ivvone Zhou, Auditory Fine Arts>