The King of Opera

The first time Michael came home and found the place empty, he felt a momentary pang of unbearable loneliness. Then he smiled and shook off the feeling.
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”
Placido Domingo was born in Madrid, Spain in 1941. His parents were ‘zarzuela’ performers. Zarzuela is a native Spanish brand of opera, usually short, comical with spoken dialogue. It dates back to before the arrival of Italian opera, popular in the mid-17th century and revived in the mid-19th century. It was supposedly named after the palace outside Madrid where such performances were given. It makes me wonder if these performances ever took place back in the ARMIJO PALACE of Zaragoza, Spain.

Placido went on to become a world-renowned multifaceted artist. He is an influential opera singer and respected conductor. His voice was even used as Monte in Disney’s classic Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I recommend that film to get your mind off of stressful things. It will make you laugh.

Placido celebrates the 40th Anniversary of his La Scala debut this year, 2009. NEWSWEEK and other International periodicals describe him as 'The King of Opera' and a true renaissance man in music. I honorably mention Placido today because I had the opportunity to watch him perform on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the most amazing cellist in the world, Yo-Yo Ma.

I learned that the pair (Placido and Yo-Yo) performed at Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s funeral on August 29, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. These two masters of music must have orchestrated one memorable tribute.

If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform do not hesitate. Meanwhile, enjoy these randomly selected CD’s:

The Very Best of Placido Domingo:
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Placido-Domingo/dp/B000083GOJ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1251579280&sr=1-2

and/or


http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Joy-Peace-Yo-Yo-Ma/dp/B001BN1V8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1251579365&sr=1-1
Songs of Joy & Peace by Yo-Yo Ma:

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 5, 1984
Wednesday

I saw Linda Nannizzi before and after work today. We seem to be on good, friendly terms. I must admit that I was steamed for a while there. I had asked her if that Esparza character was the old beau that she is rekindling a romance with right now. I quietly thought ‘her loss’ when she said, “Yes”.

It was kind of fun to come home to friends--even if I barely knew them. Wayne, Paul and I ate at La Val’s Pizza on Harbor Bay Island today.

I received my Black & White pictures that I took with Michael Miller in San Francisco. I also had slides made from the Karyn Kossoff photos and Renee Miller’s wedding.
Bruce telephoned me and invited me to some special modeling sale on Saturday.
“All I can do is call you on Saturday to let you know if I can confirm,” I told Bruce firmly.

My next door neighbor got all burned up and rang my doorbell continuously. He said that my two visitors (Wayne and Paul) had the stereo volume on too high. I guess if I was on vacation I would do the same. Give us a break!