Photo of the day

What an interesting, fascinating photo!

Four of 1950s biggest names of classical music at one place, obviously enjoying the camaraderie and the wonderful moment. We are being constantly told that successful people thrive on competition, envy and gossip but I don't think so - as this picture shows, when real stars gather they love being in company of equals and they perfectly understand what it takes to get there. Each one of these ladies left a huge mark in the business and they were all exceptional in their own way, there is no point of telling who is "better" because they lifted themselves up from humble beginnings on the sheer force of the talent and no producer, manager or husband could create something out of nothing if the voice wasn't there. Joan Sutherland followed the footsteps of legendary Melba from her native Australia and in my opinion surpassed her by far. Renata Tebaldi was a great exponent of classical "bel canto" singing and polished it to a perfection. Lisa Della Casa had such unbelievably beautiful voice that I get dizzy from listening to her, she was the only one who is in my opinion almost on the same level as Elizabeth Schwarzkopf in "Four Last Songs". And finally Schwarzkopf herself, who emerged like steel-willed nightingale from completely destroyed and ruined post-WW2 Europe, constantly dazzling audiences with her class and art. 

We can only guess what did they talk amongst each other, did they lash at the impresarios, compare the roles, discuss the plans or simply had a girl talk? Judging by their smiles, they had a wonderful time together.