The Art of Singing

Baritone Thomas Hampson narrates this overview of operatic treasures preserved on film. In addition to interviews, the two-hour documentary offers a rich clip compilation of legendary performers -- Conchita Supervia, Richard Tauber, Feodor Chaliapin, Maria Callas (a 1964 rendition of Puccini's "Vissi d'arte" at Covent Garden), Jussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli, Victoria de los Angeles, Kirsten Flagstad, Ezio Pinza, Leontyne Price, Beniamino Gigli, Luisa Tetrazzini, Fritz Wunderlich, Rosa Ponselle (an MGM screen test), Bjorling and Renata Tebaldi (duet from La Boheme), and Boris Christoff (Boris Godunov). Interviews include Jon Vickers, Rise Stevens, Giovanni Martinelli, and Magda Olivero. John Ardoin served as music consultant. Premiered March 25, 1998 on PBS.