Régine Crespin - Werther...Ces lettres... (Met - 3 février 1979).

Jules Massenet - Werther.
Acte III - "Werther...Ces lettres...".
Charlotte : Régine Crespin.
Direction Richard Bonynge.
New York, Metropolitan Opera, 3 février 1979.

[@Davidissimo100]

I was in the audience for at least 2 performances. The Met season of 1978-79 was a banner year. Crespin shared performances I believe with Christa Ludwig, another favorite singer. Gala (the label) issued the Saturday broadcast of Werther on CD, a recording I cherish. Earlier in the season Crespin had sung Mme de Croissey in that year's production of Dialogs of the Carmelites, sung in English. Crespin was in remission from cancer, so she brought a degree of verisimilitude to her protrayal of the old prioress's death, that added an extra layer of depth to her characterization. Maria Ewing as Blanche and Betsy Norden as Sister Constance were as close to ideal in their roles as I have ever seen and heard. Leona Mitchell sang the new prioresse Mme Lidoine beautifully, but no one as yet has improved on Crespin's creation of the role of the younger Mother Superior in 1957 (in my humble opinion, which just happens to be correct). ;-)

[@dapheneo]

Merci pour ce beau document et une des dernières Charlotte de Crespin

[@darylgimmillaro7149]

One of my favorite performances by one of my favorite sopranos. Love It!