D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 10/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the 1940s coloratura soprano, Patrice Munsel, at the age of 17, won a Metropolitan Opera competition. By age 18 she sang for the Met and quickly became a very popular star there and remained so well into the 1950s. But her beautiful voice and impecable technique and artistry quickly made her a star on radio as well as opera. With the advent of television, her physical beauty made her a star in this medium as well. Eventually, Munsel voluntarily withdrew from opera and concentrated on television and operetta performances. While this decision probably benefitted her financially and personally, unfortunately, it caused her to be virtually forgotten by opera lovers. This CD presents this brilliant coloratura soprano singing both operatic arias and light classical music and is one of the few recordings of this outstanding artist currently available. Despite the fact that she has been largely forgotten Patrice Munsel was a great soprano, one of my top favorites. If you love great singing, please acquire this CD while it is still available."