Catching up here, as always, I love reading your writing and love learning more about you as well, tidbits about the toast and butter, etc. I never knew the story of Madame Butterfly! Another opera to add to the list. Thank you for sharing, personal stories, music, and meaning 🙂 Hope you are feeling better since the loss!
Thanks so much, Connie — I was so excited to see your name pop up in my notifications!
Time does indeed heal sorrow, and writing this piece — and sharing this music — was a helpful part of that process. 💙
You’re in for a treasure trove of beautiful music listening to Madame Butterfly. And if you’re still in New York when Met Opera performs the Anthony Minghella production of the opera, you must go!
I just looked it up!! I'll keep it on my radar. I went to the Met Opera for the first time last year for Puccini's Tosca and it's one of my favorite memories. Do you have any idea when the Anthony Minghella production may come around again?
Oh amazing — I love Tosca! What a great first production to see at the Met. I believe they perform Madame Butterfly every other season (it's one of their sure-fire hits). They did it this season, so I'd keep an eye out when they announce their 2025-26 programming next spring!
What a beautiful tribute to Angie! And to butter, Puccini, and her love for you (and your love for music). It sounds like she knew how to live well. I'm sorry you couldn't see her those last years, but it sounds like you had some wonderful experiences together and a shared sentiment. My sympathy to you, Michael.
Thank you, Kate — Angie was such a character and I'll always be thankful for the time we had together (and the music that accompanied those moments). 💙🙏🏼
Michael, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye 💙 This is such a radiant tribute to your Grandma Angie, who sounds absolutely radiant herself. I felt like I was right there with you “shag carpeting nibbling on my elbows,” butter, jam, and all. Such rich, warm, textural memories!! I’m sure you will find comfort in them for the rest of your days. You also sent me on one of my deep rabbit holes, soaking up all the Maria Callas biography bits I could dip my bread into before glancing at the time and tearing myself away! What a voice, what a life.🦋
Thanks so much, Katie — indeed, these are memories I'll hold close for the rest of my days, especially when listening to this aria. Glad this essay prompted a deep dive into Callas for you! Such a remarkable artist. 💙
Hey Michael. I really needed that. I'm crying now having listened to the Callas. I've not listened to it since Art School (SFAI 1996-2000) as part of my personal private research. Also, the music (is it even fair it call it music? it is more of a statement from Earth to ??? ourselves? each other? other? everyone. anyone.) fits well with what I was writing this morning, compellingly. Will read your fine text here soon. Warm care. E
Catching up here, as always, I love reading your writing and love learning more about you as well, tidbits about the toast and butter, etc. I never knew the story of Madame Butterfly! Another opera to add to the list. Thank you for sharing, personal stories, music, and meaning 🙂 Hope you are feeling better since the loss!
Thanks so much, Connie — I was so excited to see your name pop up in my notifications!
Time does indeed heal sorrow, and writing this piece — and sharing this music — was a helpful part of that process. 💙
You’re in for a treasure trove of beautiful music listening to Madame Butterfly. And if you’re still in New York when Met Opera performs the Anthony Minghella production of the opera, you must go!
I'm so glad to hear that :)
I just looked it up!! I'll keep it on my radar. I went to the Met Opera for the first time last year for Puccini's Tosca and it's one of my favorite memories. Do you have any idea when the Anthony Minghella production may come around again?
Oh amazing — I love Tosca! What a great first production to see at the Met. I believe they perform Madame Butterfly every other season (it's one of their sure-fire hits). They did it this season, so I'd keep an eye out when they announce their 2025-26 programming next spring!
What a beautiful tribute to Angie! And to butter, Puccini, and her love for you (and your love for music). It sounds like she knew how to live well. I'm sorry you couldn't see her those last years, but it sounds like you had some wonderful experiences together and a shared sentiment. My sympathy to you, Michael.
Thank you, Kate — Angie was such a character and I'll always be thankful for the time we had together (and the music that accompanied those moments). 💙🙏🏼
Michael, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye 💙 This is such a radiant tribute to your Grandma Angie, who sounds absolutely radiant herself. I felt like I was right there with you “shag carpeting nibbling on my elbows,” butter, jam, and all. Such rich, warm, textural memories!! I’m sure you will find comfort in them for the rest of your days. You also sent me on one of my deep rabbit holes, soaking up all the Maria Callas biography bits I could dip my bread into before glancing at the time and tearing myself away! What a voice, what a life.🦋
Thanks so much, Katie — indeed, these are memories I'll hold close for the rest of my days, especially when listening to this aria. Glad this essay prompted a deep dive into Callas for you! Such a remarkable artist. 💙
Te acompaño en el sentimiento. My condolences. Beautiful, beautiful Callas... xo
Gracias, Yolanda. 💙
Deepest condolences on the loss of your Grandma Angie, Michael. This was such a heartwarming tribute to her.
I was listening to the clip of Callas whilst on a pleasant country walk earlier. That voice could bring a lump of granite to tears. Magnificent 💛
Thank you, Jules — and that is the *perfect* description of Callas's voice. 💙🙏🏼
Hi Michael, what a lovely, warm tribute to your beloved grandmother. Great read, thank you!
Thank you, Portia — so glad to have your support as a reader. 🙏🏼💙
Hey Michael. I really needed that. I'm crying now having listened to the Callas. I've not listened to it since Art School (SFAI 1996-2000) as part of my personal private research. Also, the music (is it even fair it call it music? it is more of a statement from Earth to ??? ourselves? each other? other? everyone. anyone.) fits well with what I was writing this morning, compellingly. Will read your fine text here soon. Warm care. E
Thanks so much, Elliot — glad this aria made its way back to you. I had a feeling I might not be alone in needing some Callas catharsis this week!
Oh certainly Michael. Totally appreciated. Here's the piece btw. Scroll to the bottom! ;) https://ghettomezzanine.substack.com/p/italian-pop