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Sir Thomas Beecham - 2

British Postcards

SIR THOMAS BEECHAM OPERA COMPANY


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Rosina Buckmann and Maurice D'OislyRobert Radford and Ethel TomsWalter Hyde and Norman AllinWalter HydeEdna Thornton and Walter HydeEdna ThorntonNorman AllinMaurice D'OislyEdith Clegg and Miriam Licette.Maurice D'Oisly and Miriam LicetteEdith Clegg, Frederick Ranalow and Miriam LicetteMiriam LicetteGwen TrevittDesire EllingerFrederick Austin and Powell EdwardsMiriam Licette and Frederick AustinFrederick Ranalow and Miriam LicetteFrederick AustinClytie HineBessie TyasMiriam LicetteFrederick Austin and Frederick RanalowAlfred HeatherRobert ParkerFrank MullingsOlive Townend

"For Figaro, which came on at Drury Lane in the summer of 1917, he chose his cast as much for appearance and acting ability as for singing talent. Over a period of five months, he sent them on free days to a noted 'legitimate' producer, Nigel Playfair, for diction lessons. Frederick Ranalow (Figaro), Miriam Licette (the Countess), Désirée Ellinger (Susanna), Frederick Austin (Almaviva) and Bessie Tyas (Cherubino) were gifted and, by this time, fairly seasoned artists." Reid, Charles. 1962. Thomas Beecham. An Independent Biography. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co.

[During World War I] "Mobile anti-aircraft guns parked near the theatre during a Pagliacci. Their fire made counter rhythms to the bass drum beats which herald the strolling players' entry. Shrapnel rattled on the stage roof. [Donald] Baylis urged the singers to carry on." Reid, Charles. 1962. Thomas Beecham. An Independent Biography. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co.





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