Fifty-five years in five acts

"In this memoir, Varnay reflects on her remarkable life in opera, discussing her signature roles and performances, vocal preparation and technique, interpretive acting style, and her seamless transition from leading soprano to character roles, including her switch from Elektra to Klytamnestra in Strauss's Elektra. Her fascinating account is filled with frank, often critical observations about many of the most significant vocal artists, conductors, and directors of the twentieth century. She describes her lifelong friendship with her operatic idol, Kirsten Flagstad, the years at the Met and co…