Part of the context for these images is that, as part of my ongoing resolution to slowly shed what I no longer want taking up space in my house and in my mind, I have been listening to some cassette tapes! in preparation for throwing them away. They sound terrible, by the way. I am spoiled by how much sound has evolved over the years. I remember how thrilled we were by how much clearer CDs sounded in comparison, and that was already maybe 30 years ago.

Of course, I talked about this with one of my sons, who collects old records, mainly from Italy, dating back to the 1930s and 40s. Talking about the sound quality of old recordings, the conversation moved organically to Ms. Albani, who I had never heard of, and listening to a recording of her voice, which I’m sure does no justice to the beauty of her sound. Here is a selection from Handel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d5FjYZMcLs

According to her obituary, she was from Quebec and was highly regarded in her day, including by Queen Victoria!

So many of us hold on to stuff that makes no logical sense. What are you struggling to get rid of? – Maria

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