W2704

American Music - Opera Singers

Rosa Ponselle 

Collins Cover Announcement 

Opera Stars

Rosa Ponselle and Richard Tucker

At the age of 21, Rosa Ponselle was cast opposite Enrico Caruso at the Metropolitan Opera. Taking on the role of Leonora in the first performance of "La Forza del Destino" by Verdi, she was magnificent. "The New York Times" proclamed her "A Caruso in petticoats." She possessed a voice that was a dramatic soprano and is considered one of the finest in operatic history.

Richard Tucker was America's most prominent performer in the Post-World War II opera. He was a superb tenor who starred at the Met for over 30 years. His 1 975 funeral service was held at the Metropolitan Opera House - a historic first.

The hand-painted cachets are truly miniature works of art. The prominent singers are shown respectively in two of the most famous roles in all of opera. Rosa Ponselle is depicted as Carmen and Richard Tucker as the tragic clown Pagliacci. I must tell you that these First Day Covers are stunning and that they will contribute handsomely to the Collins tradition and reputation. I am pleased to present for your collection the soprano Rosa Ponselle as Carmen and the tenor Richard Tucker as Pagliacci. Items W2702 and W2704 at $11.75 each.