I was so overtaxed this weekend trying to wrestle an article into submission that I never did get around to acknowledging the passing of the great mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza, who died on Friday at the age of 87.

Now I turn on my computer this morning to learn that she has been joined by the organist Simon Preston. He too died on Friday at the age of 83.

Both were prominent artists, well documented on major record labels at a time when the industry was still going strong.

Distressing reminders of change and the passage of time. Thanks to them both, and may they rest in peace.

Berganza as Carmen

In recital with her husband, Felix Lavilla

Lavilla’s “Lullaby”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JUnx2QD6Vk

Preston plays Bach’s “Fugue a la gigue”

Poulenc

Widor’s Toccata