RARE : unique interview with ROSA RAISA about TOSCANINI in 1963

This document is the 20 minute unedited version of the interview Ben Grauer conducted in New York with Raisa shortly before her death in September 1963. This interview was part of Grauer’s series: “Toscanini, the Man Behind the Myth.” This reel-to-reel version was sent to Raisa’s family for approval shortly after her death. The final edited version is only 12 minutes. There are spontaneous back-and-forth comments and lapses into Italian that make this version interesting. We also get a glimpse into Raisa’s personality at the end when she wants Grauer’s praise for her interview performance.
1. the unedited interview (up until 20.21)
2. the final (edited) result
Charles Mintzer, January 2018

[@relationshipigniters9793]

She was my first voice teacher in Los Angeles, I was 17. It was 1958.

[@karinaskrzeszewskasoprano5083]

We are preparing some program about her, because she was singing in Polish city, Białystok. Do you have some memories you could share with me? some impressions about her?

[@GeorgiaTryfona]

Wow this brings me tears. Her enthusiasm about working with him is beautiful

[@crazyorganist1609]

What a great interview

[@tenorette2003]

Such a great singer and personality! It's a pity that there are no recordings of the roles she created 😢

[@OLIVCHEN77]

Dear Mr. Mintzer, thank you for your magnificent Book about Rosa Raisa!! Thank you very much. Your Book is a pure Joy!

[@AfroPoli]

Thanks for posting this rarity.

[@JozefSterkens]

Thanks Charles, Pierre

[@Ruffiello]

I love this! Thank you.

[@purisermonisamator]

Thank you for this inspiring interview. They both, AT and RR are legends of the opera world.

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

She was the first Turandot in 1926

[@Honglongmeng44]

Thank you. She´s inspiring as well!

[@BellaFirenze]

Figlio del cielo... I guess she forgot.

[@jasonhurd4379]

Easy mistake to make, as Turandot is addressing her own father in that line.

[@BellaFirenze]

@@jasonhurd4379 Non lo sapevo.