"Revival Scene" from Floyd's "Susannah"

Norman Treigle as the fiery evangelist Olin Blitch in the opera "Susannah" by Carlisle Floyd (1926-2021). Rare video footage from July 12, 1958. (His first wife, Loraine, may be seen in the non-singing role of Susannah.)
And here's a link to my Norman Treigle playlist:
• Norman Treigle (1927-1...
I highly recommend a biography titled "Strange Child of Chaos: Norman Treigle" by Brian Morgan.

[@kennethshaw2522]

Triegle's portrayal of Blitch represents the pinnacle to which the rest of us who have sung this role have endeavored to reach. Though many have certainly come close, I humbly offer there's simply no better Blitch than he. This, and the many other exceptional roles he "owned" aside, he also gave us a daughter, Phyllis, a fine soprano with whom I had the pleasure to share the stage, and a gifted grand-daughter whose voice already has uncommon beauty and opulence, and is presently training for the profession. Blessings on all three!

[@SpecialtyHorseTraining]

I saw him in Faust twice. My favorite devil ever since. I couldn't believe the variety of inflections he could summon. Recordings capture his vast talent.

[@haroldgaffney246]

Still remember his MEFISTOFELE at NYCO. Absolutely overpowering performance of singing and acting

[@passaggiochorale]

Amazing performance.

[@paulpriefert8163]

Brings back memories from Kansas City Lyric Opera production when I was a non-union chorus member for five rehearsals and five performances. Floyd was here personally.

[@harrietwagner4891]

He was amazing. This is way way too close to home and my Southern Baptist upbringing for me to enjoy anything except for Treigle’s performance. In the 50s,, was a soloist at the New Orleans First Baptist Church-along with Charles Anthony. And I can tell you I suspect that his performance was informed by the pastor of that church during the 40s and 50s, Dr. J.D. Grey. Treigle was one of the greatest singing actors ever to appear before the public. but that’s just my opinion.

[@theslof1]

Treigle sang Mephistopheles for Palm Beach opera, my husband conducted. It was a searing performance, he had the power to just disappear and reappear on the opposite side of the stage, capering abd terrifying to the point that I crossed myself when I met him. He was already eaten by the cancer that killed him, but was unforgettable. And a delightful man.

[@BrianJosephMorgan]

Norman Treigle was never diagnosed with cancer.

[@BrianJosephMorgan]

Bravo!

[@andrewmargrave7518]

The vocalism is not that wonderful. Treigle frequently shouts well off the written note and often sounds strained, rough, and hollow. But he brings out the slimy Gantryism of the Reverend Olin Blitch very well. The chorus is magnificent.