Charles Anthony R.I.P.

I have a lot to get caught up on, especially about the Met's RING, but for the sake of beloved Charles Anthony I had at last to shake the blogger rust off and post the news of his death at about 4:30 this morning. At the time @SusanneMentzer first posted it on Twitter and a Distinguished Personage confirmed it, the news was still not circulating in the media, nor yet on Opera-L, but here we lament his passing -- and also that of fellow character tenor Paul Franke a few weeks ago.

Sometimes they were in the same shows: Franke as Cassio, Anthony as Roderigo; Franke as Spalanzani, Anthony as the Four Servants; Anthony taking over as the Holy Fool ("Simpleton" in those days) when Franke was promoted to Shuisky. And so on. Franke got more cracks at leading parts (David, the Captain, and of course The Witch!), but, don't forget, Anthony recorded Ernesto for the Record Club!

Two giants of their Fach, and two great artists. But today is Charlie's day. Praying for him and for his family.