“The only proof that God exists is music.”
– Kurt Vonnegut
Reading this quote propelled me to assemble my all time favorite music
that used to unite Linda and me, continues to, and always will.
I hope you enjoy it, too.
– Lew
This collection of music is dedicated to Linda Kairys, my loving wife and life partner.
___________________________________________________
Linda speaking to me from afar.
FAVORITE FEMALE VOCALISTS
Maria Callas
The greatest female vocalist of all time.
Maria Callas
Callas’s favorite opera.
Maria Callas
The most phenomenal spontaneous chorus of all time.
Joan Sutherland
The purest singing voice.
Joan Sutherland
At her best.
FAVORITE MALE VOCALISTS
Jussi Bjørling
Died young in 1960. Nondescript appearance but oh, that voice.
Luciana Pavarotti
Dominated the stage – whether solo or part of a chorus.
FAVORITE CLASSICAL COMPOSERS
Shubert
Composed by Shubert in praise of another woman. Later, the music was used to create the Ave Maria we all recognize.
Schubert
Wrote this on his deathbed at age 31. Very prolific. His genius is unsurpassed.
Schubert
Visualize trout swimming in a stream.
Mozart
My favorite opera. Most of his operas are superb, ranking him among the greatest opera composers.
Haydn
Performed at my Uncle Dave’s funeral over 40 years ago. Never have forgotten it.
Bach
The father of them all.
Beethoven
Ode To Joy—9th symphony. With a 10,000 member chorus. Magnificent!! His full body of work laid the foundation to what was to become the Romance Era and beyond.
Handel
Kinda grows on you.
Puccini
Mimi’s health condition worsens.
FAVORITE CONDUCTOR
Carlos Kleiber – no one else comes close!
Kleiber’s performance at age 40 skyrocketed him to international prominence.
Conducting Beethoven’s 4th symphony.
Kleiber in rehearsal. He becomes one with the music – no translation needed. Best to not be called on.
FAVORITE CIGAR
Romeo and Juliet Reserva Real Nicaragua Magnum
Paired with music, its the perfect enhancement to the connection with Linda.
Fascinating collection of really genius inspired music. I’m really pleased it speaks so much of Linda to Lew. A superb tribute to a great lady…. We all miss her joyful Spirit….
Wow! You’ve honored Linda in such a meaningful and beautiful way—straight from your heart. She would have loved this. From the comments here, you’ve given the gift of Linda’s memory as well as a course in opera to your family and friends. Thanks Lew. I miss her so much.
Thanks, Lew. I sent my you an email before I saw this option at the end. As I said in my email…you two were quite the handsome couple. I very much enjoyed the Schubert piece which was new to me as were a couple of the opera selections.
Gramps, This is so incredible, such a beautiful way to remember and celebrate Grammy. I really enjoyed listening to these, it brought up so many great memories with the two of you. Can’t wait to keep listening to these tracks! Love you both ❤️
What a beautiful tribute. I listened yesterday while on a bike ride, and was overwhelmed with emotion, thinking about the love that you and Linda shared — and continues to endure. Thank you for sharing your favorite music; I’ll listen always and think of the two of you. May everyone be so lucky to find this kind of love.
Dear Gramps, thank you for taking the time to put this collection together ❤️ I am thinking of Grammy as I listen. I just listened to the Renee Fleming song to the moon and it was incredibly touching. Can’t wait to talk about it together 😎!
This is incredible, Gramps! Such a beautiful website and I can’t wait to listen to these songs❤️
Such a beautiful tribute! Brandon and I already started listening! I can’t wait to discuss as I keep listening.
Dear Lew: Thanks for putting the collection together. We take our time listening to it. We are so glad you have music to enhance your life. Love, David and Antje
Lewis. What a beautiful thing to do! The list looks wonderful and I look forward to some lovely afternoons.
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