Whatever you think of Angela Gheorghiu -- and oh people do have opinions! -- she just told the Wall Street Journal that she loves Dinu Lipatti, and that makes Opera Chic like her more.
What is she currently listening to on her iPod and laptop? "Well, I don't want to mention an opera because it's too close to the bone," she says. "But in instrumental music I very much like piano literature -- each month I want to have something by Dinu Lipatti [the splendid, but short-lived Romanian pianist]. I also like salsa and the tango -- not only Argentine tangos but European ones. Of vocal music I have Madeleine Peyroux -- wonderful jazz singer -- and Michael Bublé. And in movies I always want to carry something by Cary Grant each month." This month's selection is "The Philadelphia Story," which also stars another of her favorites, Katharine Hepburn.
Ms. Gheorghiu also cites her "favorite perfect actress," Judi Dench. "'Ladies in Lavender' -- such a beautiful film. She made a fantastic, very tough, movie, 'Notes on a Scandal,' with Richard Eyre [who directed Ms. Gheorghiu in 'La Traviata' at Covent Garden]. Also with Cate Blanchett, such a huge talent."
Speaking of Lipatti, here he plays Bach's Cantata BWV 147.