Florence Foster Jenkins
Six year ago the movie Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant hit the big screen and was a hit. Based on the play Souvenir which played Off-Broadway and Broadway starring Judy Kaye, both the play and movie highlight the life and singing career of New York City’s socialite Florence Foster Jenkins. For decades singers and the public have been introduced to and listened to the recorded singing of Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) which leads to uproarious laughter and head shaking disbelief that someone could possibly sound like that and be proud of it. Her sense of pitch is precarious, correct rhythm was not in her personal music lexicon and phrasing did not seem to interest her. Her recitals presented in her apartment or private clubs were by invitation only. With over-the-top costumes designed by her and befitting the arias she was performing she added flowers, props and even some dancing. Because ...