January 30, 1948: Operatic Antics and Vocal Virtuosity with Lauritz Melchior and Helen Traubel

In this January 30, 1948, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two of the most powerful voices in opera: Wagnerian greats Helen Traubel and Lauritz Melchior. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel delivers a program brimming with musical insights, operatic humor, and classical knowledge. The evening’s highlights include identifying famous delusions in literature, distinguishing dog breeds by size, and recognizing dubbed opera recordings—including one clever pairing of Traubel and Melchior that never actually happened in the studio. The musical stars tackle flower-themed song lyrics, cultural appetizers like smörgåsbord and antipasto, and even a perilous onstage fall during a performance of Siegfried. From parody performances by Florence Foster Jenkins to Melchior’s tale of an operatic plunge, the show strikes a brilliant balance between high art and high comedy. A must-listen for opera lovers and trivia fans alike!