"The term comprimario has somewhat negative connotations in America," Anthony said in 1999 interview with OPERA NEWS. "In Italian, it means 'with the first.' We're the principal singers' essential supporting players, and we're proud of what we do. Not everyone can be a Jussi Bjoerling or a Maria Callas. God gives us each a glass but doesn't necessarily fill yours and mine with the same amount of talent." Others were not so quick to dismiss Anthony's talent as the tenor himself. "Charles Anthony's lyrical singing comes straight out of the tradition of Schipa, Valletti and all their kind, who really knew how to sing," Met music director James Levine said in the same interview. "His total commitment to each facet of his art is evident in every rehearsal and performance." OPERA NEWS February 2012