[78-L] Melchior's first name

[David Lennick]

So, experts, is Lauritz Melchior's first name LOR-ITZ or LOW-RITZ? I've just 
heard a program with Melchior and Frank Sinatra bantering back and forth, with 
a studio announcer at the beginning, and everyone says LOR-ITZ which is 
probably how most of us thought it was for decades, in the grand old American 
melting pot tradition. But a few years ago I heard that it should be pronounced 
LOW-RITZ (rhymes with cow fits). I presume that if Mr. Melchior didn't want his 
name mispronounced, there was ample opportunity to suggest a correction. The 
show doesn't sound like a double-ender (different studios, piece it all 
together later). Anyone have the answer?

dl