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| Posted By: Joseph Fragala Posted On: May 16, 2002 Views: 525 | Preference calls for introspection Which tenor do I prefer to sing E lucevan? I feel that to answer it one needs to do a bit of introspection and make allowances. Voices deteriorate with age, improve with study and dedication, become frightening and unrecognisable with abuse. One should try to remember how a specific tenor sang it at the best period of his career. I will try to give two classical examples. Lauri-Volpi sang it in 1928 (he was 37) and to me it is the best version I have ever heard from any tenor. His version of 1946 (he was 54) is still meritorious in the vertiginous top note of despair. The vocal refinement of the recitativo and "disciogliea" is still pristine but the totality of sensual mezza voce was lost. Corelli sang it in 1957 (he was 36) and I was stunned by the lightened sound of "disciogliea" sustained a fior di labbra. With persistent study and tutorship, Corelli had admirably reconstructed his voice and technique. Joseph, Tenor Watch Host |
| Posted By: Jay Posted On: May 18, 2002 Views: 516 | RE: Preference calls for introspection Corelli's 1967 live Parma is legendary, so is his recording of the aria for EMI in London 1961. The complete opera for Decca in 1966, under Lorin Maazel, is less exciting. Nonetheless, Corelli is perhaps THE Cavaradossi of the century. That's why he recieved my vote. Fleta received my 2nd vote - who has sung E lucevan le stelle with more morbidezza than him? Jay |
| Posted By: Yared Gomez Posted On: May 19, 2002 Views: 503 | RE: Preference calls for introspection Jay wrote "Corelli is pherhaps the Caravadossi of the Century". In my opinion Corelli is without any doutb among the three greatest (If not the greatest) Caravadossis of the XX Century. This is how I see it: 1. Franco Corelli 2. Giacomo Lauri-Volpi 3. Miguel Fleta If you ask me for a fourth place I will have to say Giuseppe di Stefano. Listen to the Tosca he recorded in 1953 along with Maria Callas & Tito Gobbi. His "E lucevan le stelle" during this recording is one of the greatest ever recorded. Also listen to his live recording of Tosca in 1959 along with Renata Tebaldi & Tito Gobbi. His "E lucevan le stelle" during this live performance was not as brilliant as the one in 1953 but still is great! |
| Posted By: Ivan Jorgensen Posted On: May 21, 2002 Views: 483 | RE: Preference calls for introspection Concerning Di Stefano, I would like do say that his best recording of "E lucevan le stelle" (and, to my taste, the best recording of this aria ever) is the one from 1947. The 1953 recording is good, but can't put up with the one he made when he was in his absolute prime. |