He is the gold standard for the role of Gerard as well. His voice was always too attractive to play villains and too cool and “correct” to play heroes, but the conflicted villain-turned-good guy was right up his alley.
I was at Covent Garden the night this performance was being being filmed for TV and video. Julius Rodel was not happy how the second Act started . And with maybe three minutes in., he stopped the performance. Placido Domingo looked very confused. Giorgio Zancaro's " Nemico della patria" was the finest I have ever seen. Comparable to the very best of Gino Bechi in the impassioned 1941 recording with Gigli as Chenier. And under the supervision of Giordano himself ! Of course Ettore Bastianini was another very fine Gerard. Right at the end of this excerpt . You may hear my BRAVO !! The lady sitting in front of me in the stalls turned round and gave me a dirty look. I retorted to her that she had just seen and heard the finest Nemico della patria she is ever likely to hear.
Maybe the last bel Canto baritone. Excellent in Puritani, but great here as well. Very old school style, and technique. Like a direct line from De Luca.
Lacks drama? He is feeling guilty for condemning Chenier. After this he pulls down the Tricolore. Puccini was very impressed when he saw an early performance. And for sure there is a resemblance to Tosca When Gerard meets Madelaine. after this aria. Other than Gerard is honest in his empathy after " La Mamma morta" Whist Scarpia is cynically opposite.
