This is an example of what makes Verdi more vocally demanding then any other composer. You dont just get an aria. You get an entire scene. Begin with a demanding recit, then an aria that you have to sing two times through, then right back on with a cabeletta. It was his formula. So when you step into the lights its not just a race its a marathon. Even Pavo was getting tired by the end.
Bravissimo Pavarotti!!!! A man that will be forever missed in the world of opera and music as a whole. And not to mention the caliber of his accompanist. John Wustman is a wonderful pianist not to mention a very close friend of Pavarotti. I had the pleasure of performing in one of John's master classes, and I have to say. Never have I learned so much from such little time with a voice teacher. May Luciano Pavarotti's memory live forever.
I love listening to Pavarotti sing with just piano because one can hear everything, the pureness of the voice is exposed. He was a singing machine, a technical marvel, and always sung with a natural and pure sound (unlike many of his colleagues)
The first time I saw him in concert, he sang this aria. I was overjoyed and in tears, but this is the best version I've heard and the cabaletta is wonderful. He shows so much emotion!
Wow, I envy you so much! I never was able to hear the man live unfortunately! I would have given anything to hear him in the 2000's much less in 1970!!! I can only imagine what it sounded like!
I agree completely with your sentiments. How well I remember the first time I heard a radio broadcast in the 1970's that focused on a Pavarotti recital. I had never heard such singing before!
This is from Luisa Miller by Verdi. Here Rodolfo thinks his lover Luisa betrayed him and he goes from melancholy in the first aria, to frenzy in the second aria which is referred to as a cabaletta.
There are two audio tracks on this video, one loud and one faint, the faint one almost sounds like an echo, but it is playing ahead of the loud one, and so cannot be an echo. You can notice it particularly at 5:16 where the 'echo' clearly precedes the main track.
Chi si permette di criticare un simile cantante dimostri di saper far meglio. Pavarotti è stato un signor tenore il resto è chiacchiera. Ottima esecuzione... A chi afferma il contrario dico QUANDO LA VOPLE NON ARRIVA A PRENDERE L'UVA DICE CHE È ACERBA.
Isn't Pavarotti's accompanist, John Wustman, super? I studied with Wustman at the Univ of Illinois, and what a privaledge it was. Graduated in 1981 from the M.M. program.
A very curious view, as I hear the opposite - I don't find him to be straining at all, and to me the sound is thrillingly virile, the emotion earnest and immediate. I'd be interested to know who you prefer. I admire Bergonzi's elegant interpretation of this aria, although to me Luciano is so much more fluid and passionate. L. Miller was a good opera for him in the 70's. Try to get hold of the live recording from La Scala 1976, with him and Caballe - he was on amazing form.
@maxlorenz24 Though I think giving an opinion is perfectly fine, I think you are more so showing your ignorance then offending people. I can understand maybe disagreeing with stylistic choices, though I dont know how you hear that. This is gorgeous singing. in any case, there is no arguing that this is quite close to perfect singing! His technique, especially in this time, was superb. It doesnt get much better.
I thank you for your kind reply. It must be me then, because I cannot stand him, safe on religious music. I too like Bergonzi-s refined and round (as his voice) rendition but I confess that I am a fan of the singers of the first half of the past century. I uploaded a version from Aureliano Pertile which I found almost perfect, for example.
I had to force myself to listen to the complete post. I have never listened to a version so unpleasant. The voice is hard and sterile, it lacks morbidezza, the emotion is fake. The line of singing is forced without good taste. The highs are strained...etc. I am sorry to say this. I know most of you love him. I should not post these words about a singer that passed away, maybe... Anyway, just my humble opinion. I hope I do not offend anybody.
