Sir Thomas Allen performs 'Largo Al Factotum' - The Barber of Seville by Rossini, during the Prom at the Palace event held to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, 2002.
He is a great actor. I love his rendition of this wonderful aria. I heard him at his 70th birthday recital at the Wigmore hall and last October at At David's Hall in Cardiff where I was in the 3rd row of the stalls. It was a treat to hear the great singer close up. He was 74 and sang Vaughan Williams "Songs of travel" with an orchestral accompaniment. His voice was not quite as strong as here, but it was still a lovely resonant baritone, but the artistry was as wonderful as ever.
Thomas Allen y Renato Capecci los mejores barítonos que he oído. Seguido de Sherrill Milnes y Piero Capucilli y por supuesto Leo Nucci y Renato Bruson.
He actually did not enter late, in the story he's always in a hurry and everyone wants a piece of him, kindly keep up!! I should know I've seen him perform this 100s of times, even at home in his own living room, he is my cousin!
I don't think it's a matter of pace but rather of style; some might prefer a tremendously fast interpretation of the aria but I prefer those who take their time and relish their words, just like Sir Thomas here, whose diction is perfect and perhaps is apparently 'dragging along' for the sake of dramatic effect. And I've yet to see another 58 year old to perform this aria with such professionalism and zest. Bravo!
This performance is fantastic. To all those who are critical and find it lacking then I feel sorry for you because you clearly have something missing in your auditory processing.
For his age it was a great performance....but he did take too much liberty with certain parts of the aria, which had times seemed as though he was trying to make up for areas in which he was lacking. Still, a good performance...If anyone gets a chance they should check out his Britten Arrangements of British Folk Music CD...it's amazing!!!
Sounds old and tired. Entered late and kept behind most of the time. The conductor's pace "perfect", but too fast for him. The conductor gave a hoot about the singer, he concentrated on performing "his" music. Allen, just dragged along the best he could.
