Richard Tucker sings the 'Addio alla Madre' (Mamma, quel vino è generoso) from Mascagni's 'Cavalleria Rusticana'. Another fantastic clip from the 10 November 1956 Lyric Opera Gala in Chicago (thanks 'SHICOFF1' for the info!).
These are all great. Tucker sang three arias and the final Chenier duet with Tebaldi. A printed program I once saw also listed the Invano Alvaro with Tucker and Bastianini, but that never seemed to surface. London Records recorded the entire concert, but couldn't release the Tucker selections due to contractual issues. I actually found this tape on a small 5" reel while looking through Tucker's tape cabinet. He kindly gave it to me, and we released it!
First I heard Gigli, then Tucker. Both have fantastic voices, but both are far apart. I'm sorry, when I hear Gigli savvy tears, perhaps people have expected it so from him. Tucker's interpretation I prefer, his pain is present, but he does not press on the lacrimal gland.
