Alfredo Kraus & Barry McDaniel - Pearlfishers duet

Alfredo Kraus and Barry McDaniel sing 'Au fond du temple saint' from Bizet's Les Pecheurs des perles.
1970.

[@Christin5554]

Barry McDaniel, never heard of him befor but what a wonderful voice.

[@joecburke]

Kraus sang this with sensitivity, pure clarity and McDaniel with power, yet when they are in tandem the are perfectly balanced and I can hear both voices evenly, so Kraus can certainly crank it up when he wants to. Both are wonderful, a great recording. And the emotional passages at the end show both at their peak. Superb artistry.

[@gerryj1946]

I heard Alfredo Kraus at SF Opera; must have been between 1970 and 1972. All I remember was the amazing, silver sheen on his voice. He made his high C's sound as effortless as his F a 5th below! His performance seemed to be really assured and grounded, too.

[@manelmatacases]

No words! Best ever rendition!!!! We miss you Alfredo.

[@mariezenaida]

The perfect example of how to sing a duet. Neither singer is overpowering the other, a whole the sum of its parts.

[@m.joanhay522]

Wonderful blend of voices! Alfredo K had such a Crystal clear voice, I had not heard him sing much .

[@lalineroske885]

A perfect duet. Even a second best does not exist.

[@KandiSofiaDahlan]

I just found this wonderful video this morning, these two singers have all passed away ... RIP and thank you..

[@socosmic1]

Alfredo your ease and beauty of tone will never be replaced! Opera misses you!

[@stephengrimm907]

The best version by far I've heard on KZbin

[@Madmen604]

The sound is great on this recording!!!

[@Greymalkin-]

I'm crying like a baby from the beauty of the blend of their voices. Absolutely stunning. Thank you for uploading this.

[@rw9154]

Have you heard the Jean Borthayre and Enzo Seri one conducted by Rene Leibowitz (in the complete opera recording). By far the best ever, IMO. This is one here is excellent and among the best, but it lacks the 'magic' of Borthayre/Seri, which is similar paced, BTW. It's must hear for anyone who is fan of this duet. You can listen to it here, starting at about 16:50: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOnlKJngJmoosk

[@zephyr755]

From 6:04, listening with tears - perfection. Thank you, gentlemen

[@perfumedlife]

The best ever rendition of this beautiful duet. Celestial sublime perfect. No words can describe their performance. Bravi.

[@michaelmiller1215]

perfumedlife I agree!

[@amantedellopera1681]

Surely not the greatest,kraus is magnificent but mcdaniels is a little too lightweight even if he is very good the definitive version is most certainly bjoerling and merill

[@arishjohndalivacayabyab5005]

I do agree 🥰🥰

[@sfbirdclub]

Yes....just,...YES!

[@rw9154]

How come no seems to have heard the Jean Borthayre and Enzo Seri one conducted by Rene Leibowitz (in the complete opera recording). By far the best ever, IMO. This is one here is excellent and among the best, but it lacks the 'magic' of Borthayre/Seri, which is similar paced, BTW. It's must hear for anyone who is fan of this duet. You can listen to it here, starting at about 16:50: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOnlKJngJmoosk

[@amparobarbacampo8684]

Maravilloso dúo. Kraus es único e inolvidable, el mejor tenor lírico que ha habido. Gracias,.

[@kronides]

This is the best version I have heard of this song. It's just perfect!

[@marinellabakken5863]

This is not a song.

[@Jacob-ry3lu]

Mcdaniels has such a sweet and rich voice while kraus has such a sharp and stunning voice. Two incredible singers

[@violaisreallycool]

I hear it more as Kraus with the sweet and rich tone, but may just be my own opinion

[@marcopolo9200]

They both have a sweetness to their timbre, but Kraus has a crispness where McDaniel has a richness. It is a shame that McDaniel -- although an American -- had to make his career in Germany/Europe. I wish we could have heard him grace U.S. stages.

[@afritimm]

@@marcopolo9200 I’m sure he could have sung quite a bit in the US if he wanted. But he got an amazing contract with Deutsche Oper Berlin for 37 years!

[@marcgiardina4043]

I had forgotten how good Kraus was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And MCdaniel never heard of the guy was fabulous.

[@marcopolo9200]

Yeah, it's sad that somebody with McDaniel's talent felt compelled to make his career almost entirely in Germany/Europe. He was one of the first Fulbrighters in voice after World War II -- an early testimony to the promise he showed.

[@juanparix]

Delicadeza, color, armonia y perfección. Qué Maravilla !!!

[@nuggetteanne]

Perfection! Their voices blend effortlessly!

[@brianward7724]

Bravissimo! I have goosebumps. One of the finest pieces of opera I have ever heard! Only took me 15 years to find it.........

[@tonivergaramalet9765]

Gran calidad en la música de Bizet y excelente interpretacion tanto de músicos como tenor y bajo. Musica para difrutar y sentir. BRAVO!!!!

[@luigic6729]

Bizet tenia 24 anos !

[@BUD1970]

Great rendition of such a famous masterpiece by two great singers. For me this rendition is at the same height in every aspect as the famous Björling and Merrill duo's incredible version.

[@rw9154]

Have you heard the Jean Borthayre and Enzo Seri one conducted by Rene Leibowitz (in the complete opera recording). By far the best ever, IMO. This is one here is excellent and among the best, but it lacks the 'magic' of Borthayre/Seri, which is similar paced, BTW. It's must hear for anyone who is fan of this duet. You can listen to it here, starting at about 16:50: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOnlKJngJmoosk

[@BUD1970]

@@rw9154 Thank you for your comment and recommendation. This world indeed is a series of new discoveries.

[@rw9154]

@@BUD1970 Yeah, few people who are fans of this duet have heard it, but the recording of the whole opera is legendary actually. Regarding the duet (sung by Borthayre and Seri), it just has a magical 'floating' and free flowing quality to it that Krauss and McDaniel just don't match (impressive as their performance here is). In my opinion at least, it is the best rendition I have heard. Borthayre, who is quite well known, especially in Paris, was in the prime of his career at the time this was recorded and is in top form. Seri is much less known, but the magical free flowing, 'floating' quality he brings is something special.

[@kayfiset2818]

I agree. Never thought I’d hear anything as good as Bjorling and Merrill.

[@BUD1970]

Thank you for your comment which makes me revisit this great performance.

[@perfumedlife]

Words are poor two angels sing . The best ever rendition of that duet . BRAVI .

[@terrietackett8964]

Absolute perfection....this duo is the ultimate version!!

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Another outstanding performance of the duet. Kraus's voice and style were just unique! Gorgeous.

[@aidaceleste9873]

Amo su voz, y que bellos ojos del maestro Kraus, que pena ya no me tocará conocerlo o escucharlo en vivo :(

[@gemmadestate3216]

Ricordo ancora la recita di "pescatori di perle " proprio col grande Kraus nella mia città, negli anni 70...grandissima interpretazione

[@jesusprieto2903]

Este dúo había que ponerlo en un cuadro porque es la perfección.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

One of the most beautiful and meaningful duets in opera dung by two of the best singers: how well their voices play off each other. C'est la diessa truly.

[@1974Orpheus]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY MCDANIEL! This great singer celebrates his 85th birthday today. We wish him joy, health and happiness on this day and for the years to come.

[@peterpiers5601]

As a singer I leep coming back to this video. I think it's the perfect rendition of this duet, the best I've seen, and captures two great singers - Kraus in particular - at their very best. It's inspiring and heart-warming. It's also technical perfection.

[@michaelmiller1215]

Peter Piers exactly!

[@iakovosarvanitis8812]

The famous Peter Piers ???

[@iakovosarvanitis8812]

Peter Piers the famous???!!!

[@afritimm]

@@michaelmiller1215 That would be Peter Pears.

[@afritimm]

@@iakovosarvanitis8812 Pears.

[@manuelperezssnchez6394]

Un tándem maravilloso. El maestro Kraus despliega una magia y perfección que emociona intensamente. ¡¡¡ Sublime !!!

[@virginiavanegas9751]

Así deben cantar los ángeles. Y Kraus está con ellos para enseñarles cómo se hace. Sublime.

[@diogenesmenotti2169]

Si hay algo despues de la muerte, mi mayor deseo seria escucharlo por toda la eternidad

[@bmosborne3795]

Best rendition of this duet I've ever heard! Simply fantastic!

[@michaelmiller1215]

Benjamin Osborne I agree

[@andrewclifton9772]

After Bjorling/Merrill this is one of those songs that I thought others should not attempt. (Like, say, Janis Joplin and Me and Bobby Magee.) I'm glad these two did.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Each singer brings forth his individual strength to this duet. I have heard Kraus on you tube but never McDaniel. Now I have and both are extraordinary. Thanks for contributing this wonderful piece.

[@Dennis1900]

great music sung by great singers, this is beautiful, brings tears to my eyes.

[@marcopolo9200]

So clear, so clean and pure -- truly voices for the ages in this duet, perfectly matched in strength and tenderness. They let the music evoke the emotions, altogether beautiful....

[@leonardogiacobbe5422]

ALFREDO KRAUS :IL CANTO SUBLIME

[@1blairt]

Really miss these two wonderful singers.

[@potitodos]

Lucky you!!You can tell your friends and family that you met a wonderful tenor. It's going to be one of the highlights in your life....congratulations!!!

[@sallyoliver7280]

Nice to hear such glorious voices - one of my favorite duets! Lovely!

[@Marka2401]

I simply ador this piece and have several recordings by various artist and all are calming and reaches the soul. On a playlist I have everyone repeated at least 5 times and when I want to reflect I simply put in my air buds and listen.

[@Pearl_of_Labuan]

In my next life, I want to marry Mr. Kraus 😍

[@conscience333]

Beautiful version. Many thanks ❤

[@jesusmunoz2400]

Kraus era el cantante q más se acercó a la perfección. Único, un verdadero maestro del canto. EL MAESTRO!

[@sofiacal8966]

A este hombre no se le ha hecho justicia. Es magnífico. ¡Qué voz!

[@joelshuan]

Él es la evidencia que no todos lo genios tuvieron el mérito que se merecían con toda justicia.

[@tonisonpetit]

Belleza y perfección... que pena para los 29 "sordos" que no les gusta. BRAVO KRAUS

[@rodneydececco2918]

I am at a loss for words. Stunning!

[@bladezone1]

This is so perfectly done!

[@weatherwatcher3]

Probably the best version of this piece I've ever heard. Thanks for posting this on KZbin. Chris Edwards.

[@wim1366]

Try Alain Vanzo & Gabriel Bacquier, top.

[@romariogradosgradossoria828]

Alfredo kraus realmente una voz muy bella

[@Rosangela161]

Wonderful! Adorable performance. It's a treasure.

[@kayfiset2818]

This is incredible. The way their voices blend is extraordinary.

[@michaelmiller1215]

A classic! Perfect balancing and timbre quality of the tenor and baritone.

[@nunuka]

Alfredo Kraus respect... One of the best ever...!!!!

[@floztenor]

Une des plus belles choses jamais entendue sur KZbin!!! Many many thanks for this post...What a singing lesson!

[@misabelgarciaruiz5618]

Magnifique único Kraus y muy bien por los dos

[@bokewilhelm1452]

einfach grossartig-beide ideal zusammen

[@germanquintero10121946]

UN DUO MAGNIFICO

[@jmccracken1963]

OUTSTANDING performance!!! Kraus and McDaniel are well-matched vocally and know what they are singing, and Ansermet's conducting is equally outstanding!!! This is now one of my favorite performances of this duet, along with Bjoerling/Merrill, Gedda/Blanc, Domingo/Milnes, Kraus/Bruscantini, and (from the "pirates") Gedda/Bruson. Thank you VERY much for posting this!!!

[@tenorschofield]

DIVINOS!!!!

[@moisesflores3954]

La ligereza de su voz, ese brillo delicado pero presente, nunca desaparece. Es cierto que cuando canta se concentra mucho más en la técnica y en la dicción, pero se lo agradezco millones de veces por qué solo así puedo disfrutar de su voz, que duró hasta más de los 60 años. La voz que más disfruto escuchar es del Señor Alfredo kraus.

[@tatianasuanchamejia150]

Esta hermosamente interpretada, Kraus siempre magnífico

[@17tura]

I’m no expert but these guys sound wonderfully balanced and not like they are competing against each other unlike several of the more current big names.

[@amantedellopera1681]

Bjoerling and merill is definitely the best, though this is a close second

[@James_Bowie]

@@amantedellopera1681 B&M sing beautifully, but their French pronunciation is off.

[@amantedellopera1681]

@@James_Bowie ok i cant tell myself i dont speak french,that said one is sweedish the other american so they can be forgiven and given a little slack they certainly would not be the first to fall foul of the language,corellis for example was awful,my favourite version is gigli/de luca

[@crcanassr]

@@amantedellopera1681 Kraus was Spanish, born in the Canary Islands....

[@amantedellopera1681]

@@crcanassr yes i am well aware of that,i have many of his recordings he was a great tenor full off class

[@alexninko]

Perfect balance and tone purity! Flawless!!!!

[@guilhem32]

Wooooooooooooooooooooow ! I love that performance !

[@altongrimes]

This is a Heartbreaker. It goes goes straight to my deepest parts

[@tenormiguelsanchezmoreno5272]

Kraus inmenso en este dueto y en esa época ...!!! Una maravilla...!!!!

[@iakovosarvanitis8812]

LA PERFECTION VIVANTE !!!!!!!!!

[@tenorschofield]

Que maravilla!!!

[@philbertchow5425]

They both sing so effortlessly, with great technique.

[@perfumedlife]

Can it be better ? No . Perfection .

[@michaelmiller1215]

perfumedlife I agree

[@miguelherrerasantos6863]

Bravo for the music,bravo for the Opera,bravo for Kraus!

[@juliorodriguezaguirre246]

Kraus en todo su esplendor. El ya se encuentra en el olimpo de los grandes tenores de todos los tiempos.

[@harrybencosme5016]

Mis dos favoritas, esta y la versión de jussi bjoerlin y Robert Merrill.

[@marinellabakken5863]

Agree! Jussi Björling/Robert Merrill, no other couple comes close, never ever.

[@zoetta74]

Perfectly balanced. I love this duet and Kraus-McDaniel is the better sound I ever heard. I don't like very much the french diction of Kraus, but what a technique! McDaniel is gorgeous. Perfettamente bilanciati. Amo questo duetto e quello di Krau-McDaniel è vocalmente il più bello che abbia mai sentito. Kraus è sempre un maestro di tecnica anche se qui trovo la sua pronuncia francese un po' troppo secca. McDaniel è semplicemente fantastico!

[@giuseppapandolfo5408]

Meraviglia ascoltare questi magnifici cantanti. Voci ben bilanciate e purezza di toni. Uno tra i duetti che preferisco. Grazie per la pubblicazione

[@alainmarchal7345]

magnifique !

[@msnicopanico]

I love this one.

[@shanghaibennyii6565]

So much more powerful when you have a face to associate this with a vision of beauty.

[@mariaangelicalarac-c6529]

KRAUS ES Y SERÁ SIEMPRE RL MEJOR QUE HA DADO ESPAÑA!!! INCOMPARABLE E INSUPERABLE!!!!

[@edronc2007]

And here was I, thinking that nobody could beat Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Carlo Bergonzi, but Alfredo Kraus is so awesome that he makes one forget that McDaniel can not quite touch Fischer-Dieskau and that Bergonzi is one of the all time great tenors as well. What effortlessness, what style, what poise! Thanks for posting that!

[@KLEIENKLEUR]

Mijn hart bonst mijn lichaam uit met zulke mooie muziek

[@debradorfman7940]

Simply grand!

[@carpiososa]

Fantastic

[@Bjoerrelli]

I think this is my second choice to sing this duet the first would be Bjoerling and Merrill but I must say that this version is great

[@marlenelewis1634]

Yes I agree whole heartedly.

[@Eudora74]

He escuhado todas las versiones de este dueto que hay en KZbin, y sin desmerecer a algunas de las mejores, creo que esta es la mejor de todas, la mejor medida, la de voces más bonitas y mejor sonido de orquesta.

[@joanbrullcanalda1807]

totalmente de acuerdo, me pasa lo mismo, saludos

[@romariogradosgradossoria828]

Kraus aquí esta en su mejor momento insuperable.

[@mariaeddycesario9939]

I've heard it with Borling/Merrill. Everytime I want to calm down, I liste to this duet. Amazing!

[@ramonavandermerwe1159]

Bjorling and Merrill still the best!❤

[@carlosrapita7546]

Para mí ésta versión es inigualable. Además en directo

[@MrMartinkraus]

No eh vuelto a escuchar algo igual doa grandes de la opera

[@manueldiaz1240]

Maravilloso duo y magníficos cantantes.

[@helfgotcohen]

I find it funny how stupid comment on the great Kraus and have no idea what they are saying or writing what a chutzpa this is amazing pure perfection

[@beatricetentindodealteriis8545]

Sam Cohen bu

[@declamatory]

Man! I really like Alfredo's sound, and he produces it with no wasted effort. It's like watching Miles Davis play.

[@Fredzeblak]

Top of Elegance.

[@ximenadore]

absolutely beautiful voices!!!

[@knorrjorge5245]

Dios qué arte!

[@edronc2007]

Barry McDaniel is even more grossly underrated than Alfredo Kraus. I always thought nobody could touch Fischer-Dieskau, but he manages fine. I wish somebody would upload more by him.

[@sfbirdclub]

Incomparable!

[@claudinevoirain5945]

sublime