Anna Moffo & Richard Tucker sing La Bohème (vaimusic.com)

[@stunatox]

For years the greatest Italian tenor was a Jewish man from Brooklyn named....Richard Tucker.

[@DonVal86]

stunatox Haha yes he is still one of the all time greats.

[@eugeniogentili1048]

Richard Tucker the great Verdian tenor in history.

[@shicoff1398]

Agreed, the great Spinto tenor.

[@Tenorbravo]

What a beautiful duet... Tucker and Moffo.....I was only 12 years old when I saw them singing together. ...Thank you for sharing this Gorgeous Duet ..

[@blessOTMA]

Moffo is absolutely adorable

[@mbrmccormick]

They both sing so effortlessly. For me it is like watching a conversation. Thank you for posting this. Its so amazing to see them preform.

[@jimdrake-writer]

The staging for this telecast incorporated camera angles and ramps to make Tucker appear to be the same height as the taller Moffo. At the 0:30 timing mark, he stands on one of the steps to equalize their height in the closeup, and as they walk arm in arm outside the garret, he is walking on a riser. Anna Moffo, who told me that her feelings for Tucker went beyond the stage, explained the staging details to me when I interviewed her for my biography of Richard Tucker.

[@Tenorbravo]

Richard Tucker and Ana Moffo..A force of nature! Magnificent! ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE.Absolutely pleasant, a delight to my ears.

[@turandot82]

Thank you so much for adding this gem! La Moffo! The great Tucker! WOW!

[@tinabirdshafer]

what gorgeous voices... wow

[@yam1171]

I don't write many comments though I must admit this is beautiful. It brings a new appreciation to the arts.

[@virgilhowarth7394]

Have no idea why they are dressing like millionaires when they are supposed to impoverished.

[@jimdrake-writer]

@@virgilhowarth7394: Even in Caruso's era the garret apartment seemed unusually well-kept.

[@Oetti]

the lines here from "in te ravviso" to "le dolcezze streme" is perhaps, in my opinion, the best i've ever heard. such power and perfection!

[@gigioMP]

Richard e Anna, vi AMO ! ! !

[@Miss_Chick]

Beautiful!

[@jack60091]

I am a mere laymen who loves Richard Tucker who gave of himself with love.

[@ОмарГоряев]

Мой самый любимый дуэт и исполнение. Какая страсть!

[@cantanteporsiempre]

I love this!!!

[@josephcold]

AMAZING

[@cultivandoflores3990]

Que lindo! La Bohème, Giacomo Puccini, a declaração de amor que o pintor Rodolfo faz a florista Mimi na ária: Oh soave fanciulla! Considero esta ópera uma das mais belas e que possui árias comoventes do começo ao fim. Imperdível!

[@BillyLapTop]

I recall seeing an album cover in a record store back in the 60's declaring Anna Moffo is Boffo! Funny how certain things stick in one's mind.

[@cinziavidali411]

Due cantanti di grosso calibro molto ben assortiti

[@marcelpopa8018]

Anna Moffo ,o splendoare fizica ,dar mai ales vocala a operei.Vocea ei e superba,calda ,dar si expresiva.Richard Tucker,un tenor foarte bun,dar eu am o simpatie deosebita pentru soprane.Citind postarile anterioare,cred ca unii au probleme grave de auz,sau de inteligenta.Nu pun in discutie scoala Italiana de opera.Cu siguranta e cea mai buna.

[@rovingeye5]

inevitaby there is always someone who posts a negative, cruel comment, -this person is probably jealous or has no talent,or a self proclaimed expert-what are these great artists perfect? Cut them some slack please!

[@gaytenor]

@Melomondo I have happily shared my life with my partner for a very long time and I love the infamous bit. Who am I infamous with just in passing. Tucker does correct his pitch asshole. The only people I'm fighting with are those morons who troll Tucker sites never posting any comments in support of an artist but all too willing to post comments that prove your ignorance concerning singers. Tucker was the greatest tenor in the world during his lifetime and the highest paid for what its worth.

[@Wanamaker1946]

Why are the gays so angry. Who made fun of who? As for Tucker here in this vid. He was horridly flat on his last note. Moffo of course was perfection.

[@krizju]

thank you, she sings si mi chiamano before that great too!!

[@vaimusic]

Birthday tribute to Richard Tucker! #RichardTucker The incomparable tenor appears on all three volumes of our Great Stars of Opera: Bell Telephone Hour DVD Series Available here: www.vaimusic.com/category/DVD-V.html This selection is on the Anna Moffo: A Tribute DVD Available here: www.vaimusic.com/product/4383.html

[@masteroftheeouse]

It's hard for me to believe that any soprano ever drowned out Franco Corelli in a piece where his voice was supposed to be at the forefront! If you have such a performance, please post it so we may all see it! Best Regards,

[@gaytenor]

@Baritanist: I finally found someone who sounds like a Stanley singer Ignacio Gomez! This so-called tenor would be a perfect example of the Stanley method since he has a voice(?) remarkable for its unsteadiness, pitch problems, and a tonal quality that defies description. While I'm sure you'll want to get Signor Gomez's endorsement I suggest that any diary products be removed from the immediate area.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

really nice

[@michaelmcgee8543]

i knew this was from some NBC special cause so many of the color and black n white video tapes have been preserve from this period

[@premiereopera1]

Tucker NEVER had a problem with his voice in the early 50's, and NEVER studied with anyone named Stanley. His one and only teacher was Paul Althouse who died in 1954.

[@kgarmaker123]

I heard him in recital three times.. and he was awesome, and I was prepared not to like him, as many of his recordings were souped up with reverb and echo.. and it was hard to get a handle on his real voice.. well live his real voice was quite large and very lovely.. he was quite musical too and possessed a lovely ppp..(not heard much on his recordings).

[@Situnadei]

Magnficent

[@stokleyb]

OK so he's just a touch flat. No reason for all the hate with such a beautiful duet.

[@GermanOperaSinger]

He had issues with breath support for more than a year after his heart attack, you can really hear it in his performances from the early 60s. By the mid 60s he was back in shape and singing better than ever. He didn't attack the B at the end very well and its flat at first but he does sing in pitch at the very end, not a big deal, the rest of the duet was great. There's actually no change in key at 1:28, just a break in the audio track, makes it sound like key has changed but not really.

[@Wanamaker1946]

….except for the fact Anna Moffo was exactly on pitch that made it all the more painful.

[@sugarbist]

@Greatheil If Tucker thought he couldn't hit the note properly, he would have gone for the harmony. For the most part,RT did have confidence in his excellent technique & was very consistant with his high notes. Many tenors in history have missed or messed up occassionally with their high notes, such as Pavarotti,Gigli Zenatello Martinelli Volpi ETC.Tucker was a fine tenor and one forced or missed note does not cast a blemish on his career.Enjoy

[@coreTenore]

Muy lindo, salvo por el gesto de sufrimiento y terror de la soprano, distante del sentido de este aria.

[@syen4]

I lost track of an identical version with English subtitles and would like to find it again. Help wanted!

[@alefox980]

...che bel modo di cantare quello "antico"...

[@AfroPoli]

Thanks XP, for forwarding. Yes, it is terrible. I actually have never heard anything from La Bohème sung in key by Richard Tucker. He ALWAYS transposed. Yes, it's funny. Some people bash Domingo for transposing, but when Tucker does it, they are most pleased.

[@eugeniogentili1048]

Tucker sicuramente il piu' importante tenore nella storia degli stati uniti, tenore verdiano come pochi, altro che Bergonzi.

[@sugarbist]

A half tone tone is acceptable and Tucker did not ''always'' transpose. Domingo was notorious for transposing, but the bash about Domingo is not so much the transposing of arias but more so squeeeeezing in the passaggio and higher

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist Tucker sang the high C in "Che Gelida" on his recording with Moffo for RCA , he also sang this duet with swiss Soprano Lisa Della Casa on TV in 1958 just 3 years before this in 1958, with a glorious high B at the ending, you can see it on you tube also, but this was only flat on the attack going up, he quickly corrected it and sustained a fine B, anyhow he also sang the complete Boheme in1 957 at the Met with Kirrsten, it is on you tube but these folks flaming him don't bother with it because he is singing too well to attack him, as the late, (now passed away) Gay Tenor has said (and he had commented here also) they won't watch the many dozens of great Tucker posts of live singing, but hit the one performance on one note, part of it flat, but his haters leave the great stuff go, not talked about but by a very few of these folks. Tucker sang this role more often then any at the Met., except in Carmen and NEVER was flat except here in part of the note, so let them watch his good ones, but no, they would rather flame him.

[@shicoff1398]

@Sugarbist Tucker sang live high C' s in ballo, lescaut, and turandot, and in Feb. 1966 on a Met.radio brdcst of Aida with Price and Merrill he sang an interpolated 5 second solo fine high C after the triumphal scene. He was not a high c tenor but even at age 60 in a 1974 Turandot live he had it and sang it, all on you tube and if anyone denies it they are making up bullshit. He was a very great tenor for 30 years and a real gentleman. RIP.

[@sugarbist]

@@shicoff1398 Gay Tenor was right and so are you.

[@aliyalcin7646]

By the way people, Richard Tucker's voice teacher was Paul Althouse. Don't be fooled by a certain dishonest person here.

[@GuidoRochinAugustoquecanta]

anna moffo hazme un hijo!!!!!

[@frankmaiorana66]

It sounds like most of you know Richard Tucker better than I do. I know he practiced the Jewish faith. I also understand EMI wanted Richard Tucker to record Il Trovatore with Maria Callas. He had recorded La Forza and Aida with her. I understand he would not sing for Herbert Von Karajan because Karajan because Karajan was supposedly a Nazi sympathizer, Tullio Serafin and Callas were in a dispute, so EMI had to bring in Giuseppe Di Stefano. Anyone hear of this story?

[@gaytenor]

@Melomondo Try using the klezmer reference in conjunction with both Jan Peerce and Richard Tucker. Two very, very great tenors who just happened to be of the Jewish faith.Jewish people do not care for that reference. Also attacking people for sticking up for their favorite singers and calling us nazi's. The only gay performer that was known to Herr Hitler and lived was Max Lorenz and his wife who was Jewish was spared to since Seigfried had to have his beard.

[@zurjap]

why dislikes????

[@danielegreco1987]

holy cow, was going up at the end ever a bad decision for Tucker. the rest is stupendous.

[@Gordrees]

I agree. Especially singing this aria.

[@gaytenor]

@Melomondo So I was lying read your comment, about a month ago, on the Il mio tesoro by Bjorling and tell me you didn't include both in your comment. Your remark was seen by a Jewish friend who was offended so don't for one minute try to label me as an anti-semite. There are a lot of comments about Peerce and Tucker that I do not agree with that were not, like yours, insulting as hell because of your personal agenda. Unlike you I do not lie. I also have one screen name only.

[@nabucco46]

Tucker molto calante nell'acuto

[@eugeniogentili1048]

Calanti sono Bergonzi e quella nullita' di Bocelli, non certo Tucker eccellente tenore Verdiano.

[@Rapicienta]

Tucker no tiene un timbre especialmente bello, pero que manera de cantar!, es tan raro para mi oìrlo con este repertorio, tengo entendido que hay un grabaciòn de la La boheme con el y la Moffo. Mientras tanto Anna Moffo, esta absulatamente genial, que belleza timbrica, que pianisimos, es una de las versiones de este dueto que escuchado muy emotivas, ojala sigan subiendo màs videos de Anna Moffo, ya que canto miles de cosas.

[@luigimaffei9132]

Adoro e ammiro Tacker nei panni di lirico spinto non era secondo a nessuno. . Qui a mio modesto parere (che non conta nulla), mi sembra troppo pesante nella voce, come volersela mangiare la povera deliziosa MIMÌ. Anche il si naturale alla fine mi pare un po' tirato, molto meglio in altre occasioni.. Comunque grande era e grande resterà. Questa è la mia modesta opinione di appassionato melomane.

[@jgreeley04]

I was fortunate to hear Tucker sing this role at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia in 1963. It was very good but my favorite still is Pavorotti and Mirella Freni, heavenly.

[@sugarbist]

Did you hear Pavarotti and Freni sing it live as well?

[@sugarbist]

Is Pavarotti your favorite in Carmen, Forza, Manon Lescaut, Tales of Hoffmann, Don Carlo, Fanciulla, Cavalleria, Gioconda, Marta, and Samson?

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist VAI Posted this and has posted some good opera clips doing a good job, including other and better Tucker live singing.

[@madisonelectronic]

All should remember Reuben Tinker for the many concerts for free he gave for charity for Israel and just about anyone else that asked for help when he could have been paid tons of money.

[@jimdrake-writer]

His birth name was Rubin (not Reuben” nor “Reuven”) Tucker. His father, born Shmul Tikker but known as “Sam,” had the family name changed to “Tucker” before Rubin, the youngest of his children, was born.

[@shicoff1398]

@@jimdrake-writer Correct. The last name originally wasn't spelled Tinker, you of course are correct and wrote the excellent Tucker biography and the two books of Rosa Ponselle I enjoy also. It already was "Tucker" when Richard was born as you said.

[@shicoff1398]

@@jimdrake-writer Correct, one false remark here said Tucker was horribly flat on the high B, well that is of course an exaggeration and a remark that deserves an answer, .he hit the note flat on the way up and when he got to the B he quickly did correct it being aware of it, of course the comment is not only exaggerated but the same people won't look at his live also and on TV also singing the same duet with Soprano Lisa Della Casa in 1958 on you tube, same high B and well sung by Tucker, it's terrific, or his live 1957 complete performance Brdcst. at the Met. with Kirsten and Bastianini, he was a great tenor who sang more performances of Boheme then any other opera he did at the Met. (except for Carmen as Don Jose) and never was flat, I'm sorry poster "Gay Tenor" died, he'd tell those who find one poor performance by Tucker (and it wasn't all that bad) and flame him on one note, partly flat one time how really ignorant they are.

[@gaytenor]

@ThePavafan

[@gaytenor]

I do not appreciate the use and suggestion of nazi phrases by Melomondo as a way of forwarding his hatred of Richard Tucker. He has used remarks that my Jewish friends consider antisemitic and, if he's an adult, he should find another outlet for his hate. Gays suffered like the Jewish people during the nazi period and we should be past that crap by now. I have never once found a positive comment about any singer on you-tube a true troll.

[@michaelmiller1215]

Anna Moffo is ravishing. Richard Tucker is slightly under-pitch on the last stratospheric pitch. My personal favorite of this stunning duet is of Bjorling and Tebaldi.

[@Bigjohnnyt]

@shicoff1, you tell them Neil! We should be so fortunate to have a voice like Tuckers' in this stage of opera... A lot of fraudulent singing these days!!! As far as Tommy Lo Monico....a flash in the pan! Never had the sophistication! In my opinion!?!

[@shicoff1398]

Tucker was a great tenor, thank you.

[@virgilhowarth7394]

Have to question the production of this opera. Here are two poor people who are dressed like very wealthy individuals with tucker showing his wrist watch. Voices were lovely though.

[@gaytenor]

Find the last Domingo broadcast of Boheme where he disrespected the score with the worse singing of the aria I've ever heard. The transposition that is used by some as excuse was okayed by PUCCINI for Caruso who cracked when he sang the aria for Puccini. Domingo is the modern reincarnation of Fernando DeLucia carrying his special versions of scores around with a semitone to tone downward transposition of everything. Is this respect for the composer. Get a life.

[@Mooorhe]

I agree as well, Pavarotti and Freni's 'La Boheme' is yet to be equalled.

[@lukebrainard2006]

I find almost all of these comments objectionable and a good reason to disallow comments on videos. To argue like this over singing shows that most of you do not have art in your souls. This kind of "fan bickering" shows my many people in the arts cannot stand the "fan" mentality. Now probably one of you "fans" will attack me. Trying buying a punching bag for your frustrations.

[@himsingz]

I agree... some comments are totally unnecessary. But Moffo is fabulous... so let's excuse the rascals.

[@frankdetrano311]

Moffo is in radiant voice here…Tucker was good until he botched that high note at the end 2:58 2:58

[@gaytenor]

@AfroPoli: Most tenors sing the aria down and there is a big difference between a great high B--Tucker--and a laughingstock--Domingo. Rodolfo was a central role in Tucker's repertoire last done on a broadcast in 1973. Why do you waste tour time flaming a great singer. Your crap is tiresome go listen to Gigli who recorded at a slower speed to fake a high c''. Reference: Opera on Records Il Trovatore.

[@donthuis]

Well tenors have their rights on the high notes, so why complain. But Rodolfo is a poor, young student, so as far as role casting is concerned Tucker is a bit old. But I still regret never having him seen and heard onstage. Another fine performance is with Mirella Freni and Placido Domingo, I saw it on TV many, many years ago and still possess the LP (unfortunately in a mono-version).

[@himsingz]

Why did this lovely woman ever feel she needed her nose tweaked? It was a good, strong pretty nose as seen here before the nose job.

[@mihklaff_instagram]

Did she have a nose surgery???

[@sschimel]

Yeah, the last note for Tucker was a disaster, but still. Both were extraordinary artists, and every Moffo performance is a master class in voice and acting.

[@sugarbist]

One note does not define a singer's career. I'm sure your favorite tenor never muffed a HIGH note.

[@garygreen3102]

@@sugarbist Where in the comment you are responding to did he say anything about Tucker's career?

[@sugarbist]

@@garygreen3102 Dear Gary, I do not conform to a specific format when answering a poster's comment, but include my opinion as well and sometimes pertinent information or facts. My goal is more so to share information rather than to win an argument. In 15 years, I don't recall Mr. Shimel ever commenting on a Tucker up load, other than this one. Here's a piece of information for you that wasn't asked. Upon hearing Tucker in the house for the first time, Rosa Ponselle stated that anyone who bought Tucker's records should return them to the store and get their money back. Because he sounded much better in the theater and nothing like what he sounded like on his recordings. Enjoy

[@windstorm1000]

that last note for the tenor must be so difficult--well, not so difficult if one trains I suppose!

[@sugarbist]

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? All voices are trained before they appear on stage. The singer relies on his technique and 2 vocal cords. Tucker sang over 740 performances at the Met, with only 2 cancellations in 30 years. That's training

[@stephansydor3395]

Риф ф

[@daleksupreme922]

Beautiful voices but not blending all all. Anna's voice is very dark and Richard's is very bright. Not combining well.

[@cmg1111]

Dalek Supreme not only that but his is infinitely larger than hers. So, we really can’t hear her equally. I think Mirella Freni would have been a better match for his voice size-wise.

[@Operaandchant90]

Tucker is weird looking. I love him though. Bravo e Brava!

[@sugarbist]

JP, You may be shallow, but we love you too.

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist Ha! Ha! they don't say that about five foot two Labo who also was slightly cross eyed, that's because he was a famous Italian tenor and he deserved his fame as a great singer, which he was, but Tucker was American and remarks have been made about that, as some pick that or his hair rug to attack him, who cares, anyhow, he had a big rich spinto voice, that was all that matters.

[@sugarbist]

@@shicoff1398 Gigli and Tagliavini were short as well

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist So was Mario Lanza, five seven or eight at most, he wore shoes with lifts often but was not taller then Tucker or MDM. Corelli and Domingo where taller, Pav. was just under 6 feet, about 5 10'' I stood next to him and Tucker several times. Tucker and MDM where Five seven, Peerce, Gigli and Tagliavini shorter and Labo only about five two, but a great voice.

[@sugarbist]

@@shicoff1398 I think Gigli, Tagliavini and De Muro were short as well.

[@ninaesmina8353]

Richard Tucker has a great voice, but looks like a cartoon character from Tintin series :D

[@sugarbist]

Please post your personal photo so we can see if you look like a cartoon character. Don’t forget to post your singing voice along with your photo

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

Ella es de las más grandes, sin duda. ¿Pero por qué esa obstinación de estropear sus grabaciones con la repugnante voz de Tucker? Para colmo de males, su aspecto tosco y senil es totalmente ajeno al personaje. Sólo Dios sabe por qué ese Tucker se hizo tan célebre.

[@pianoboyo]

She is WONDERFULL an actoress and a superbly plyable voice with beautifull light and shade. Agreed not well matched here he sounds too old - intonnation on last note is painfull too!

[@sugarbist]

One note does NOT define a tenor's career and Tucker's voice remained youthful until his passing

[@pianoboyo]

@@sugarbist I understand your loyalties. His voice is fantastic in many recordings, but this is not his best, by a considerable way sadly 😎

[@sugarbist]

@@pianoboyo Gigli once muffed a high note at the end of a big aria. He snapped his fingers and the audience gave him a huge ovation. I'm sure your favorite tenor must have missed a high note some time in his career

[@garygreen3102]

@@sugarbist Again! This comment said nothing about Tucker's career!

[@daphnebeloved]

She didnt have her nose job here yet, I wonder if her nose job changed her timbre...

[@sugarbist]

What is wrong with you? Did your nose job change your timber?

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

Hey Mimi, you can do better!

[@sugarbist]

Yes David, Based on your remark, I'm sure your wife or girl friend could do better as well

[@bigus]

i love annas sound and even tho i am all about technique first i can't help but think of her as one of my favorite sopranos ever. tucker does as usual sound pretty horrible here.

[@sugarbist]

bigus, As usual? Who's your favorite tenor? Did he sing over 740 operas at the Met alone to mostly fine reviews? Was he revered at the La Scala and Verona? Did your favorite tenor only cancel twice in a 30 year career?

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist wow! Good comment .

[@belcantist]

Tuckers italian pronunciation is so bad..Moffo is fantastic.

[@flouraki]

He's shorter than her.... :/

[@sugarbist]

And you're shorter than Jerome Hines

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist The dope, she was a couple of inches taller, plus maybe heels and high hair and she was also taller then Bjoerling and Bergonzi, and most of all Labo , she sang with all of them, I saw her with Bjoerling singing in Rigoletto.

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist One dumb remark is that Tucker's Italian is bad, the guy is wrong, you are Italian and speak the language, so you tell me how is his Italian? Cond. Bruno Bartoletti told me it was excellent for a foreigner, very good.

[@davidmolina7543]

Nice but Tucker was horribly flat.

[@shicoff1398]

Yes, he was flat as he went up and hit the B, but corrected it on the B , this was the only time I've ever heard him sing flat, ( see "gay tenors" comment) he was a singer who stayed on pitch more then the average, but I think he was obviously having a bad day, unusual for him, however there is a live Met. opera 1957 Boheme radio Brdcst . complete on you tube with Tucker, the late great baritone Bastianini and sop. Dorothy Kirsten, and has this ending act one duet of course, it's excellent live from all the singers and he sings his far better, and in his RCA Boheme recording with Moffo complete on RCA, also in 1961, he sings the Che Gelida aria with the high C and in live performances complete I have in Ballo, Lescaut, and Turandot he did manage high C' s ( on youtube also) live in the duets in those opera's, even though not a high C tenor, I heard him about 20 or more times in the house as far back as 1961 and he was always on pitch. He sang over 700 times at the Met. and hundreds more in other world leading opera houses, here, though he did correct his flat note, this was the only time I've heard him singing flat, this obviously was not pre recorded as the Firestone TV show is live, still here at age 48, he was a fantastic powerful spinto tenor who died at age 61 in 1975. RIP.

[@sugarbist]

@@shicoff1398 Unfortunately, the negative posters here, won't be interested in listening to the Tucker Bastianini and Kirsten Boheme from 1957. The bashing of a great tenor is what they are truly interested in. They will ignore everything else.

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist Yes, that is true, total ignorance about him of course, he sang for many years after this and in some great performances live and on recording both, including the famous 1962 Butterfly with Price on RCA and a 1964 Forza also on RCA with her and Merrill, 11 years later, in March, 1973 a live London Juive (on you tube) and a 1974 hilite recording of it was praised, by English critic Henry Pleasants, his singing here in 1962 with Moffo was at the time of a serious heart attack he had, but he did not cancel this TV show, that heart condition took his life later at age 61, so after hundreds of good performances one poor one is flamed .

[@ursmue1937]

Tucker hat auch gerne gegessen, offensichtlich.

[@LordRandallFan]

Tucker's last high note is terrible.

[@Marion628]

Moffo is the most exquisite Mimi imaginable! But let's face it-- Tucker's singing is mediocre, and he looks and sounds too old. Couldn't they have found her a better Rodolfo?