Baritenor Michael Spyres sings a blistering Rossini ‘Largo al factotum’ | Classic FM Live

Star American operatic tenor and baritone Michael Spyres makes a Royal Albert Hall entrance with an aria from the comic opera ‘The Barber of Seville’ by Rossini.
Spyres is accompanied by the orchestra of English National Opera and conductor Paul Daniel, at Classic FM Live with Viking.
Watch the full concert, celebrating the best of opera, soon on Sky Arts.
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[@psyWAR1988]

This HAS to be how Rossini intended this aria to be. Amazing.

[@Demetri450]

Study opera

[@fmgdepo8803]

As much as Rossini was an inventive monster, I doubt he ever imagined this aria performed this way. Of course, he would have loved it. I don't recall having seen anything like this.

[@Tatiana-zi7by]

My thoughts exactly.

[@samirh2758]

@@Demetri450 no

[@COIcultist]

Alas, he didn't arrive in a Fiat Strada!

[@apoleon474]

Rossini would absolutely love this guy

[@Rach1873]

Did you mean MOZART??? 😂

[@emilyfrench6097]

They would have written parts FOR him!

[@Anto_81]

​@@Rach1873Darling, il barbiere di Siviglia is by Rossini. Le nozze di Figaro is by Mozart. Just be humble if you're not sure.

[@Pirustae]

His jaw would've dropped on the floor with disbelief.

How he interpreted the comedy of the opera buffa making faces and mouths and changing the voice was simply magical.

[@Tmanaz480]

Yes! An actual charater performance, not just some etude. Too many singers sound like they have no idea what they're singing. I also love his rich low register. He sounds like a true baritone.

[@B.R.0101]

And plus his Italian language pronunciation is amazingly perfect!

@@Tmanaz480 Yes! You have entered an interesting point! He knows what he's doing!

[@billysteyn3399]

This just work if acting the story not just singing notes

[@marylowden9228]

Magical and breathtaking, hard to believe Italian is not his mother tongue, it has all the feel of Italy, people, mountains, cities, all that infectious enthusiasm.

[@ferasrihawi2357]

Bro born to sing this masterpiece

[@СветланаУсанова-ю2п]

Гений !

[@mirkochicco9620]

Voce magnifica. Pronuncia perfetta. Mimica e gesti da "Italiano felice".

[@marinamasieroify]

Concordo!!!

[@gordon.elkins4963]

Wonderful, he's singing multiple parts

[@СветланаУсанова-ю2п]

Это выше всего этого что я умею это высший пилотаж!!!!

[@mattianelli8512]

Eh si l'ha fatta veramente bene già nelle gestualità che vabbe la voce fantastica

[@Giovis968]

Perfetto.❤

[@Imer2276]

That's probably either the best technically and theatrically opera aria I've ever heard. Never seen that kind of performance. I'm speechless...

[@taranmellacheruvu2504]

Ngl he got out of tune at points. However, the whole thing was still magical

[@Timknight1946]

Sorry this isn’t a patch on Andrey Zhilikovski’s version.

[@Imer2276]

@@Timknight1946 Andrey's version is great too, but Michael uses a greater range of vocal techniques, it's quite rare in opera, and it's cool to see :)

[@Timknight1946]

Thank you for your response. I suppose, at the end of the day it’s all down to personal preferences.

[@Imer2276]

@@Timknight1946 Of course :)

[@zepoubelle]

If i could "like" every time i watch this, the number would be ridiculously higher.

[@teodoragradinaru8572]

Same to me😅

[@amypennington5057]

Same

[@MonicaGalvan87]

I know right 😂 👍🏻😊

[@astridjeandin7583]

me too hahahaha

[@FinikAlf]

Какое счастье, что можно 100 раз пересмотреть и услышать это заново🙏😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@yuliaprionidi1186]

И какое не счастье что нельзя 100 лайков за раз поставить🎉🎉😢😅

[@ildarich999]

Полностью согласен)

[@jessewilliams1422]

This is THE example to show all how to interpret this piece. A model of theatere with vocal talent, perfect pitch, breath, timing, pronunciation and range. He tells the story without effort and makes it much more engaging and relatable.

[@SophieLeung-du9we]

Exactly Show this to an opera student who will learn the piece

[@mortimermcmirestinks]

Highly doubt he's telling the story "without effort", to be fair. He looks like he's doing a huge amount of work (and it's paying off!)

[@Demetri450]

Study opera

[@Дмитрий-т7й3ъ]

Абсолютный слух,это проклятие вокалиста,бро.Оркестр играет в темпирированном строе,а голос звучит в натуральном,так что не пиши чушь

[@maestro9185]

Rossini was born to write this song - Michael Spyres was born to sing it Bravo 👏

[@danielabaldini8717]

astounding but not perfect... the Italian is not perfect and I would have pushed the Italian way of speaking with the hands and with the eyes as requested in this interpretation. He was almost but not perfect. In my modest opinion, of course. Anyway I like it a lot

[@TheMaurycy25]

@@danielabaldini8717 please deliver perfect English, the best of Shakespeaer's time;)

[@floppaofbusiness]

​@@danielabaldini8717 ok then go and do it better than him

[@chriswoods3619]

Largo al factotum della citta. Largo! La la la la la la la LA! Presto a bottega che l'alba e gia. Presto! La la la la la la la LA! Ah, che bel vivere, che bel piacere (che bel piacere) per un barbiere di qualita! (di qualita!) Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo! Bravo! La la la la la la la LA! Fortunatissimo per verita! Bravo! La la la la la la la LA! Fortunatissimo per verita! Fortunatissimo per verita! La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la LA! Pronto a far tutto, la notte e il giorno sempre d'intorno in giro sta. Miglior cuccagna per un barbiere, vita piu nobile, no, non si da. La la la la la la la la la la la la la! Rasori e pettini lancette e forbici, al mio comando tutto qui sta. Rasori e pettini lancette e forbici, al mio comando tutto qui sta. V'e la risorsa, poi, de mestiere colla donnetta... col cavaliere... colla donnetta... la la li la la la la la col cavaliere... la la li la la la la la la la LA!!! Ah, che bel vivere, che bel piacere (che bel piacere) per un barbiere di qualita! (di qualita!) Tutti mi chiedono, tutti mi vogliono, donne, ragazzi, vecchi, fanciulle: Qua la parruca... Presto la barba... Qua la sanguigna... Presto il biglietto... Tutto mi chiedono, tutti mi vogliono, tutti mi chiedono, tutti mi vogliono, Qua la parruca, presto la barba, presto il biglietto, ehi! Figaro... Figaro... Figaro... Figaro...Figaro... Figaro... Figaro... Figaro... Figaro...Figaro!!! Ahime, (ahime) che furia! Ahime, che folla! Uno alla volta, per carita! (per carita! per carita!) Uno alla volta, uno alla volta, uno alla volta, per carita! Figaro! Son qua. Ehi, Figaro! Son qua. Figaro qua, Figaro la, Figaro qua, Figaro la, Figaro su, Figaro giu, Figaro su, Figaro giu. Pronto prontissimo son come il fumine: sono il factotum della citta. (della citta, della citta, della citta, della citta) Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo; Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo; a te fortuna (a te fortuna, a te fortuna) non manchera. Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo; Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo; a te fortuna (a te fortuna, a te fortuna) non manchera. Sono il factotum della citta, Sono il factotum della citta, della citta, della citta, Della citta!!!

[@davidwiederman8841]

Thank you!

[@randomcitizen3939]

😮 thanks

[@gabriellaaustine4660]

You're a doll

[@alexgrimsson6143]

Among the very best Figaro arias ever done in the current era......

[@aprilnissen9645]

OMG thank you so much for doing this. ❤

[@pwlott]

I've heard what must 100 renditions of this aria. This is one of the best. Never thought I'd hear so many funny touches added and still enjoy this aria so much. Beyond excellent.

[@NicehandleBro]

This was the most funniest, most skillful, and most dynamic performance of this aria I've seen so far. I was having a bad day, but this just made my day. Congratulations to this man.

[@SophieLeung-du9we]

Favourite version of largo al factotum

[@deeschackney9534]

Magnifique!

[@zdenkamichalickova307]

Excellent!

[@lyalya_v_ideale]

Hvorostovsky!

[@neginashrafi5336]

What's the lyric in English

[@MohamedFaisalAlmograbey]

إبداع لا متناهي وخامة صوتية فريده 💙

[@cciccone61]

One of the most magnificent performances I’ve ever heard.

[@chrissam4123]

Heavy Metal fan but watching and listening to this and appreciating the skill and musical ability

[@normanrenner4648]

Metal leads to classical and visa versa

[@jkf3169]

@@normanrenner4648 Absolutely correct; these are the only 2 genres that I listen to and play

[@Cyb3rKats]

Most metal is classical music with electric distortion. That's why many pieces of greats like Bach or Paganini sound like metal.

[@darkcybersabers1322]

I love the fact that he goes’whooo’ at the end and bows to hide it 😂

[@maestro_dana]

I choose to believe that it was just him further characterizing Figaro as a man being pulled in a million different directions and wearing thin.

[@KwakuBaffoe]

It was all part of the drama 😀

[@dangi79]

His Italian is perfect 👌 And this is the best version of Figaro I ever heard.

[@ninamadzarevic3926]

Try Dmitri Hvorostovski

[@TheMaurycy25]

@@ninamadzarevic3926 in his case it's much easier to deliver better Italian as he is Russian, Slavics are more predestined to speak Romanian languages than German due to nature of mother tongs, moreover his performance is typical for aria history and its "noble" nature, there is no such a light and humourous attitude like in case of the Michael Spyres that brings opera entertaiment spirit.

[@Pirustae]

​@@ninamadzarevic3926 I don't like that one

[@andycic.544]

2:36 the quality control here is INSANE you can literally hear him shift from falsetto to tenorial mix to baritonal mix within the space of one note. Unbelievable.

[@ashwinalexis56]

Sin Duda es hermoso

[@williamlockhartnelson8873]

A clear demonsteation that opera isnt fusty and old. It can be exciting with a clear character and comedy presented to the audience. Incredibly well done to keep people engaged.

[@TheMelopeus]

Yeees! I bet this is how it's meant to be interpreted and seen by people. To ENJOY it without pretending it's something else than it is

[@lfsg689]

Opera buffa is always comedy. People just don't know.

[@peteradaniel]

Lol😂 if you honestly think performing a 200 year old aria by a composer who died 160 years ago isn’t fusty and old, then you’re deluded. You honestly must think Shakespeare is relatable and speaks to the young. Lol😂

[@lfsg689]

@@peteradaniel Classics always speak to the intelligent ones. 😉

[@QuixoticCowboy]

​@peteradaniel Shakespeare speaks to the young, and so does opera. The message is what is important, not the setting. The question is how many young take the time to listen.

[@rosemarycoppell2433]

He is terrific at demonstrating the characterisation and meaning behind the song!

I'm coming here again just to say that I can't get enough of watching and listening to this performance. And as an illustrator, if one day I make a cartoon, I will definitely do it like the classic cartoons. And I'm going to have this guy in the voice and the gestures and the expressions for the classic musical episode. Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker give you a standing ovation.

[@Max-zv8hm]

yes! celebrate your success before you ever get it lol

[@ИльяЖирнов-я8с]

in the 1991 Oscar film, there is something similar in the credits. Largo al factotum performed by a doll

[@Negisanmatou]

Look the introduction of the film Mrs Doubtfire ! 🙂

[@imtrex521]

He made a fan outta me!!❤

[@folasupo-adesola4417]

Me too

[@curtisloftis6003]

@@folasupo-adesola4417 Me three.

[@commicommi8743]

Me four

[@EM-qx3hx]

Absolutely amazing, I listened in awe and pure enjoyment

[@Currabell]

He breathes life into the text as well as a very fine singer. So refreshing. Wonderful.

[@СветланаУсанова-ю2п]

Гений!🏆🥇

[@arisimmonds5905]

Absolutely incredible. This man is a genius. What an incredible range of voices and his eyes . Wow. Amazing!

[@lanonyme]

A lui seul, il chante plusieurs rôles, tour à tour baryton, ténor, contre ténor. C'est vraiment un génie vocal avec un grand sens de l'humour . . . . c'est mon ténor préféré . . . . .

[@astridjeandin7583]

What a treasure!!

[@nullifiednullifidian5973]

Everything about this is outstanding, great production, superb cinematography, excellent audio, and the performance... in any realm!

[@fabianromero3279]

When I was a kid, people used to say this kind of music was boring, I lost 30 years before I found out how wrong these people were.

[@assriabderrahmane4318]

Ur totaly right.

[@rasmusadamsson9414]

Agree to that 😍

[@omairagamboa7821]

Is never too late...

[@Park_Passion_DE]

Opera is amazing 😍

[@johnrobboe9103]

I loved this music from the age of 13, Mozart is my favourite composer, Rossini comes a close second, especially this and the William Tell overture, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition is also superb. I became a guitarist playing rock music,but my heart and soul lies here. Totally love most classical music. I see this as very early rock music. Wonderful

[@teamjay2837]

4:19 his characterization of the lyrics and the tempo gave it a Gilbert and Sullivan vibe. Loved it!

[@lesleywilbourne7823]

@@ozielichwhy not? They were after all past masters of the patter song

[@alicenelson8615]

@@ozielich Of course it was!

[@robertobauzapreciat3522]

Absolutely amazing! The best interpretation of Figaro ever! This man is just incredible, excellent in every way: his voice, gestures, interpretation, Italian pronunciation, wow he's got everything, besides he's comic! Bravo, bravíssimo for Michael!!!

[@HCP5]

Stunning. A marvelous performance. The voices, the mimicking, the sheer fun packed in the highest quality: Bravo!

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

This has definitely helped my evening get better and better. It's one of my favorite arias to begin with, and I've never heard this guy before now. I have definitely been missing out! Such comedy combined with impeccable everything else! Bravo, bravissimo, indeed! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@СветланаУсанова-ю2п]

В живую бы это всё увидеть услышать! 👍😎👍

[@arnoldhoti2967]

Perfekt perfekt legenda Rossini 👏👏👏👏 interpretim perfek i jashtezakonshem

[@RichardVac]

Michael has a great vocal range. He can sing as a bear tone and a magnificent job as a tenor, amazing! Voice

[@pamelacorbett8774]

Didn’t know bears could sing.

[@paulsmith1807]

best entrance I've ever seen - love it 🙂

[@lillyluvsJesus2]

Dang, his breath control and vibrato is impressive 🤩

[@kape8286]

I wish I could like this more than once. I love it

[@THEROYAL_HIGH_PRIESTESS_77]

He deserves a standing ovation for that performance BRAVO BRAVO BELLISSIMO BRAVO BELLISSIMO BRAVO BELLISSIMO

[@Paolablanton]

the comedy, the lightness, the verbal dexterity - BRILLIANT

[@tardismole]

One of my favourites. And this man brought it to life. Superb.

[@foxus2218]

This is incredible! I’m shocked… All of my friends think that opera is boring and it’s all about shouting and screaming, but this singer is a proof that they are wrong! Thank you so much for your work, it’s impressive! ❤

[@labarbemr3170]

Il est fantastique ! En plus il s’amuse et il joue au sens théâtral. Une merveille

[@liloupumpkin5278]

N'est ce pas ? J'aime beaucoup qu'il ne chante pas seulement, mais qu'il se transforme en un personnage avec ses mimiques et tout ce qu'il va avec !

[@theghost379]

Best ever version of this very difficult aria. While listening I believed that you are really the barber of Seville. This is art!

[@albinojuanbazzanella6142]

Bravissima interpretazione. Un artista completo!!!

[@andreadiaz-gs3vy]

Está clase de videos deberían ser virales. Son una caricia y un deleite al oido.

[@clefnoteproductions6695]

Brilliant! I love the way he plays with it

[@e-bikeskibum7141]

I am speechless!! This guy is an incredible freak of nature. What an incredible talent!!!!!!!

[@configurational]

3:20 - 3:36 Very impressive vocal range.

[@vagnervizotto8940]

Bravo, bravissimo este barítono norte americano, sensacional mesmo a interpretação dele, desta magnífica obra de Rossini!!!

[@isacluciano1773]

Maravilhoso, simplesmente maravilhoso...

[@munkhturl5418]

Just amazing! The best performance of ‘Largo al factotum’ I've ever seen and heard! BRAAAVOOOO!!!

[@bonem4093]

Maravillosa interpretación. Todo un placer escucharlo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@valyad7228]

Brilliant!!!🌟 Never heard better performance of this aria, I could listen it over and over again😍

[@hackingwithkencypher]

4:19 we all came here for this

[@plantlord3266]

watched dozen times..simply stunning

[@juditveres_hearts]

Wow! I am speachless! Bravo!

[@BryanPatiag]

Such skill. Such agility! I was clapping after the performance. That was deserving of a standing ovation.

[@tedray]

This is nothing short of brilliant. Michael Spyres OWNS this aria !!

[@lyalya_v_ideale]

Hvorostovsky № 1!

[@mariselmar974]

AMAZING performance ❤ I've never seen an opera artist who has various vocal skills like that.. Bravo Michael you're the best! 👏🏻

[@williambtm1]

One of the world's best of all-time singing supremo's, Michael Spyres is equal to the great Jussi Björling (in every element of your voice delivery) whenever you appear on the stages in our world. Thank you, Mr Michael Spyres, were I not an old and aged pensioner nowadays, I would pay whatever the cost to travel, and pay the monies to gain entry to be among your listening audience.

[@crisespinoza1979]

Wonderfully performed. I listen to his rendition more than any other.

[@СветланаУсанова-ю2п]

Он понимает буря ВОСТОРГ оваций зал взорвался апплодисментами не просто так ШЕДЕВР 👍😎👍

[@rickaccordion5900]

Brings tears to my eyes. Fabulous❤❤❤❤❤

[@blue-collaredfather384]

My, almost 4yr old, loves this performance!

[@helenchelmicka]

😍😍

[@stillstanding123]

An amazing "performance", both vocal and theatrical. Encore ❤

[@florianwicher]

I love how he does the voices

[@folasupo-adesola4417]

I enjoyed the performance immensely. Bravo!

[@matrix4168]

For this i love Classical music it can be funny, elegant, sad, emotive. It can evoque all the emotions that a human have. Is the fusion of the reason and the soul

[@firenbubble]

Holala, ça fait trois fois que je la repasse, cette performance est époustouflante, incroyable !

[@koengreen2540]

I am obsessed already listened 50 times today

[@joshuajimenez8835]

This man KILLED IT!!! Simply AMAZING

[@lilbichito]

Gosh, I love how theatrical he is with his performance, it's so charming!

[@melissacronecarvell]

It’s officially my favorite version of this! I love him 👑👑👑👑👑

[@ricardoavilapaulette7060]

The spirit of this Rossini's character brought to life.

[@mihaelholhos-vaida2589]

This has to be the best version of the aria... This singer is exceptional but guys, the orchestra is also impeccable 😮

[@annastavelova297]

Such a perfectly sung aria! I'm excited. Maestro baritenor Spyres is amazing ❤️!!!

[@giacomocosimato]

This might be the best performance ever done of this aria

[@silverheart8173]

I watched this with my three year old son. He looked at me and said "I want to go to that world". We laughed together and at one point he looked concerned. I couldn't be prouder of him right now.

[@УважаемыйКлиент-щ4б]

Гениально! Вчера впервые услышала и рыдаю от восторга второй день😭. Спасибо Вам, небожитель Майкл, что спустились к нам с небес на нашу грешную землю! Татьяна, Россия

[@GabeDonzelli]

Incredible rendering!

[@andreishiryaev9762]

Какой захватывающий голос, браво!

[@durchlaucht7050]

Just incredible!!! Flawless technique and gorgeous voice! That tone!!!!

[@philipginting]

One of the best sung operatic masterpiece🎉🎉🎉

[@yuku683]

As a Brazilian, I remember listening to it a lot while watching the classic Woody Woodpecker.

[@joegaito702]

If you are Italian it's your kind of music a real masterpiece job well done you should be proud and amazed just image what a practice is before a real live concert he sings so beautifully and well let's appreciate this moment warmest regards to everyone including the vocalists and musicians great job people thanks ! Joe

[@abdullahnasr5702]

can you tell me what the name of this kind of song is so i can search more?

[@Angharad329]

WOW ! Michael you are WONDERFUL 👏 👏 👏

[@ОльгаКалачева-ь7э]

Какя дикция и в сочетании с прекрасным голосом и артистизм бесподобнно!

[@frankpfau9054]

awesome interpretation! 🍀🍀🍀 i am literally in tears this is so beautiful…

[@girolamograssi3431]

Questo da speranza al nostro genere, che è riuscita a creare cose così magnifiche❤️🇮🇹

[@marydonohoe8200]

Holy ever-lovin’ cow. My favorite Figaro, by a mile. Not only brilliant singing, but a completely engaging and delightful presentation-with a great whistle, no less! Bravissimo, Mr Sykes!!

[@c.weidenmann7477]

Hihi, I loved the whistle too!

[@vvbmailbulsara2300]

The ending was superb... I got goosebumps 🤩👏👏🙌

[@whatwho1701]

Finally the KZbin's algorithm showed me something amazing

[@Joshua-y2d8y]

Bravo❤❤❤❤ 감사합니다. 마이클 스파이어즈 선생님. 정말 훌륭한 노래 감사합니다. 오케스트라와 지휘자에게도 감사드립니다.

[@AlfredoRusca]

Fantástico !!!! excelente interpretación! Bravo, bravissimo !!!

[@luismarco3812]

Que fantástico ❤

[@Xuussjd]

This masterpiece truly transports you into another world. Surely one of the best existing opera recordings.

[@wingandaprayer883]

Best performance of the aria I have ever seen. Bravo!

[@onelove919]

Simply mesmerising!!!!! I’m speechless.

[@nooral-yatama324]

Couldn’t blink! Marvellous performance!