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.
Michael’s latest album on Erato, Contratenor, is available now: www.warnerclassics.com/releas...
Subscribe: clssicfm.co/SubscribeToClassicFM
- Visit the Classic FM website classicfm.com
- Listen to Classic FM clssicfm.co/listenlive
Classic FM Playlists
-Classic FM | Discover Instruments: bit.ly/2Xy8fGN
-Classic FM | Sessions: bit.ly/2OtjvjV
-Classic FM | Explains: bit.ly/332UOzS
-Classic FM Hall Of Fame | Top 10: bit.ly/35no5af
Classic FM on socials
- Facebook / classicfm
- Twitter / classicfm
- Instagram / classicfm
- TikTok / classicfm

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.

[@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

[@ferasrihawi2357]

Bro born to sing this masterpiece

[@user-qo7bw5zk2i]

Гений !

[@SopraravancedYotube]

Fact. But why l think this?, hahaha.

[@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 :)

[@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

[@darkcybersabers1322]

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

[@justcallmesped]

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 😀

[@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

[@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

[@Grim_Kats]

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

[@mirkochicco9620]

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

[@marinamasieroify]

Concordo!!!

[@gordon.elkins4963]

Wonderful, he's singing multiple parts

[@user-qo7bw5zk2i]

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.❤

[@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.

[@ThePuppetMaster429]

Could we just appreciate for a moment the LEVEL of this singer, its just impressive, the effects, soujds and roles he imitates, everything its perfect.

[@rosemarycoppell2433]

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

[@Currabell]

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

[@user-qo7bw5zk2i]

Гений!🏆🥇

[@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!

[@imtrex521]

He made a fan outta me!!❤

[@folasupo-adesola4417]

Me too

[@curtisloftis6003]

@@folasupo-adesola4417 Me three.

[@commicommi8743]

Me four

[@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!

[@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.

[@permanent.alfina]

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)

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

[@user-ks1ey7mu3d]

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

[@configurational]

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

[@gregnold9190]

I don't know what the big deal is. I've sung my version of this in the shower for YEARS with no acclaim from anyone!!🤨😄👋

[@Blackcat2005]

LOL

[@ti-jesuadeleke5563]

You will get it very soon, Pavaro... eh Greg! Hang in there!

[@philbertchow5425]

@@ti-jesuadeleke5563Pava-Greg

[@basedokadaizo]

shower baritones unite!

[@philbertchow5425]

@@basedokadaizo loooooool!

[@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 . . . . .

[@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 !

[@tedray]

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

[@lyalya_v_ideale]

Hvorostovsky № 1!

[@melissacronecarvell]

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

[@dangi79]

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

[@HCP5]

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

[@user-bv7cc4eh3o]

Dang, his breath control and vibrato is impressive 🤩

[@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! ❤

[@user-xm9hc4gv5q]

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

[@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.

[@giacomocosimato]

This might be the best performance ever done of this aria

[@vittoriotredici5956]

If i close my eyes i immagine Figaro with face and shape like Michael Spyres. Then yes this was impressive, immersive, superb. Congratulation, all this smells of culture and art.

[@theoldkellerhand]

I‘ve never seen a better performance than this! Totaly flashed

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

You should check some other versions out here on KZbin.

[@M.Stabile]

Try Apollo granforte Sesto Bruscantini Umberto Urbano Gino Bechi Ivan Petroff Richard Bonelli

[@Paolablanton]

the comedy, the lightness, the verbal dexterity - BRILLIANT

[@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! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@user-qo7bw5zk2i]

В живую бы это всё увидеть услышать! 👍😎👍

[@arnoldhoti2967]

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

[@drrobertsprackland1191]

Okay, I've heard about 20 versions of this aria, and Michael Spyres is definitely the best. What an incredible range, and a smooth, natural use. Mag-NIFICENT!

[@paoloromano66]

Bravo, espressivo, divertente! 10 e lode!

[@arisimmonds5905]

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

[@theghost379]

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

[@stigofthedump9439]

One of my favourite renditions of any song ever, addictive 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@paulsmith1807]

best entrance I've ever seen - love it 🙂

[@firenbubble]

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

[@albinojuanbazzanella6142]

Bravissima interpretazione. Un artista completo!!!

[@user-db6qe8ki1r]

Какое живое, лëгкое исполнение. Изменение голоса вкупе с мимикой, делает этот номер высшим проявлением мастерства! БРАВИССИМО!!!

[@user-od1jy3zo4e]

Always a favorite any time of the season 😊😊❤

[@tardismole]

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

[@THEROYAL_HIGH_PRIESTESS_77]

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

[@GodsSoldier-mr2qg]

Best performance of Figaro I ever seen😊

[@guitonade]

Je viens juste de réaliser que je l’ai écouté 300 fois d’affilé 😂❤

[@sourishghosh3975]

Any Tom and Jerry fans here?

[@juanantoniohernandez7304]

Hi

[@diegolasso8322]

Yes!!

[@GuiCanario]

And woodypeaker's too

[@GuiCanario]

And woodypeaker's too

[@UnOfficial_FunSizedWhitty]

@@GuiCanariowoody woodpecker how dare u not get that correct!1!1

[@ildarich999]

ГЕНИАЛЬНОЕ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ! БРАВИССИМО!!!!

[@DavidNapoles-ee2xl]

Since I found this yt has kept recommending me to watch it😅 and I keep watching it, it's actually amazing this guy is off the charts

[@MohamedFaisalAlmograbey]

إبداع لا متناهي وخامة صوتية فريده 💙

[@hannibalbarka4782]

Брависсимо❤❤❤

[@e-bikeskibum7141]

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

[@nebojsamihajlovic9066]

BRAVO MAJSTORE!!!

[@user-uv4xw7uc2y]

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

[@danouki4674]

I’m at home and stood up to clap

[@clefnoteproductions6695]

Brilliant! I love the way he plays with it

[@vagnervizotto8940]

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

[@andreadiaz-gs3vy]

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

[@user-js2qk6rn9i]

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

[@mariselmar974]

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

[@florianwicher]

I love how he does the voices

[@Xuussjd]

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

[@girolamograssi3431]

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

[@ruuddh1091]

I love him so much in the baritone repertoire! Of course it is in front of the mike, but I think he could handle a lot of bel canto baritone roles effortlessly (or effortlessly sounding at least). The sound comes over much more natural than Domingo’s attempts at Verdi baritone anyway. Love how he switches between baritone and tenor (and falsetto!) registers in this aria.

[@philbertchow5425]

And bass!

[@Ariadne-cg4cq]

@ruuddh1091 He describes himself as a baritenor. I have heard him singing some of the most difficult Rossini tenor roles with great ease. There are numerous videos of him singing tenor roles on YT if you are interested

[@klemsogcrd4225]

Legendary interpretation, bravissimo Signore 👌

[@MrCandyman1404]

I feel like my heart finally beats again

[@judithdameron4100]

Michael Spyres est le meilleur Figaro !!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

Carrément ! 😢

[@eowynabinadi]

Bravo, best Figsro-Version I ever heard, bravo❤

[@joseperezjr1690]

First time watching an opera video and I’m very entertained by this guy. Love the faces and voices he does while singing haha. Excellent job Michael you are super talented 👏👏👏👏

[@tayakaliuzhnaya5202]

This is splendid 🥰 Che bel piacere davvero! Grazie Michael e bravo 🎉👏🏻❤

[@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?

[@konstantingilevich3768]

Fascinating performance!

[@edgarloffler573]

Gesang und Schauspiel hervorragend. Einfach unterhaltsam.

[@bonem4093]

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

[@wendimeredith9090]

Have been a Spyres fan for at least 25 years. He's brilliant!!

[@juditveres_hearts]

Wow! I am speachless! Bravo!

[@vincenzorinaldi9196]

Interpretazione e voce eccezionali. Bravo.

[@aerasmus2129]

Absolutely perfect singing by 😂Mr Spyres. Love him!

[@luismarco3812]

Que fantástico ❤

[@salnero6209]

Bravissimo. Stupendo. Grandioso! Bravissimi tutti Che goduria

[@rebeccagray2443]

Brilliant ❣️❣️ Bravo❣️❣️

[@crisespinoza1979]

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

[@user-qo7bw5zk2i]

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

[@lucienlazar4258]

Best I ever heard in terms of dynamism!

[@stillstanding123]

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

[@charlesvanschalkwyk6347]

Well, this was a whole lot of fun! GREAT voice! 👏👏👏

[@joegaito702]

Just a real masterpiece just image what a practice is before a real live concert you should be and amazed job well done you guys rock one of my favorite songs to listen to appreciate you guys thanks ! Joe

[@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

[@Angharad329]

WOW ! Michael you are WONDERFUL 👏 👏 👏

[@carretou]

Une interprétation brillantissisme 🎉

[@tinacarson4792]

You just made my day!!❤😂🎉

[@folasupo-adesola4417]

I enjoyed the performance immensely. Bravo!

[@carolfitzhugh8097]

Oh, I love this guy!

[@alejandromarin4322]

Amazing!!!! Grande maestro!!!!

[@jmj4879]

Je n'avais jamais entendu cet air ainsi chanté : extraordinaire !