Franco Corelli destroying mediocre tenors (Kaufmann, Beczala, Villazon, etc.)

[@marceloguimaraeslima716]

Corelli doesn´t make faces, does not show any effort or pain. He does not advertise that he is doing something "very difficult". He sings. Amazing musicality. The emotion is in the song and in the voice. An artist that knows what he is doing and serves music, not the other way around.

[@dowal199]

You don't really get opera, do you? 😂 It's singing and acting

[@marceloguimaraeslima716]

@@dowal199 bad acting is acting for you? Lets see: I saw LIVE: Souzay, Cotrubas, McCracken, Pavarotti, Kraus, among others. Does that count ?

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

@@dowal199 Opera singers are suppose to act with their voices. In a theatre you cannot see their facial expressions up close.

[@stoyanbonchev479]

@@dowal199 He gets it perfectly well....

[@dowal199]

@@ZENOBlAmusic right, they stay in one place and just sing... 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Xochimique]

What I really love about the old school method: not only does it sound bigger; it also sounds more naturally spoken. You would think those 2 things are oposites, but they're not.

[@vladtepes71]

Very true. Di Stefano always wanted his audience to forget that he was singing, vs just speaking. Verdi and Wagner both wanted the same from their singers.

[@domokunbogle]

its the older recording techniques, which emphasize the highs and middle.. you can't compare recordings with 30+ years in between them in a serious manner.. having said that i love Corelli more than any other tenor today..

[@ClergetMusic]

They didn’t manufacture their timbres back then. Kaufmann and Villazón artificially darken their tones, and somehow Beczała graduated being allowed to sing with a throaty tone. Also, the conductor in the Kaufmann examples is over the top: it’s distracting and likely doesn’t communicate anything to the orchestra.

[@dowal199]

Well, no. The sound isn't necessarily bigger, the Corelli videos are way louder. And that's a cheap trick by the channel. Because louder videos/voices are often quickly received as better. Not saying that Corelli is bad. But the videos are way too different for as face to face comparison without adjustment

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

@@dowal199 No, the sound is very similar. In the old sound you are losing mid range and bass sounds, the old sound only accentuate the high treble. The modern sound just has a more wider horizontal range and disperses the sound more evenly, there are far more mid range and bass in the modern sound, which makes it sound lower, but it is actually very equal. You are losing Corelli's lower and deeper sound in this recording, if you heard the studio version his voice will sound far deeper. Corelli had a much bigger and louder voice then any of these others, he had one of the biggest tenor voices, and he was better on high notes then these three as well, despite the big voice. He barely had to open his mouth and there were columns of volume and sound. Kaufmann barely sings without a microphone in front of him, for the last few years. Their problem is that they don't have any squillo, it is squillo that makes an opera singer's voice really loud and big, especially if you are performing spinto and dramatic repertoire, you can get away without squillo in the more lyrical roles. Corelli and Del Monaco had incredible amounts of metal and squillo in their voices. That being said Beczala is okay in lyrical roles. Kaufmann could have been fine if had squillo and he stopped artificially darkening his voice, Villazon was fine as a lyric tenor at one stage. These three are not the worst, Corelli just had an extremely exceptional voice, that you are not going to find very often.

[@robertreid2931]

What's even more astounding is that even with the advances in recording technology, Corelli still sounds better.

[@Maestro-FR]

There is a very basic difference between Corelli versus others. Corelli has a true Italian sound. Also he has a clear ringing voice in the Volpi approach.

[@mvcpastkambcstccr8563]

👍🙏👍

[@yuenkoi]

Why does Kaufman always sounded so muffled ?

[@reidduhrkoop5205]

@@yuenkoi cuz his sound is woofy and throaty

[@laprimmadonna2341]

Cierto

[@UranusRising]

@@yuenkoi he sings with a technique, an incorrect one, called la voce ingolata basically meaning throaty voice. Doing this artificially darkens the sound and creates an unfocused tone that has no ring to it. The effect is that the sound that comes out is woofy and dampened. Many singers today sound like this unfortunately.

[@MarlenaBrinkleySoprano]

This man was a Giant! Even as a soprano, I watch and learn from Corelli. He mastered his technique and gave us many, tremendously exciting years of his Voice. Ty for sharing!

[@marioroldan6181]

Te equivocas Marlena ningun hombre puede llegar a soprano que es el tono de mujer

[@MarlenaBrinkleySoprano]

@@marioroldan6181 Apologies if my reply was confusing. I mean that even though I am a soprano voice, I can learn so much from watching Corelli's wonderful technique. My teacher, Christine Weidinger, often commented on his phenomenal stamina and technical skill! 🙂

[@ivana37ification]

Franco Corelli. ( la voce ),timbro unico e indimenticabile...grazie per essere esistito ,un dono

[@ЛюбовьБазыльчик]

Голос необыкновенный!!! А какой Красавец!!!!!

[@marcomalpassi7655]

io come timbro preferisco Pavarotti e come armonia Gigli.

[@ipezmusic]

@@marcomalpassi7655 Pavarotti è un altro tipo di tenore (lirico)

[@fabiogiovanzana3255]

The comparison with Corelli is merciless!

[@luxlux818]

✋✋✋

[@LuisHernando-t7y]

He is constantly off pace

[@johnareiter73]

No one was "destroyed" but all gave a moving rendition. It is quite subjective as to who was the best.

[@altaischurale7324]

@@johnareiter73 Get yourself a hearing aid....

[@peterholwill1170]

Corelli was not called "The Prince of Tenors" for nothing, what passion, vocal control and o my God those top notes and if that is not enough movie star good looks too, does not get better than this.

[@johnareiter73]

I believe Jussi Bjoerling tops him.

[@janwar68]

Franco Corelli was astoundingly good, and he was a very handsome man, as well as being tall, such a bonus!! 💖

[@johnblasiak9331]

Corelli is stupendous a genius tenor Vocal chords of steel

[@johnareiter73]

I'm no Corelli fan but he was certainly a fine tenor.

[@anafranciscaaldunate8866]

Lo maravilloso de Corelli y Pavarotti es que parecen estar hablando, cantan naturalmente, sin esfuerzo ni muecas. Sabemos que son horas de riguroso estudio y esfuerzo. Pero el timbre y la versatilidad de la voz de Corelli, además de su tremendo atractivo físico lo hacen IN-SU-PE-RA-BLE.

[@laprimmadonna2341]

Cierto. Corelli era hermoso!

[@natalinatollari9906]

Proprio codi:insuperabile ❤️💜🧡

[@waldougl]

Corelli, creo uno de los tenores con más presencia de la historia, pero a la vez de una voz extraordinaria por su extensión. Una interpretación, técnicamente superior. Si estuviere con los tres restantes, su voz resaltaría sin lugar a dudas. Un timbre parejo, voz dosificada, con fraseo, emisión agudos claros potentes no gritados, sin recurrir a facilismo de la expresión sensacionalista, ridícula en unos casos y hasta fuera de gusto en otras que no va con el sentido con el texto sino para causar sensacionalismo, protagonismo; creerán que la mayoría del público no se interesaran por el texto. Villazón lo que conmueve no es lo que canta, a mi me escarapela el cuerpo que pueda quedarse sin voz por exagerar y así pasó después con las operaciones por los nódulos que se le formaban en sus cuerdas vocales, bueno ahora es más sobrio pero no puede cantar mucho. Los demás cantantes Kauffman y Beczala no son actores, ese dramatismo para la ópera que les ayude la dirección escénica. Aquí son solo conciertos, deben hacerlo con sobriedad, más es el instrumento lo que debe destacar, sus voces. Cada uno de ellos parecen que fueran dos por lo diferenciado de sus tonalidades. Ahora que son tenores talentosos, por supuesto tienen muy buenas voces, son entregados y son destacados, por supuesto sólo que están tan lejos de Franco Corelli, en la gloria, como de las estrellas.

[@jesustenorioy]

Los maestros clásicos son insuperables; pero es una pena que haya tantos aprendices, que se hacen llamar tenores, y pretensiosamente figuran entre los grandes de este tiempo, cuando realmente solo se les podría considerar no Muy buenos estudiantes, y engañan al publico que no conoce los básicos del Bell Canto. Molesta mucho toda esa parodia que hacen, hacen ver todo dificil y no tiene nada de Bello, ni de Bell Canto y todo lo hacen un gran drama, que hasta causa temor, y parece que van a colapsar o quieren hacer colapsar a los que escuchan, para que los consideren majestuosos o espectaculares. No tienen la técnica, sino que se ve feamente que la Técnica los trae del cuello. Fuera del Argumento de la obra, pregunto ¿Eso es Bell Canto, todo esa esa fea ejecución sin ninguna naturalidad, que por el contrario, parece que se esfuerzan en hacerlo más dificil y todo más parece una tragedia, que solo ellos pueden realizar? la verdad, muy mal. Seguro deben tener sus méritos de estudio y práctica, pero como público, debo decir que no suman, sino restan al hermos arte del Canto y sobre todo el Lírico.

[@TadeoDoria777]

A Pavarotti lo he visto múltiples veces hacer muecas que muchos podemos interpretar como si estuviese haciendo un gran esfuerzo. Mira los últimos 30 segundos del vídeo más visto de KZbin de él cantando Nessum Dorma.

[@Melbnolan]

I was privileged to attend several of Corelli’s master classes in NYC in the 90’s. I can’t sing a note but just to watch him coaching vocal students was memorable.

[@danielungermann7055]

Of course, Corelli is one of the best tenors of the 20th century, but the comparation ist nevertheless stupid: The recording technics is not comparable, and the voice of Corelli is made artificially louder. Kaufmann f. ex. is not so metallic in his colour, but much more nuanced in his interpretation. He is neider better nor worse than Corelli. Baczala, ok, this is an operette singer.

[@cenkayaz5057]

@@danielungermann7055 dumb comments over a non plus ultra tenor. just f.t.s.u

[@tenorandguitar]

@@danielungermann7055 ...Indeed, one of the reasons modern tenors like Kaufmann look a little more strained and intense in their faces is that now they think a lot more about the expression in terms of the character and role they're playing out in the aria...Whereas if you watch singers like Monaco, you can see all their thinking about is whether they can put extra high note or two in the next few bars!

[@gerdtbayer3310]

@@tenorandguitar Totally wrong!

[@contraltissima]

Mr. Ungerman you have no idea. Corelli was one of the loudest, the modern ones heran are no voices compared to him. I did sing with two of them, believe me, they have absolutely mediocre, not really developed voices. Woofy, ingolato, squeezed and constricted sounds and throats. Corelli s throat is completely open and free. Who cares about nuances if not one sound out of their mouth is good??? Who has ears, listen! The others should be quiet and learn.

[@johnroberts4078]

So what happened? The vocal coaches gave up (one way or the other?)? Training was deemed too much? Or is it something we are eating, or breathing? Where did the beautiful voices go?

[@TadeoDoria777]

La saturación en el audio de la grabación por la época juega un rol fundamental en cómo lo escuchamos. Hay algunos que gustan de esa saturación. Hoy se puede agregar con efectos ese mismo sonido artificial que tanto gusta, pero no es tan común.

[@indeserto]

@@johnroberts4078 a real vocal vice that became fashionable in the 60s and 70s was the nonsense of vocal placement, "putting" the voice somewhere (usually in the mask (frontal face area). This is physically impossible, but became very popular as a pedagogic notion. It leads to many vocal faults. Similarly, belly breathing and holding the ribs and/or belly out while singing were propounded as a means of "engaging support" and "activating the diaphragm". These are also nonsensical ideas, but still have huge traction in the voice world. That's just for a start, but these both certainly contributed to large-scale vocal decline.

[@ainhoaaparicio3729]

Franco Corelli must have been a very hard-working and demanding artist...but essentially he was a "natural". No superfluous tension in the jaw, amazing connection, astounding fiatto, a "messa da voce" unmatched. The ability to communicate emotion,pain and effort without straining his voice. Drama without affectation.

[@vladtepes71]

Well, you just described the correct singing technique 👍🏻

[@georgwachberg1242]

i don't think he was a naturale, distefano was, corelli (i believe) had to work on it.

[@johnareiter73]

As was Beniamino Gigi who probably was the greatest of the "naturals." Caruso however, in my opinion was the greatest tenor ever and probably will never be equaled. That can also be said of Maria Callas who "was" the part she sang in every role.

[@robertcorbitt1305]

All of these tenors are superlative.

[@robbystafford8273]

he worked extremely hard, was a perfectionist, AND was a natural. his virtuosic and hard won technical mastery is just as essential as his instincts

[@jean-marcevans1439]

No contest. Corelli is the best at every level against these three and any other tenor. There will never be another. Bravo!

[@figenuner3318]

Aynı fikirdeyim yanısıra Mario de Monako’yu da unutmıyalım

[@rockon416]

Is it really necessary to waste time comparing the pure gold with bronze? He was the voice of the century.

[@joeblack8915]

What bollocks. Music is subjective. Your personal opinion is not an irrefutable truth. Furthermore, there are many genres of music, and you may not care for them or about them, but that doesn't mean they're not valid, so calling anyone the voice of the century is utter bullshit. Anyone who tries to prove that their favourite singer is the best is just trying to convince others of it, and they then get all flustered and angry when others disagree. How childish. Music should be enjoyed for what it is. Why turn it into a contest? There are no winners in what is a subjective art form, as is any that affects human emotions. Just enjoy the music without trying to prove the unprovable, for Christ's sake.

[@alexis12628]

Sooooo. My favorite is Mario Lanza, and he isn’t even in the category. What a shame.

[@rockon416]

The category was comparing Corelli with few other operatic tenors. Corelli was a spinto tenor with huge voice and equally skillful in soft pianissimo. Lanza also had a powerful voice but his operatic career was interrupted by making Hollywood movies. He was known as tenor and Hollywood film star.

[@rockon416]

@@joeblack8915 I guess you are the one who gets angry when people discuss their favorite singers that you do not agree. In fact you probably like any voice in all genre including rap singers. The person who put this up is comparing Corelli with some mediocre tenors. So get angry with him. Many critics have said more than any others, Corelli was the voice of the century. So get angry with those critics as well. As a bel canto trained classical tenor myself, I happen to agree with them wholeheartedly.

[@Ignasimp]

@@joeblack8915 music is not subjective. There are plenty of objective parameters that can be discussed, you can even mesure them. Singing technique is one of them.

[@ramonduarte6893]

El Gran Tenor Lirico Spinto Franco Corelli uno de los grandes tenores del Siglo XX. Una gran voz dificil hoy en dia de encontrar algun sustituto y creo que por varios años

[@marioborgo768]

Meraviglioso

[@jincorey4118]

No lo hay ni lo habrá, porque la opera cambió, la opera antigua sin microfono creaba cantantes potentes y con largos fraseos, hoy en dia la potencia se sustituyó por los parlantes, y el stablishment de la lírica no permite que no canten quienes no se adaptaron a la nueva opera, por eso los cantantes nuevos admiran a los old, pero saben que si se convierten en alumnos del viejo estilo jamás conseguiran papeles importantes en los grandes teatros.

[@visionseeker68]

Che bella voce, Franco! He was a magnificent artist, all around. I had the great fortune of meeting him several years ago in a highly realistic lucid dream while I was studying as a tenor. He appeared in the prime of his career, young, handsome and disarming.

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

Corelli è divino! He makes it look so natural, so easy!

[@davidgould9431]

Yeah, Turiddu wearing a suit and tie. So natural. It's not the look, it's the sound. And what a sound.

[@ronbon7090]

@@davidgould9431 you sound dumb af. He’s talking about his technique. It makes it look like his singing is easy as hell. Which is far more difficult than people think.

[@eleazarperez5080]

Que mal gusto...tan solo el de asignar este título al vídeo! ... que exceso de soberbia y pedantería.

[@monomonomono5333]

Los muchachos que titularon este video fueron excesivamente generosos en calificar a estos dos de "mediocre tenors". Los "monos aulladores" hubiera sido más preciso.

[@gerdtbayer3310]

I have to contradict: Franco Corelli was not 'divino', but he was 'un Dio' among the tenors. Devo contraddire: Franco Corelli non era 'divino', era 'Dio' tra i tenori.

[@alessandrott7568]

Rolando Villazón's version sounds and looks more like a caricature than an actual serious performance in my opinion.

[@richieg8432]

100% and those eyebrows make it all worse

[@tamerbelal1]

Mr bean singing opera

[@angiepo5777]

@@tamerbelal1 👍🤣

[@roscomeon3965]

Idiotic comment. Nonentity adjudicating on a professional

[@alfredolapadura1402]

cierto, pero hay tipos que los ponen a la altura de los grandes, como Corelli, Caruso, Bjorling, Di Stefano

[@drago623]

Compering body, facial expression and eyes, Franco Corelli is simply stunning. The 3 modern tenors are little in pain performing.

[@cosme9899]

Brutal, cómo nos han ido cambiando el gusto... Eternamente agradecido por refrescar mis oidos. Tremendo Corelli

[@lanzarote661]

No han cambiado los gustos sencillamente hoy elevan a lo mas alto a aquellos que por una razón u otra manejan el mundo de la ópera, dejando al margen voces mejores que las que elevan con un marketing brutal.

[@mariagracielacowan1587]

Corelli era espectacular, pero no pueden tratar de mediocres a los demás tenores... tener en cuenta la nacionalidad , el contexto y son estos tiempos. No nos han ido cambiando el gusto , el canto también tiene cambios porque vienen otros intérpretes. otras tecnologías... y mucha competencia. No me parece acertado comparar son individuos.

[@cosme9899]

@@mariagracielacowan1587 Corelli no era espectacular, fue y es único. Es verdad que son técnicas distintas y personas distintas, pero dígame: ¿Qué sería de la ópera sin la comparación? Se compara versiones según directores y según el elenco artístico de la misma. Sin la comparación, la ópera habría muerto. Yo no digo ni hablo de mediocres, pero sí que le digo que uno de ellos no canta, berrea. A ver si adivina quién. Un saludo y a seguir disfrutando.

[@mariagracielacowan1587]

@@cosme9899 de acuerdo, comparar es una posición distinta a tratar de mediocres a otros tenores como dice el título del vídeo. No son intérpretes mediocres ,son distintos ,con sus peculiaridades vocales y su origen ... Cosme escuchar a Corelli en el aria de Calaf (NESSUM DORMA) -Turandot de Puccini- Es absolutamente emocionante a pesar de las imperfecciones de las grabaciones. Saludos y a disfrutar . Amo a Corelli .

[@cosme9899]

@@mariagracielacowan1587 Nunca dije que lo fueran, solo dije que uno de los tres, en vez de cantar, berrea.

[@Phillippilib]

I wouldn't call the other tenors "mediocre." Corelli's voice was in a class of its own and very unique. I understand he was always very nervous before he went out to perform. It was also a huge tenor voice with such a focused, brilliant tone. So thrilling to hear. I had the honor to hear him sing in Turandot one time; amazing when he sang his high Bb not facing the audience and it could be heard very clearly. When he turned around it even got louder!

[@tpnotes]

Not about louder sound but a sound that carries through the theater. Actually, mediocre is a nice thing to say about the other tenors since they don't really know how to sing. Very few know how to these days. Unfortunately. True singing is almost a lost art.

[@toscadonna]

Corelli was nervous to sing, because he had a stutter when speaking. But speaking and singing use different parts of the brain, and we didn’t know that back then. He was worried to stutter onstage.

[@advocate1563]

His wife used to push him onto the stage at his worse moments.

[@sugarbist]

@@toscadonna Dear Toscadonna, I've heard Corelli speak on many interviews both in Italian and English. I never heard him stutter in Italian. Corelli suffered from terrible stage fright which plagued him throughout his career. Even people who stutter when they speak, do not stutter while singing.

[@sugarbist]

@@williamadolphe7921 Dear William, Corelli was NOT a perfect singer. He simply suffered from stage fright throughout his career.

[@marcelosoto-quiroga1965]

Corelli had such a powerful voice he could sing this role and many others effortlessly... that gave him the chance to put his dramatic color without distorting speech nor tone, i.e. no need to yell or scream.

[@judithbereczky4114]

Yes, it seems so effortless when Corelli sings. When you look at the faces of Villazon, Kaufmann (and others of today) singing the same arias as Corelli (example: Turridu Mama) their faces are deformed, tortured and frightening to us who see them and Corelli's face is normal, and still with lots of passion and feelings. No comparison.

[@guadalupeesquivellopez8284]

Corelli seemed he was charging the whole orchestra like an Anteus.

[@paulennini3655]

@@judithbereczky4114 They sre pushing their voices. None of them have any business singing roles like Turiddu. They simply do not have the goods for it. Corelli sings it without all these contortions because he had the vocal resources to do it. If you want to see something truly horrific, I suggest you watch Villazon obliterate the song "L' alba separa della luce l'ombra " by Tosti, from about 2011. It's like some kind of demonic possession going on when he "sings" it.

[@judithbereczky4114]

@@paulennini3655 Ha ha. Villazon looks sometimes like he is demonically possessed.

[@johanneskreisler7647]

There’s a Russian channel, Chiaroscuro, it shows that not only the great tenors of the past were much better than our contemporaries, but even the average tenors of 50-60’s are hugely superior.

[@chiaroscuroculture]

Yeah, there's a channel😂😂😂

[@Walter1950]

No question about it - Corelli was in a league all to himself - such an extraordinary talent that thrilled, and touched the heart, soul, and mind of those of us that had the great privilege of hearing him live or on recordings.

[@johnareiter73]

He was discovered and promoted by Maria Callas.

[@jerrie1935]

Wow! Corelli is in a class by himself.

[@davidgould9431]

Only if you are judging by this video. Corelli was great, but Beczala (who?), Villazon and the budget heldentenor Kaufmann are hardly appropriate comparisons. Look for "Mamma! Il vino e generoso" with di Stefano, Gigli, Bjorling - others, lots of others. Corelli tended to scoop to his high notes - he hit them, but it took a while. This isn't a musical judgement, but I think Corelli sounds like a thug - the kind of guy you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. Probably just me.

[@hedarozman5908]

@@davidgould9431 qqqqqq

[@Missedtrain-gu1fh]

@@davidgould9431 LOL

[@johnareiter73]

Enrico Caruso is in a class by himself. All others follow him.

[@lagoca]

There´s nothing to compare Corelli is one of the greatest tenor of all times.

[@davidgould9431]

And here we have the oh-most-musically-sensitive argument of all time: who was louder, Corelli or del Monaco? Because that's what it comes down to. I've read far too many YT posts about it and that's what they all boil down to.

[@ceaaifr3712]

Fritz Wunderlich

[@epmz888]

@denny b IMHO del Monaco only had forte and fortissimo but Corelli also had piano and pianissimo.

[@ceaaifr3712]

ich liebe nicht Italienischen oper

[@davidgould9431]

@denny b Fair point - I was being a grumpy old man - sorry for that.

[@octavioserer7979]

Grande Corelli !!!!! Qué voz inigualable !!!!!!

[@alexisvangelder4741]

Almost everyday I listen his music...and always he gives me goosebumps.

[@susanhilmi1787]

NO ONE CAN COMPARE TO THE GREAT FRANCO CORELLI

[@Monnarchmonnarchy]

His stone timbre and because he ownes spint.

[@evandrosantana3670]

Tenors today perform heavy roles too early, and it seems that they do not have enough time to rest. Careers like tenors in the past had are not possible in our times.

[@Monnarchmonnarchy]

@@evandrosantana3670 careras cracked even on lyric. He was like unstable wood on che gelida at 1973. So awful. Too much attention on freaks. Tenors can cracked even on lyric, thats horrible

[@evandrosantana3670]

@@Monnarchmonnarchy when you think of Villazon, for example, you see the problem: Don Carlo, Werther, etc. Today you don't see him very often in opera roles (he is almost restricted to recitals).

[@Monnarchmonnarchy]

@@evandrosantana3670 vilazon poor guy. Cracked tenor. Throaty. But he sang not good at young i guess. Only young Alagna from modern stars got a good technique, not perfect, but more operatic. Much more pitty story

[@simoneteritti1120]

Vabbe, Corelli distuggerebbe qualsiasi tenore,figuriamoci questi.

[@luxlux818]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏....BEN DETTO... ❤❤❤CORELLI NON HA PARI❤❤❤...MI DISPIACE PER TUTTI GLI ALTRI...CHE MI SCUSO PER IL PARAGONE,MA MI SEMBRANO DELLE PENTOLE ATTACCATE AD UN CARRO IN MOVIMENTO...😂😂😂😂🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@marcomalpassi7655]

anche Gigli, Caruso, Pavarotti? Comunque le registrazioni dei tenori precedenti a Corelli sono tecnicamente penose.

[@智子-m8k]

CERTO‼️‼️

[@gianfrancocartella5488]

Questi in confronto a Corelli sono coristi. Vadano a buttarsi nel fiume piu' vicino a casa loro.... MA IN FRETTA.. DAI DAI DAI PIU' VELOCIIIII WOOOOOMMM 😂😂😂😂😂

[@petranagler8834]

0:27 …. portati la carta

[@robertberger4203]

Those are NOT "mediocre " tenors . They're terrific in their own ways .

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Well said

[@lazatarra]

Using microphones of course.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@lazatarra ......uh, no

[@lazatarra]

@@rugby8-Philadelphia of course! Haven’t u heard these singers live? You’ll be disappointed as I was.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@lazatarra I have, and I like different ones different amounts - but of course they didn't need mics. Perhaps you've heard them in an outdoor park setting where the sound always dicey...

[@wookinooki9023]

he doesn't PUSH. he SINGS through the notes.

[@ismaelvalencia9101]

Bravissimo Corelli, 👏👏👍👍❤❤❤🇲🇽

[@clementinabignardi4614]

Non si possono fare confronti! Corelli era dotato di un carisma particolare. Ho avuto il privilegio di vederlo dal vivo e non lo posso dimenticare! Tinin

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

Anzi, se ne devono fare!

[@gemmadestate3216]

@@DiomedesDioscuro Si devono fare perché la lirica é da salvare!Leggetevi l'intervista di ieri al proposito ,rilasciata dal maestro Muti...leggetela davvero!

[@giovannimagnanini491]

Immenso Corelli, commozione continua.

[@ninasieger4070]

Es ist kein Wunder, dass jetzt keine solche Sterne mehr gibt. Keiner kann glauben über welche Schwierigkeiten heutzutage junge Sänger durchgehen. Lehrer, Klavierbegleiter, Dirigenten, alle, die nicht viel von Stimmen verstehen, die alle kastrieren schöne und große Stimmen noch im Studium, statt sie zu unterstützen. Es ist ein Wunder, dass manche noch immer irgendwie singen.

[@cescafran4760]

All'inizio ho pensato che "destroying" nel titolo fosse un po' esagerato, ma dall'Andante con moto (min. 2:50) in poi ha trovato un suo senso: che differenza! Kaufmann & co cantano la frase in maniera talmente snaturata da togliere la drammaticità a una pagina di musica che invece ne è piena. Tutti e tre calcano a sproposito le vocali, ingrossando la voce forse per aggiungere una componente struggente, ma ciò che ottengono di sicuro non è dramma, in quanto il discorso musicale diventa poco scorrevole e perde la sua direzione. I loro acuti su "s'io non tornassi" sembrano forzati in un qualcosa simile a un grido, e arrivano talmente all'improvviso da sembrare fuori contesto. Al contrario, la voce e l'interpretazione di Corelli assumono con una naturalezza incredibile le sembianze di Turiddu che già è consapevole di avere un coltello conficcato nel petto. Corelli canta come parlerebbe un figlio a sua madre, con la consapevolezza che sta andando a morire ma non vuole farla preoccupare. Nel finale, su "s'io non tornassi", l'acuto è talmente consequenziale alla frase musicale che sembra raggiungibile da chiunque, talmente è cantato con semplicita: morbido ma intenso, triste ma deciso. Per concludere: tutti e quattro hanno eseguito un'aria di Cavalleria, ma uno solo ha cantato nei panni di Turiddu

[@ipercalisse579]

Tutto vero.

[@natalinatollari9906]

Analisi perfetta!!!!

[@natalinatollari9906]

Non c'è storia!!!!!!! Corelli! Prodigio!!!!!!

[@norai.5826]

La chiusa finale è particolarmente efficace, brava.

[@adrianprota2105]

When you get someone (Corelli) this good vocally , and tall, and handsome, it’s BINGO! Absolutely no one else matches the thrill, power and beauty of that voice.

[@26midi]

Corelli, el mejor de todos los tiempos!!!

[@hialeahkid2]

M. Leslie Epstein , im blown away , you were able to see this man that many times , a real privilege ! I live in Vancouver , and at 59 have made 10 trips to New York . i did attend the Met once though . Corelli is my favorite tenor ! Kudos to you .

[@johnperkins7857]

I had some traing with William Olvis who was often an understudy for Franco Corelli. Ease and pure sound as resulted from a dropped larynx is one mark of the greats. The main ingredient is Talent...

[@MrPAPAGAYO46]

La voz de Franco Corelli, puesta en igualdad de condiciones con otros tres tenores de más reciente figuración, pone de relieve la inmensa superioridad e impetuosidad de su registro, sin duda alguna uno de los tenores más impetuosos y diestros en el correcto manejo de sus agudos, lo mismo que de un impresionante dominio de su respiración y de su emisión.

[@piernicollascollo6654]

Corelli voce pura gli altri tre sono facchini della voce

[@lorenagaleazzi5026]

Non si può fare un paragone con il Grande Corelli!!!

[@ThrivingJean]

Mr. Corelli's excellence speaks for itself. You do not need to belittle or despise lesser artists for the sake of promoting great singing. Spreading negativity never works.

[@clarequilty4962]

It's so infantile, isn't it? People like that really do think in terms of "My 10-Best All Time (fill in something)."

[@evgeny9965]

It is called EDUCATION.

[@Mark-The-Tenor]

Thank you!!!

[@Mark-The-Tenor]

This literally the kind of stuff that turns people away from the art form. Because it seems so snobbish.

[@anthonymorrone7589]

I disagree. If we don’t point out how bad current day singing is, we will lose track of what is great. Mediocrity becomes the new standard. Those of us who have heard the truly great tenors like Corelli, Pavarotti, Bergonzi, 👍Vickers,Gedda, etc. cant let that happen! Sorry if that offends you.

[@jphubert]

I always hate to compare tenors because Corelli always was and I assume always will be my favorite. I like many tenors but none as much as Corelli including del Monaco, Pavarotti, Tucker (my least favorite of those 4). He certainly looked extremely relaxed in these snippets. His sound was, as always absolutely stunning. Clearly he was gifted with an absolutely spectacular instrument and made the most of it. He had a squillo that very few singers have. Pavarotti had it on his highest notes but not so much in the mid-range/passagio where Corelli had it in spades around F to Ab. In person, he made it look truly effortless. He could sing lying down just as well as standing. I never liked Kaufman because to my ear his throat sounds closed off and almost muffled at times. He is quite a good musician though. Villazon sounds good but is hard to watch with all his facial/oral contortions. I found Beczala to be technically adept but uninspiring. None of the 3 seem to have any real squillo in the upper register however which to me really separates the truly inspiring from those that are not (my personal opinion only of course). It is certainly true that singing at the level of these 4 men is extremely difficult. Almost no one can do it at all. One has to admire them for what they have accomplished. Singing for years at this level is truly a massive challenge.

[@oldmacmillan]

Where do you place di Stefano and Alagna?

[@craigcollins6904]

@@oldmacmillan di Stefano was a lyric tenor and ruined his voice trying to sing heavier rep. To my ears, he sounded like a pig when he sang roles too heavy for him. Carreras, Alagna, and Araiza follwed in his (Di Stefano's) footsteps sadly. Lovely lyric voices that pushed and forced and trashed their voices.

[@lidiab.8713]

Que piensas de Juan Diego Flores, peruano. Yo creo que es excelente como para agregar a la lista

[@lidiab.8713]

@@oldmacmillan Alaña no existe!!!!

[@guidogreco341]

@@craigcollins6904 Exactly..you are quite right

[@voro5527]

Corelli had the most wonderful of voices and the most handsome of looks. RIP

[@insightinspiration9922]

What makes a tenor world-class when comparing singers with more or less same technique is in my opinion the capacity to sing a clear high pitch that seems effortless. For many tenors displayed in this video it just sounds as if they are pushing a tone that they are not really capable of singing. So they are comfortable in the middle part and then, when they try to hit the high note, it sounds shallow and somewhat uninteresting. Pavarotti or also Corelli hit the pitches so easily and they ring with such intensity, it is just another level. Not everyone is blessed with this sort of "material", just like not everyone is blessed with 2m height when wanting to be a professional basketball player. The reason why so many tenors who lack the basic "material" are very successful though is that after all good tenors are rare. It is not like the soprano voice for which there is a lot of competition and hence there is a large selection of great artists to choose from. Necessarily, as there are fewer tenors, they will get booked nevertheless. I think in any way, everyone who masters opera singing, even without world-class singing material, deserves all our appreciation and it is nevertheless beautiful to listen.

[@estherespinozaespinoza9656]

Gracias! Gracias! Fenomenal Corelli!

[@svetlanatkachenko4689]

Corelli is a best!!!Thank you for this beatiful video!

[@JussiPaul]

I thought the first tenor was Mr Bean for a minute!

[@scottishlore]

Exactly what I thought!

[@yuenkoi]

I thought the same.

[@alfredoolarte9137]

I think Mr Bean is better. Very funny 😆

[@laprimmadonna2341]

Me pasó igual!!

[@FranciscoArvizuH]

All of them are microphone tenors, media. Franco was God in open stages, all'aperto.

[@mikeobrien1559]

You do know you're hearing them all, including Corelli, through a microphone, right? Compare the orchestra sounds of all these examples and you'll realize the biggest difference is in the recording technologies. 😏

[@FranciscoArvizuH]

@@mikeobrien1559 Microphones for amplifying the voice in the rooms, not for picking up sound.

[@williamadolphe7921]

@@FranciscoArvizuH Exactly!

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

@@FranciscoArvizuH and how are you supposed to record them then?

[@FranciscoArvizuH]

@@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda I reiterate. It is one thing to capture the sound in an acoustic auditorium and another is the amplification of the room. As far as it is known, Franco Corelli did not act with his voice electronically amplified, which is common today, and not only since The Three Tenors, who turn the art of operatic singing into a simulacrum.

[@giocodispecchi]

Il primo rischia un colpo apoplettico, il secondo si strangola con un ranocchio , il terzo bzzzz bzzzzz bzzz. Corelli naturale, fresco, elegante,strepitoso.

[@esterbruno8604]

Viva Corelli! 😍

[@davidecostanzo9752]

Ma Kaufman é un tenore drammatico perché dovrebbe sembrare che si strozzasse? Io non l'ho notato

[@leoploner8929]

@@davidecostanzo9752 Kaufmann senz altro ha le sue qualità... anche Beczala... ma in altro repertorio...

[@eugeniogentili1048]

@@davidecostanzo9752 Kaufmann e' nato ingolato.e morira' ingolato.

[@judithbereczky4114]

Exactly, I thought the same.

[@keithboseman9405]

A caveat: these are stunning performances BY ALL! Franco is simply THE MOST STUNNING! These are not mediocre artists by any stretch! Franco simply rocks harder! Just my opinion...

[@Catalogue2]

PR + sound engineering can do literal miracles for the presentation and even career longevity of voices of mediocre quality; but at the end of the day, as one incontrovertibly hears in the stark disparity between Corelli and countless other tenors, the sow's ear constructs only so much of the silk purse before betraying its identity. Optimally, but not categorically, one needs to experience live the drastic distinction between many tenors and, for example, a vocal and technical titan like Franco Corelli, comparable only to less than a handful of other tenors, none of whom appear in this example. Villazon had/has, at the very least, a very good lighter lyric instrument (and a terrific and charismatic actor); but, like so many (even for those without his native quality) pushed himself beyond the reasonable limits of that instrument.

[@corazonpartio3702]

Coincido!

[@romankotov9914]

I respectfully disagree. There is nothing stunning about these modern tenors. Nothing at all compared to Corelli, Del Monaco, Gedda, you name them. They are squeezing out high notes as if they are struggling with some powerful constipation

[@laprimmadonna2341]

@@romankotov9914 totalmente cierto. Todos estos tenores modernos cantan igual, no impresionan, ni emocionan. Saludos cordiales ❤❤❤

[@raymondwatchman2338]

Each has brought his own God-given gifts to us all.

[@peterfernandez5173]

It is like with the modern tenors the sound is trapped whereas Franco is actually singing the note out into the air.

[@MurasakiMonogatari]

Cos they sing in the mask.

[@ceceliaclarke9147]

Excellent comment. Thank you. "trapped" is a good word for describing their deficiencies. The tenor named Jonas Kaufman, in particular, has a fake dark sound, imitative of Corelli. He does something way back in his throat, to imitate the sound of a great tenor who has worked hours and days and years to develop a truly great sound.

[@danielungermann7055]

@@ceceliaclarke9147 Jonas Kaufmann is iterpeting note for note, there , where Crelli is singing only loud. But it's a nonsense to comare this. The acces to the opera arias are too different to compare them. Fact is, Kaufmann is actually perheaps the best tenot in the world.

[@ceceliaclarke9147]

@@danielungermann7055 The best tenor in the world? Do you mean now? In comparison to living tenors? He could be...and that would not be saying much, because we have reached an extreme low point with tenors.

[@danielungermann7055]

@@ceceliaclarke9147 I dont thing so: Each time has ingenious musicians, also singers. Now it's Kaufmann and Flores, 60 ears ago it was Corelli or 80 years ago, it was Björling. It's a nonsense to compare it. I dont want to hear a Schubert song executed by Corelli...!

[@Eturoel]

There is a natural and effortless power in Corelli's voice which is second to none.

[@jorgemirandalopez3264]

Pavarotti said about corelli:if TV was opperating in his time like in 80s and 90s he ll be considered the GOAT

[@TheGoaneta]

Pavarotti would have been considered a goat...

[@musettina6adina224]

@Jorge Miranda Lopez - noted, thanks As for the reference Goaneta made to *a * goat - there were some critics that had dubbed Corelli « Pecorelli « , which is the italian for « small sheep « .

[@jorgemirandalopez3264]

@@musettina6adina224 Greatest Of All Time = GOAT

[@alvarodittel1185]

Corelli, su voz es nacida del Alma, hay una parte que ningún otro tenor podrá igualar pues no sé le ve tomar aire o respiración en ésa parte. Soy Tenor, para cantos entre amigos y mi Familia, pero ver a Corelli es algo sobrenatural.

[@massimocassano2545]

Corelli aveva qualcosa " dentro" che hanno avuto pochi tenori. La malia e la suggestione che lui esprimeva col suo modo di cantare.

[@Jorge-yy3dd]

a natural, like Callas, and as unique - elegant too, effortless ... nowadays he would be a stage sensation

[@Todd_O_SOP_3465]

У Корелли невероятно благородный, красивый, полный голос. Лучший!

[@МасютинаТамара]

ДаКорелли принц теноров он неповторим

[@petergraham8681]

Why is Corelli especially appreciated today? No one can compare with him in his particular repertoire that’s it!

[@luisantoniodejesusgarciasa2141]

Exactly Peter, that's the point the majority here don't undesrstand. We can not compare a spinto-dramatic tenor to a lyric-light one.

[@Blacksheepinblack]

@@luisantoniodejesusgarciasa2141 Exactly... All these clowns forcefully darkening their voice “ingolatti” Kauffman, Villazón, Piotr Beczała... What a shame... I studied under McCray (direct student of Mario Del Monaco) and thus learned what these giants of the past used to sing with such power and flow. There are no more Corelli, Del Monaco, Checcele etc... we have lyric tenors forcing their throats and producing the ugliest of sounds “alla Geddah”. Great channel!

[@stranraerwal]

@@Blacksheepinblack : Why has del Monaco lost the most interesting characteristics of his voice rather soon? Because he sang forte, forte, forte most of the time. The use of a messa di voce or the mezza voce was not his "thing"...Corelli based his singing on the same principles. But they were lucky: they had by nature incredible voices and could survive in spite of their strange techniques. Villazon didn't last very long because he hadn't based his voice on a solid technique.There are certain scientific facts about building and pertaining a singing voice that fill hundreds of books since 4 centuries. A solid technique and remaining within the natural boundaries of your voice- that's the secret. A lyrical tenor cannot sing Tannhäuser or Siegfried!!!

[@sheruffa6032]

Why is Corelli especially appreciated today? because Italy has fallen, now it is nice, it no longer harms anyone! when Italy is strong Corelli sucks and mediocre as well as all the excellences of Italy, do you understand?

[@stranraerwal]

@@sheruffa6032 NO !

[@bierzobayoba]

Es indiscutible que Corelli tenia una técnica y una potencia innata, por eso le costaba menos, que al resto de los tenores. Su Impostacion era impecable, lastima no encontrar, 'Los pescadores de perlas'. Bizet , cantada por él.

[@abcnowcontrol]

Magnificent great Corelli!

[@sergiotelechemhhtt5a31]

@@thaiselizondo-cantanteboda8861 Se quedaron cortos. El título del video debería ser "Corelli y los perros aulladores"

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

"Vocal chords of steel." Pavarotti spoke about Corelli.

[@mk5244]

...indeed, LP spoke about FC always with the greatest respect and admiration. About Björling he said: „ I am only human...“.RDS

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

@@mk5244 What do you mean?

[@mk5244]

...LP considered Jussi Björling extraterrestrial if I may express it that way. He was full of admiration for him. Being himself one of the best lyrical tenors of all time, what a statement. RDS

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

@@mk5244 It seems like the Bjorling tapes are scratchy sounding. I would like to hear him on better equipment.

[@mk5244]

@@kathrynmolesa1641 ...I am sure you find plenty of excellent recordings of JB. „Gifted by God, taught by the angels,“ as one critic praised him. RDS

[@Filomena1952]

I don't know music but to me Corelli seems to sing effortless

[@yukyukyuk1335]

I'm sitting here laughing my head off. To be fair, there might be better tenors than the three selected to make the comparison, but even so, the vocal production and legato of opera's Golden Age, and in particular Franco Corelli, are a world apart from today's mediocre tenors. Thank heaven we have videos and recordings!

[@ANOANO-b5j]

高音にまで至る息の柱の完全性でコレルリに匹敵する人はなかなかいない。

[@parasemear2686]

I am very grateful for this video! You show the difference, and it is crystal clear!❤ the new tenors singing is like a mud, a drunk mumble

[@gerdtbayer3310]

For many of today's tenors, this is still very elegantly spoken. I was very fortunate to be able to hear many great singers live since 1953. There were also numerous tenors there, whom nobody speaks about today, but who were all much better than the highly acclaimed tenors of today. Age often also has its advantages.

[@gerdtbayer3310]

@silver bud First: LOL: You can tell a fool by laughing. The stupidity can also be recognized by the fact that you mention both names in the same breath. I cannot see the connection. You would have to differentiate a little more. What should one answer to that? Disgusting. N.B .: Life experiences are very important. You ('bud' or 'seedling') seem to have an infant's experience. You still have to develop!

[@gerdtbayer3310]

@silver bud What kind of nonsense is that? Should your contribution have anything to do with the discussion about great singers (especially with Franco Corelli) or with my early visits to the opera? I would like an explanation on this. And by the way: I usually understood my teachers very well, which is most likely not the case with you. Do you (still) have difficulties reading a short article in a meaningful way? Otherwise I cannot explain your infantile and nonsensical contribution. If you know too little about Hitler or Roosevelt, then I see enormous deficits in your general education and advise you to close these gaps in knowledge quickly.

[@gerdtbayer3310]

@silver bud Two of my grandchildren both work in the United States in the field of research-based medicine. By chance they read the posts by "silver bud" and me and asked me (by email) to add additions. Hereby I do this: I was 5 years and 10 months old when, thanks to my parents, I was able to experience the incomparable Maria Callas (Aida) and the great tenor Primo Zambruno (Radames) alongside other wonderful singers in the Arena of Verona. So much for my Methuselah age, if it's not too difficult for you to calculate my current age. Without being vain, I don't feel like one of the old men, which you (presumably) think it is. I still work today (if necessary) as a doctor and consultant with a doctorate and habilitation. Despite my (very) childish age, I can still remember my first live performance very well. From then on I was crazy about opera. I grew up with beautiful voices. One of my grandmothers had a wonderful lyric soprano and worked at a renowned German opera house until she married a doctor and gave up her career. I think that I can give my opinion on Franco Corelli with a clear conscience, whom I particularly appreciate and admire and whom I have experienced in New York and Europe around 50 times in absolute dream and top form. I will never forget how enthusiastically he was celebrated by the audience in Verona with ten thousand shouts of “Caruso-Corelli”. I remain sincere despite our conflicting views and disagreements Yours Gerdt Bayer

[@gerdtbayer3310]

@silver bud Thank you very much! I am also in favor of a factual discussion. This brought with it my profession. If you have chosen opera in general, not just the singers, but everything else that goes with it, to be your unsurpassable hobby, then you react more critically to the relevant articles. But I also know what's going on on the internet. It is clear to me that, of course, I did not understand all the facets of Maria Callas' great singing art during my first visit to the Arena / Verona. But it was clearly she (and my parents and grandparents) who got me excited about the opera. I am German (you guessed that correctly), and I spent some time with my wife in New York for medical study purposes and to prepare for our specialist training or further training. There I have a large number of friends among doctors (including some of our mentors) who are almost all opera fans and who will hopefully soon be able to see performances again at the MET. Unfortunately we didn't get to know each other personally. Finally, I apologize for my (now) poor English. With best regards and all the best, Gerdt Bayer, born and living in Bayern-Bavaria nearby Munich / Germany

[@gemmadestate3216]

DIVINO CORELLI!!!!!!!Grazie a old school singers:spero che serva a far capire al pubblico di bocca buona che frequenta i teatri oggi, la differenza tra un vero tenore e i disperati ,osannati di questi tempi...Sigh!!!

[@sergiotelechemhhtt5a31]

Tal cual

[@mielinamercury2545]

Todos estos tenores son buenos pero Corelli... ES EXCEPCIONAL!!!

[@sgonz9475]

Claro que no todos son buenos. Hay cantantes líricos con gran fama pero que son una blasfemia para la opera, por ejemplo. Kaufman, Netrebko. Gagaranca. El trio de engomados.

[@cguzmmang]

Beczala no...

[@sergiotelechemhhtt5a31]

@@sgonz9475 Sos demasiado generoso. Yo lo haría extensivo a Flórez, Villazón, Cura, en fin, a todos desde la década del '90 en adelante.

[@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb]

@@sergiotelechemhhtt5a31 sobre todo Cura y Alagna, dos paquetes de los buenos

[@jesusmunoz2400]

@@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb Alagna en sus comienzos era un buen tenor, yo lo escuché al comienzo de su carrera varias veces y era de lo mejorcito de su generación, pero después de poco años lo volví a escuchar y ya su voz era un desastre.

[@bonniebelmondo381]

never heard of Corelli but will never forget him 😍

[@dinifroggy]

Corelli was gifted above anyone ese, probably. But it would have been more decent to praise hIm for his own value without the need to trash the others. About the title of the video. A SUPERB tenor.

[@martadarday1557]

Fare PARAGONI TRA CORELLI (MAßIMO TENOR EROICO DRAMATICO PER SEMPRE!)E JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ MASSIMO TENOR DI GRAZIE PER SEMRE E VILE BASSO COME UN PESSO LEGGERO E PESO MASSIMO. IL LORO REPERTORIO E TALMENTE TOTALMENTE DIVERSO. IO AMO PIU DI TUTTO IL BELCANTO E IN PIU DI 60 ANNI NESSUN MI SODDISFACEVA!!!JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ MI PORTA IN PARADISO CON SUA UNIVA VOCE E BELLEZZA APOLLINARIA TECHNICHA AUTOCRITICA COME MAI NESSUN CANTANTE NE SARA UN ALTRO. ORA DA 25 ANNI . CERTO LEGGE DIVINA HA 48 ANNI E LAVORA PIU MA SEMPRE UNICO.PERFETTO DIVINO!!!MARTA BEATRICE DARDAY

[@johanneskreisler7647]

Well, but Kaufmann really sucks.

[@UranusRising]

These comparisons are not to trash the singers but to demonstrate the insufficient techniques displayed by them in addition to show that they are lyric tenors punching above their weights.

[@werterwalice6407]

@@UranusRising No, it is pretty obvious that this video was meant to trash other singers.

[@МаринаРакутина-б1ж]

Franco Corelli is the greatest !

[@fredobatista4367]

Some of my favourite tenors are: Corelli, Del Monico, Krauss, Pavarotti, Caruso, Bergonzi, Carreras, Thill , Tucker and Bjorling.

[@김범석-t2j]

I think the biggest problem is that any present conductors do not fully understand what genuine ways of singing opera are like.

[@singermanz]

Same with modern singers, hah

[@gerdtbayer3310]

Today's tenors don't get any better with other conductors either. The dilemma: It is not the voice that is important, but the appearance.

[@elainebmack]

Possibly a simplistic view here of why Franco Corelli and other Italian singers shine above all in opera. Maybe it's the homegrown cultural advantage, and Italian way of life that produces natural, beautiful singers like Corelli. These other singers cannot begin to compare. As for Jonas Kaufman, his looks more than his voice are what keeps him in the public eye.

[@ESilva-gw9ig]

The difference is so big that the comparision seems unfair. Kaufmann in particular just irritates me with that voce ingolata, so artifitial singing. Corelli forever.

[@mbrackeva]

I feel the same about Kaufmann. And this is not about Corelli. You could replace him in this video with any number of non-modern tenors and it would still be obvious. So I don't think the comparison is so unfair. It's not about being gifted, but about the way they sing. Look at Kaufmann when he opens his mouth. All you see is tongue. How can the sound he produces not be muffled?

[@ESilva-gw9ig]

@@mbrackeva Very true. Tkanks for your comment.

[@tobiasandrews3778]

He has a beautiful lyric tenor some conductor or teacher destroyed.

[@LocutusBorgOf]

Y'all talk like a cult you know that?

[@lsmart]

@@tobiasandrews3778 It was never really beautiful, but it is already much worse than 10 years earlier. He literally has nothing left. His heft is gone too.

[@giuseppecerescioli9645]

Eppure non tutti riescono a capire quando un tenore è' mediocre, tanto da apprezzare certi improvvisatori che si definiscono tenori.

[@genaraestercabreragarrido1498]

Corelli sin esfuerzo y sin micrófono. Tremendo tenor !!!! 👏👏👏

[@laprimmadonna2341]

Bien dicho!!!

[@OrpheuCe]

ALL of them ARE good singers and artists ....Corelli was extraordinary.....best respects to The hard workers....and to an Genius too

[@johnmangels5572]

There is no question Corelli is the prince of tenors but what is to be gained by denigrating singers of today? Shall we just shut down opera today and retreat to our dark bedrooms and just listen to lps from the 50s?? It all seems counter productive to me. To trash new singers because they are not Del Monoco or Corelli or Callas or Tebaldi is just short sighted. There is no question we have these super stars from the past that stirred our souls but please do not say such awful things about the singers of today. I wouldn't want to sing with such rancor abounding.

[@catherinecozzano2580]

I totally agree with you. 👍 Comparing is not the issue.

[@voltape]

Let the departed rest in peace comparisons are ungaining. You shut up yourself and listen to longplays of the 50's in á radiola

[@Wotan123456789]

I agree with you. In this videos, Kaufmann does a good job though. Turiddu, being not such a heavy role, suits his voice quite well. I am not a big fan of his technique but I like him here.

[@theosalvucci8683]

In his prime, Corelli was criticized for a lack of finesse. He had a very powerful voice, but he relied on this power a little too much, at the expense of refinement and emotional content, according to the common wisdom of the time. So these comparisons are not really valuable. It takes time to evaluate a singer. Callas, for instance, who was known for her dramatic skills, never sang with Corelli, but with Di Stephano and Berganzi, who could compete with her dramatic style.

[@Wotan123456789]

@@theosalvucci8683 I agree 100% with you. Also Corelli was critized for a caprino sound that was not appreciated at that time. Corelli was know in those years to sing for the 'cheap seats' sustaining high notes for long periods and doing everything in his capacities to make them happy. However, Callas and Corelli sang many roles together (Fedora, Trovatore, Tosca, Poliuto plus the commercial recordings)

[@amicarellimariano]

Immenso, il mio connazionale!

[@linameneghetti2972]

... CORELLI FRANCO, SEMPRE ETERNAMENTE... UNICO 💎 🌬️ 🌹💫💫💫💫💫

[@andrewbasile1847]

His vocal quality has a sound that is unique to Corelli. His voice is like liquid gold. He achieves a beautiful volume that is never strained or overreached with perfect tone and expression. This is something that is unique to him and has nothing to do with the other tenors that you have selected. However, whenever I want to listen any opera or aria at its best I always find myself turning to the voices of Corelli's era. No one can match the breath control and pianissimo of Caballe, no one tries. The experience of listening to a voice that has been honed to excellence is a lost art. Maria Callas had an otherworldly sound that was unmatched, again unique - no one could have that unusual tone as it was all hers. The haunting sound of Joan Sutherland, and the quick light trills of Beverly Sills are all perfection because they were meant to sound like their owner and each one gave each aria their own slant. Jussi Bjorling, Mario Del Monaco, Chris Merritt, and the later versions of Domingo and Pavorotti all had a signature sound that placed them above the rest - whatever they sang they placed their own stamp on it. This is not happening today. Perhaps we have not found true gold yet.

[@ericlafoudrenoire1113]

Do not Forget Mario Lanza !!! An incredible voice !!!

[@advocate1563]

agree with everything you say here. It is not all the singers fault. Conservatories with poor pedagogical skills, agents pushing talent too young, the triumph of stage director over music, one could go on. The industry is in crisis and things have got much worse since Covid if only because of fiscal shortfalls. Certainly the case in London. Great comment, thank you.

[@lindenblossom9333]

Liste to me. And. Tu ll. Finf It. Germaine. LUBIN. Was. Fan of m'y voice. And. PAVAROTTI. S PRODUCTOR. TOLF. ME THAT. HE. SEARCH. All. His luge. A. Voice. So. Incantevole

[@eduardooliverosanca4138]

It is not old or new school. It is as simple as this...you know how to sing or you don't know how to sing. You have technical control of your voice or not. You know how to breathe or not, you know how to project your voice or not. All this guy's and all what opera is today is a shame. Compare Corelli with this guy's that you feel all the time they are going to die in the scenario because simply they don't know how to sing. In Corelli's days all this guy's will be part of the chorus or maybe not even that. Again is not old or new, is all about to know what you are doing or not. But since many people that goes to opera today don't know nothing about what they are listening to, all this new guys still there. Thanks for putting this comparison. Viva Corelli, bravo bravo y seguirá por siempre siendo uno de los más grandes!

[@ernlwjr2]

The other tenors are by no means “mediocre,” but Corelli is simply in a league of his own!

[@leslieepstein4700]

I saw Corelli for the first time when I was 15 and he was in his second season at the Met. I knew immediately he was in a class by himself and ended up going to between 200 & 300 hundred of his Met performances, seeing him do every role he sang at the Met, some dozens of times. I never regretted it (even if it made me miss Caballe's legendary Carnegie Hall debut, as Corelli was singing one of his only half dozen Met Dick Johnsons that night, a role I can't imagine anyone singing better.) But, then I could say that about most of the roles I saw him do. To this day when I go to see a Tosca, Turandot, Aida, Trovatore, Chenier, Fancuilla, etc. whoever the tenor is singing that night I still hear in my minds ear Franco, and I can't help but compare, even if it is admittedly unfair to today's tenors. But I still go (at least did until the pandemic) for opera would die if we only went to performances with the greatest of singers. And, of course there is always the hope that one might discover the next Corelli. The fact that I haven't in the 45 years since Corelli retired is sad, because previously in every generation there was at least one tenor in class by himself. Gigli succeeded Caruso, Bjorling succeded Gigli and Corelli succeeded Bjorling, but no one has come along to succeed Corelli. (In my opinion Domingo came the closest, but still wasn't in their league, and certainly not the over hyped Pavarotti.) That doesn't mean people should not have gone to see MacCormack, Schipa, Tagliavini, Di Stefano, Del Monaco, Gedda, Bergonzi, etc. all wonderful tenors though not in the same league in my opinion as Gigli, Bjorling and Corelli. It is heartening to me that so many people are now agreeing that Corelli was among the greatest tenors who ever lived, for I remember in his heyday he was not universally acclaimed. I just want to add for the record that in my opinion there was one other tenor who belongs in this league of greats, but as a heldentenor I list him separately. He, of course, was Lauritz Melchior. No one else singing Wagner comes close.

[@maggiedeveney]

How wonderful to hear your praises for Corelli. Thank you. Tell us more if you can.

[@leslieepstein4700]

​@@maggiedeveney It's nice someone liked what I said enough to want more. I self edited myself on the original post and it still came out longer than most. In thinking what can I add I find it somewhat difficult because I can't even pinpoint one particular performance that I can say was my favorite. They were all magnificent to my ears, but like all artists he had some performances that were better than others, but when you've seen so many and it's decades later it is somewhat of a jumble, and add to that decades of listening to his recordings both studio recordings and live performances (which are almost universally better than his studio recordings). But, some performances do stand out in my mind because of the totality of what was going on. The 1964 Tosca where he replaced Barry Morell to thunderous applause and partnered Tebaldi and Gobbi (returning to the Met after 8 years, himself receiving such an ovation at his entrance they had to stop the orchestra, the only time I've seen Tosca stopped at Scarpia's entrance!). The very next year, same opera, same baritone this time Callas' return. She may have been passed her prime (it was one of her last complete opera performances) but even with diminished vocal resources she could still enthrall and what electricity between her and Corelli. Then there was his first Enzo in Gioconda in 1962 partnering Zinka Milanov in what I believe was her last Gioconda, a role she owned at the Met for over two decades. Of course several seasons later he did the new production of Gioconda with Tebaldi and I saw tons of those, but I still remember that first one at the old house with Milanov fondly. Then there were those Turandots over a period of a dozen years with Nilsson, never less than thrilling. Aida's at various times with Nilsson, Price, Arroyo and others. Also Trovatores and Ernanis with Price, etc. Andrea Cheneir, first with Farrell, later Tebaldi. As noted in my original post, his Dick Johnson in Fancuilla was among my favorite of his roles, but he only did it in one season (all opposite the perhaps underrated Dorothy Kirsten, with whom I also saw him do Tosca and I believe Boheme). I could go on and on, but I have a personal story that might be of some interest to Corelli fans. Back in the mid-late 60s I often went back stage to see Corelli after his performances. He was always gracious but somewhat aloof, perhaps because his wife Loretta was very protective. There were many of his fans there and I'd maybe say a few nice words about his performance and move on. I'm sure he didn't even know my name. One September day in 1968 I had gone to see a movie at the Museum of Modern Art (in the days before cable, TCM, You Tube and streaming it was on of the few places you could see rare vintage films). Coming out of the Museum just after dark I was walking down 53rd Street toward Sixth Avenue and my memory is there was no one else on the street (which seems strange to me now, after all there wasn't a pandemic!) The I see only one person walking in my direction and as he got closer I realized it was Franco. I was so shocked that when he got closer I blurted out enthusiastically "HELLO FRANCO". I figured he would say Hello and walk on. To my surprise he stopped and we chatted for several minutes. To this day the only thing I remember of that conversation was that he said he was currently rehearsing Adriana (which he was doing opposite Tebaldi to open the Met that season. It's also the only reason I can place the year). I probably knew that or could have guessed it, but it wasn't the content of the conversation that was important, it was just how friendly he was. (Was it because Loretta wasn't hovering over him.) Anyway, that's my personal Corelli story!

[@maggiedeveney]

@@leslieepstein4700 I appreciate so much your lengthy response! I am so glad to know you found Corelli polite and courteous! I loved hearing about his entrance with tumultuous applause! I only found Corelli 2years ago, and have been so entranced I’ve been interested to learn about him ever since. I’ve read the books, and wish there was more live video. Like many others, once introduced to Corelli the other tenors seemed lacking, (except McCormack and Fleta) . Corelli’s live performances are fantastic! I really liked the story of you meeting him on the street; how fortunate you were! What an unusual and special memory. I’d be tempted to speculate he was especially polite because Loretta wasn’t with him; I gather this from Segher’s book and others. All the best to you, and thank you again. Regards, from Canada

[@barahona68]

@@leslieepstein4700 Lucky you to have been born at the right place and time to have heard Corelli so many time alive and to have spoken with him when Loretta wasn't there. I envy you! Thanks for sharing with us your memories of him.

[@burtcollins239]

Your so lucky to have gone to opera. Were your parents the ones you went to the opera with?

[@renepaccard7914]

Qui peut rivaliser avec Mr Corelli le meilleur inégalable et oui en plus la bezu❤❤❤

[@johnbitonti2672]

The voice of Corelli, has no flaws, not even at the high notes!!

[@sakuranohana9782]

Oh Corelli! Bendita voz ! Saludos cordiales!

[@cristianrusenescu2163]

Beautiful, Corelli

[@ВалерийНикулин-р5щ]

Корелли не старается петь драматическим голосом, не подчёркивает эмоции "драматической" мимикой - он вкладывает драматизм в своё пение, его голос не нуждается в "заглублении", "расширении", прочих ухищрениях, к которым вынуждены прибегать его оппоненты, но, будем справедливы - таких артистов всегда было не много. Беда в том, что певцы, достойные, максимум, второго, а то и третьего состава во времена Корелли и Дель Монако, сейчас числятся в лучших - и по праву! Другие-то ещё слабее! А во времена великих каким был второй состав? - Пиччи, Раймонди, Лимарилли, Поджи! - Любой из них "сдул" бы со сцены нынешних премьеров! - Вот, что всего хуже.

[@jaygbardo8781]

Corelli optimized "squillo", that is ring in the voice, which is phenomenal, same with Alfredo Kraus (master technician) and the natural ability of Mario Lanza (even) as compared to some lighter voices of today...Pavarotti praised Corelli as having a 'larynx of steel'. So when it comes to power and ring, there is no quarrel that Corelli is near the top of the list.

[@yongminpark1578]

Franco Corelli... The only tenor who made the 10 years old boy tears who didnt know still wha is life....

[@andresfedericovarizat4375]

Voz libre, squillante, agudos brillantes = Corelli. Este video demuestra el bajo nivel de los tenores de hoy, varios de los cuales aparecen en este video. El arte del canto en decadencia.

[@josemanuelvizcayalopez6103]

No es que defienda a los otros, es que Corelli era simplemente de otro mundo, sobrenatural!

[@sevenoctave88]

He is a great mountain & deep ocean ❤🎉

[@evelynwehbe]

Impressive 👌👌absolutely impressive to hear the difference👍👍 thank u for sharing corelli

[@MarcoErba1]

Corelli aveva un organo a canne nel petto, una delle voci più belle e potenti di tutti k tempi, sorretto da una tecnica vocale di altissimo livello imparata da Lauri Volpi. Lo stesso Pavarotti ne aveva una ammirazione sconfinata. Se fosse in quest’epoca sarebbe un divo idolatrato a livello planetario.

[@francogimelli8150]

Concordo!

[@natalinatollari9906]

Oooh yes!!!!!!!! The biggest!!!!! Meravigliosa creaturaaaaaaaa

[@toscadonna]

There’d be no sopranos today who could share the stage with Corelli today. He’d destroy them all.

[@sugarbist]

@@toscadonna Corelli or any tenor did not seek to destroy their sopranos.

[@wordscapes5690]

Look, I would be the first to admit that our modern “talents” are based more on good PR than talent. However, given the fact that this art form receives so very little funding nowadays, I am more than happy to pay full price for mediocre. Nonetheless, I do agree with you wholeheartedly. I can’t remember when last I was driven to my feet at a curtain call.