Jon Vickers, Giulietta Simionato: Gia i sacerdoti from Aida

[@mariopiernes6944]

In my humble opinion, she was the complete package, voice, beauty, and brains. John Vickers is also fabulous!

[@cliffgaither]

AND she's wearing the Hell out of that costume !

[@fabriziogarzi9892]

@@cliffgaither , certo non e' la Garança....

[@cliffgaither]

@@fabriziogarzi9892 :: I don't speak Italian ... but I don't think "la Garanca" ever performed _Amneris._

[@fabriziogarzi9892]

@@cliffgaither , non parli italiano ma hai capito benissimo! Volevo dire che la Garança a confronto come mezzosoprano fa ridere. Amneris non potrebbe mai cantarla, in teatro ha una voce piccola piuttosto banale. In Carmen fu un totale delusione. Cordiali saluti.

[@cliffgaither]

@@fabriziogarzi9892 :: You understand English better than I understand Italian. Why don't you write in English ? But yes ... her voice is "small". She would kill her voice if she tries Amneris. I have never heard her "live" as you have with her singing Carmen in the "teatro". I have only heard her on YOU-TUBE with microphones And with microphones, she sounds "powerful". Happy New Year !

[@Sutherland2]

How wonderful to see these two at the height of their power and art. What a great video! Simionato should have had a much larger career, especially in the US. Vickers is a legendary Rhadames. Who today could come even remotely close to this? Thank you for posting this video.

[@marcleysens7716]

A prime example of why I love opera. When dramatic storytelling comes together in its fullness through setting, acting, music, lyrics and voice.

[@fumblerooskie]

I came here to hear the impeccable Jon Vickers and stayed for the stunning Giulietta Simionato.

[@hermangaddy4361]

In my humble opinion these two were the finest voices to bring these roles to life. I've worked at the Met and this scene and the judgement scene that followed are diamonds in the bouquet of one of the most perfect and satisfying operas ever written.

[@mariopiernes6944]

I don't understand why Dame Giuletta Simionato is so underrated, she had a wonderful voice, fabulous beauty, and an otherwordly artistic presence.

[@johnsarkissian5519]

Underrated? What do you mean? She is considered to be one of the greatest mezzos who ever lived! Who else among her contemporaries can claim that honor?

[@DaniandPietroProjects]

Why are you referring her to Dame?

[@amandajean7738]

Got over shadowed by sopranos with tragic lives and voices. Though, Simionato is numeró uno in her vocal category.

[@DCFunBud]

Boy, Simionato had it all, magnificent voice, great actress, fabulous figure!

[@charlotteclarke7256]

The great Vickers and Simianato ...wow may we all that enjoy singing sound so powerful and clear at 54!!! ❤

[@esterbruno8604]

Impressionante Giulietta!!! 😍❣ Una voce e un fascino non comuni! Anche a 53 anni qui è immensa! 💖

[@michaelblack1977]

Simionato is definitely one of my all time favorite singers. I saw an interview of hers from the late 90s or 80s where she stated she didn't use chest voice. Well, whatever you want to call it, it was unequivocally great chest voice singing.

[@leonoradelagardie]

They are both MAGNIFICENT!!!!

[@maxinecornucci5953]

I know Callas preferred her above all other mezzos because of her superb musicianship. And she knew how to “parlare” as well as Callas! These two are incomparable. Just two giants ripping through the music like fighting panthers!

[@cguzmmang]

En Mexico, en el año 1950, Callas y Simoniato cantaron Aida.

[@DaniandPietroProjects]

And Simionato gets extra credit for slapping Callas backstage. La Divina probably deserved it.

[@amandajean7738]

​​@@DaniandPietroProjects "La Divina" insulted her (rather crudely) far more experienced female counterpart basically calling her too old for her part.

[@cimbassovr]

STRAORDINARIO FILMATO grazie👍❤ torno al 1963 Aida all Arena di Verona Giulietta Simionato MERAVIGLIOSA ARTISTA!!! Jhon Vickers Il TENORE PERFETTO!!! che purtroppo non ho mai visto dal vivo...

[@radames5855]

Una coppia favolosa!!!!!!!

[@YoungbloodG]

A spectacular performance! Two great singers in their primes, pouring out effortless ringing tone!

[@musighitta]

che meraviglia... i tempi d'oro della lirica! Grandi, meravigliosa Amneris, la più bella che abbia mai sentito

[@owenboi66]

This is superb. I was sad to hear this wonderful singer had just missed her 100th birthday. Recordings like this will keep her memory alive for as long as human beings have the ability to be moved by great singing and honest, fearless emotions. Thank you for posting it.

[@marialuisavelona2032]

Meravigliosa Amneris. I superata, per timbro e interpretazione scenica

[@Zva26]

Simionato is on fire here ---- one of the greatest Amneris presentations I've ever seen. Amneris is widely held to be the greatest role ever written for a mezzo soprano. When it's sung as Simionato sang it here, its easy to understand why. A shame that Amneris' Judgement Scene (which follows) wasn't included in this telecast. Jon Vickers had tremendous power as well. You don't hear these roles sung like this today at all. What voices these two had!

[@Altonahh10]

Whoever told you what the "greatest role" might be, somebody else could tell you something different. Don´t forget Carmen, Dalila, Azucena, Rosina and many others ;-)

[@Zva26]

I still think the palm goes to Amneris. I'm aware of all the other great mezzo roles. But Amneris gets to look beautiful, chew up the scenery, show great authority and arrogance, sing some spectacular vocal music, and to be in a position to steal the opera from everyone else ------- no matter who the soprano and tenor are. I only wish that Callas would have chosen to undertake Amneris, but what Aida in her right mind would consent to singing Aida to such an Amneris.

[@Altonahh10]

I still disagree but what the heck ;-)

[@Zva26]

I've read many critics "proclaim" that Amneris is the greatest gift of a role to a great mezzo. I grant you that there are lots of other great mezzo roles, but again, Amneris is a femme fatale of sorts, is given soaring music up to a B flat, dueling duets with Aida and Rhadames, and a Judgement Scene that can bring down the house. She also sings the last notes in the opera. ALSO, Huge-voiced Dramatic Mezzo Sopranos are seldom successful with roles like Carmen and Rosina. They've attempted them, but drop them very quickly. Conversely, no Rosina or Carmen is going to be wanting to linger in the Egyptian palaces or the mountains of Biscay (like Azucena ---- another great role for for a Dramatic mezzo). Marilyn Horne tried both, and eliminated them very fast. A great Amneris COULD do Dalila well, and it's a great role, but I see her as more contralto-like. The tessitura of the role is very low. Of course, there have been some exceptions where mezzos have undertaken both lyric and dramatic roles concurrently and successfully, but those exceptions are very few indeed.

[@terrance7220]

I think Carmen's vocal writing is pretty boring, and I hate “una voce poco fa”. So IMO Azucena has the best music, Eboli has the best arias and Amneris has the best characterization.

[@giampierone010]

Due grandi interpreti di Aida! Grazie

[@martinlutherclark7855]

AMAZING!!!!! I can't believe I'm just now seeing this video!!!

[@schaerffenberg]

They both look fine! Their acting is subtle, highly effective. Their singing, terrific. Nothing, nobody remotely close to them these culturally impoverished days. Wish we could see the whole opera.

[@contraltissima]

really humble. there were better ones

[@aaronmalone7065]

@@contraltissimawho? 😂😂😂

[@sockmonkeyarts5241]

Simionato is serving.

[@marlenehartley7742]

Now this is great singing!!!

[@AidaJof]

I had heard both singers on separate ocassions, but never watched them together and performing Aida. Both exceptional singers from another era. Thank for posting.

[@mstreepnegron]

Olvidado y maravilloso primo tenore, Jon Vickers, extraordinario tenor, tenor wagneriano y con extraordinario repertorio. Voz y técnica fabulosas. En este video Vickers tiene 38 años y la Simionato 54. El moriría de 88 años y ella de 100 en el 2015. Ambos olvidados para las nuevas generaciones operísticas, pero ambos extraordinarios y magníficos....!!!!!!!!!

[@bl59957]

Simionato eccezionale

[@acacia-bloom]

Vickers is fearsome! What a wonderful recording and it seems to be a live one as there is no lip-syncing - quite remarkable for the 60's! Stunning - thanks!

[@Operafiend22]

Acacia Bloom nearly all the opera broadcasts back then were live performances. Totally agree with you re Vickers. One of the best Aida clips on YT :)

[@fabriziogarzi9892]

@@Operafiend22 , sono registrazioni dal vivo, l'orchestra era da una parte nascosta.

[@pammyjones1151]

My God!!! Those were truly the days! !!!...

[@carlissima28]

thanks so much for this video! i love watching simionato in action. she was 54 here.

[@EniltonCavalcanti]

Wonderful voices and interpretations...I love a both!

[@stevevandien310]

Two magnificent artists who exemplified the last true generation of grand opera. AND on network American television.

[@andremad75]

MERAVIGLIOSA Giulietta!!!! Che voce! Mi mancherai. Riposa in pace. 5 maggio 2010

[@neilnetherly939]

The total package was Simionato. Acting, singing with technical superiority, you name. Vickers is also in fine form here but it's about Simionato here.

[@baltoman24]

Breathtaking! Simionato and Vickers are superb together- they both had the authority to realize their roles to the fullest- thank you for this great posting!

[@Otellogv]

Thank you so much for posting this. Simionato is unsurpassed as Amneris. I love the way that she manages to convey her emotions physically and vocally without resorting to over the top arm-waving and face pulling.

[@tenorschofield]

Marvelous artists for a great duett,Bravo!!!, thanks for sharing this divine material (Simionato was a Master Class on scene, and Vickers had the voice and "physic du role", due to his youth wrestling backing). They look suited as well for a Holywood film, BRAVO!!!!

[@rosy3385]

Sublimes voix et mise en scène exceptionnelle ! Bravo !

[@johnruggeri843]

What wonderful singing and characterization by Both super artists,

[@martinrussell1516]

The best singing and fantastic viewing!

[@lawdavisut1624]

"The greatest example of [seamless] that I ever knew in all my operatic experience was Giulietta Simionato. I think she had the most supreme seamless voice from the bottom to the top I have ever heard, and it was a joy always to sing with her. I used to tell her, 'Giulietta, I love to sing with you because all night I take vocal lessons.'" From Vickers interview - Google "duffie vickers".

[@contraltissima]

oh, so you havent heard anybody of the past? she is not all seamless: her chest voice is strange, not well developed and sounds completely different. and she was a soprano, not a mezzo. but because of her not well developed chest, her top was not strong and healthy enough to sing the soprano repertoire. There were many much better ones like Ponselle, in this role Oralia Dominguez! Flagstad, Traubel, Eileen Farell, Milanov and and and....

[@richardhartley5211]

@@contraltissima Note that this was a quotation from an interview of Vickers. I think you could give Vickers the credit for having heard other singers, and perhaps his opinion could be respected.

[@Lechatnoir3]

@@contraltissima Stefania Toczyska also

[@aaronmalone7065]

@@contraltissimafunny how she had a HUGE career and legions of critics and fans alike who admired her voice and technique… While you have…what, exactly? 😂😂😂😂

[@photo161]

one of the finest videos I have seen on KZbin...an absolutely consummate performance of this great confrontation scene in which every aspect of these two most willful and heroic characters is so completely brought to life.

[@antequem]

Superbe Simionato, à deux ans de la retraite, quelle leçon !

[@fbbomber]

grandissima interpretazione di due grandissimi artisti, che purtroppo al giorno d'oggi si fanno rimpiangere ed in tanti dovrebbero vedere ed acìscoltare per affrontare questi temibilissimi ruoli verdiani

[@giuseppedimarco8358]

Bravo! The Singing of Eternity!

[@carlocolombo5799]

Amneris/Radames di lusso: Lei perfetta come sempre, lui grande interprete stranamente fascinoso malgrado un timbro a gratugia e una pronuncia leggermente Stanlio Ollio

[@esterbruno8604]

Vickers ha una tecnica fantastica ed ha una voce molto potente. Il timbro non sarà molto piacevole, ma ha fascino e ha una bella presenza scenica. E recita molto bene.

[@carlocolombo5799]

@@esterbruno8604 ok, è esattamente quanto ho scritto, mi pare! Aggiungo che il duo finale con Liljana Molnar Talacic (rintracciabile anch'esso su utube) è tra i più convincenti e commoventi anche rispetto a cantanti più famosi ed acclamati. E ciò malgrado i difetti citati di Vickers e certi bamboleggiamenti in zona centrale e la pronuncia slaveggiante del magnifico soprano : a dimostrazione che la perfezione vocale non è sufficiente a rendere l'ascolto pienemente appagante.

[@esterbruno8604]

@@carlocolombo5799 Esattamente! Se hai una bella voce ma non sai interpretare, la performance in sé non vale molto.

[@carlocolombo5799]

@@esterbruno8604 ok ma non esageriamo: una bella voce può appagare di per sé ma non rendere sublime il pezzo interpretato.

[@esterbruno8604]

@@carlocolombo5799 È quello che intendo: un pezzo che sia sublime necessita di buona voce e buona interpretazione.

[@vale86301]

Questa è l'opera,queste erano voci !!!

[@romearomeo]

Sublime

[@dantewalston2755]

These two complement each other!!

[@Umbriaga]

Squisito Grazie tante!

[@Sebastian740]

excellent quality

[@rickierosso221]

I love Vickers. Such a fantastic, smooth voice.

[@adridavih2374]

Love both❤

[@mezzodopera]

Grande, immensa, smisurata Giulietta!

[@baltoman24]

Magnificent - Immortal artists. Simionato and Vickers were totally dedicated to their art. Unfortunately today, singers are encouraged to present themselves as ordinary (even trivial) people busy with social media which undermines the projection of complete artistic dedication. These two artists illustrate the rewards of complete dedication. Thank you for posting this!

[@aforwood1]

The reason singers are that way today is because the sets are not traditional anymore. The operas take place in Timbuktu or Chicago etc. which has nothing to do with the spine of the opera. No one is dressed in traditional clothing but in street clothes. Sad and it sickens me to see it. Opera is noted for it pomp but not anymore.

[@baltoman24]

I completely agree! Even more so, the composer is illustrating the time and setting as well as the emotions. But, in this era, the most outrageous directors are the ones who become the most celebrated! I pity the poor singers who have to cope with these productions. the monstrous "machine" of the Met's Ring is a perfect example. When we return to respecting the work- the art form of opera- its greatness will be revealed again.

[@Altonahh10]

So you´re saying that good singing has to do with the costumes singers wear and the setting of an opera? That´s hilarious! The reason why we have such a few really good singers lies in the fact that they´re greedy and are pushed over their limits. By others and themselves

[@baltoman24]

You miss the point entirely. I was speaking of singers who are in suitable roles- they are asked to do extraneous things that get in the way of good vocal production- like climbing all over moving wood slats in the Met's Ring machine. You are correct in that many are pushed too soon into roles beyond their capacity. Karajan was notorious for that.

[@PDXVoiceTeacher]

@baritonoguapo Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Love this tenor!

[@josecarrerastema8654]

Altri tempi....Immensi

[@oooooo2062]

Sensual la Simionato... una voz extensa, fue para los italianos y creo para el resto del mundo una de las mejores Mezzo's del Siglo XX

[@gianinaagache3753]

Wonderful

[@Operafiend22]

I've been waiting for this fabulous video to appear on KZbin. Thanks baritonoguapo

[@baritonoguapo]

You're welcome! Vickers is my favourite Radames, I was excited to come across this video myself!

[@ininacsot]

superbe, Amneris est aussi très bien,merci

[@AnaLuiza-rl9ee]

Que maravilha....

[@OPEROMANO]

DE OTRO NIVEL

[@Dadacomero]

not all singers can sound so good at 54!

[@jameslevister153]

Where do we go to hear this kind of singing today????

[@1sumiresan2]

Danke für das wunderbare Video. 2 wirklich wunderbare Sänger!

[@manuelc.3286]

Superb!!!!!

[@pilouetmissiou]

so beautifull... very great

[@100voicebox]

Simionato - one of the greatest voices of all time - the greatest ever Amneris! Vickers also - a wonderful Radames - but his Peter Grimes was immense - as was his Otello!!

[@SymphonyBrahms]

His Siegmund was great as well.

[@labienus9968]

Not to mention his Fidelio, Tristan, Parsifal, Troyens-all unbelievable. This is effective, but as much as I adored him, I never thought his spinto Italian as idiomatic. You have no idea how large his voice was unless you heard him live

[@osvaldoscilingo7564]

Fiorenza Cossotto

[@davy91101]

Mofe than one mezzo has come to grief in this role; it lies high and unlike many of the Verdi mezzo roles it is longer and more demanding. Simionato had the top to sing the role. Itt is interesting to look at casts from the 30's, recordings that Gigli made and see her name in comprimario roles. Had WWII not intervened I am sure that her career would have been an international one much earlier. Vickers is one of the few tenors who attempts to follow Verdi's marking for the ending of Celeste Aida. He was Solti's tenor in the complete recording; he did not get along with Solti and vowed never to sing again with him-- a vow he kept. He found Solti unflexible among other things. The recording is worth having even though the style is far from being unified, e.g., Italian.

[@MrOlogramma]

meravigliosi

[@victorberistain9536]

Esto es cantar Verdi: “Bravissima Giulietta Simionato”. 😍

[@mezzodopera]

bellissimo.. ti fa vedere bene da vicino la smionato..grande tecnica, naturale e morbida.. vickers urla e dà colpi con la voce come un dannato... non è all' altezza della partner

[@baritonebynight]

One of my favorite interpreters of Amneris...thx for posting!

[@simonerepetto7562]

Unici!!!

[@brunabruno4421]

Che due giganti !

[@lz43p15]

Certamente due giganti e pensare che ai quei tempi c'erano pure Corelli e Cossotto che non erano da meno.

[@sarahaprincesa]

Non ho parole

[@AuthorDiva]

I believe this was a television broadcast, on the Bell Telephone Hour or some such program, and that this scene was the only part of the opera that was presented.

[@ladyrotha5420]

Monumental.

[@jmiller05]

Verdi really should've named this opera 'Amneris'.

[@Otellogv]

Especially when Giulietta Simionato is singing Amneris!

[@jmiller05]

Otellogv She was born with Amneris in her throat.

[@lhadzyan7300]

indeed, she is the character everyone loves and cares of the story, Aida appears somewhat underneath her, Radames and Amonasro, and the single times when she does actually sings or does something on their own (Ritorna vincitor! and O patria mia!) are kinda forgettfull times; Amneris never gets something as an song on her own, but nevertless where she does appear, she is the key time where the whole story happens! Of course she shares time with Radames (him being the only one at her level indeed), Aida and Ramfis as main single characters, but she is the center of everything that happens, and it seems as his father actually might inherit her his kingdom after his death, so that´s why he is seeking her to have a strong man alongside her to marriage and rule. (Somewhat ahead of the time, as in Ancient Egypt, it barely happened and only once there was a strong female pharaoh there as Queen Hatshepsut, managed to rule on her own, after his father and his weak husband had died, and while his step-son was young, she ruled in his name, and later on her own, while he was pretty bussy enjoying being at the war army front, untill she died.) Indeed the only other character that makes the story to advance is Aida´s father, Amonasro, and he is the one who sees Amneris being his key enemy after all, only being frustrated on killing her by Radames (what a stupid bloke after all!). So yeah, Verdi should have called the opera "Amneris", but well that´s because nowadays we care more about complex characters as her, and at that time in the 1870´s, people were more easily to like more alongside Aida and Radames than her, and that time the soprano was still more apreciated that the mezzo/contralto ones.

[@stefanorosangela]

Yes!!! Verdi wrote for Amneris the most beautiful moments or this Opera!!!

[@staffanlindstrom576]

Simionati is a gorgeous Amneris, vocally and visually.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

This is wonderful! Two magnificent singers and brilliant actors!

[@theresearcher253]

It's odd. I'm a tenor, but I can 'feel' Simionato's technique so clearly in this recording - amazing. I also love Vickers (I was lucky enough to see him live a couple of times), but I have no idea how he did what he did.

[@marksmith3947]

In a way he was like Nilsson. I don't mean their techniques were similar. What they have in common are very powerful builds and incredible physical release. I've rarely seen a tenor with such a simple appearing technique. Magnificent

[@Digiti]

I think the conductor for the "Bell Telephone Hour"was Donald Voorhees. Howard Barlow was the conductor on the "Voice of Firestone".

[@puccio1795]

GRANDE

[@songsofscarlet]

RIP Simionato...

[@jeaninemahieu5164]

Merveilleuse Giulietta Simionato !!! La plus grande mezzo soprano du monde.

[@germanquintero10121946]

HERMOSA ARIA

[@stevevandien310]

We have NO Verdi singers of this caliber today. Simionato had a significant break between her head and chest registers. But that does not override her otherwise nuanced technique, her voice's power and her complete identification with the role. Radames lay rather high for Vickers, who never had free, soaring acuti. Nevertheless, he negotiates the tessitura well. And he was such an intense artist, with a hugely powerful stage presence. Hard to believe, all these years later, that a network program like the Bell Telephone Hour routinely offered excerpts from operas such as this, featuring some of this era's finest opera singers.

[@Justinwtkns]

Her take on amneris is🔥🔥 amneris is easily the star of Aida if done right

[@СеклитаЛимариха]

Люблю.

[@Ruffiello]

This is fabulous! May I ask you where you found it? Is it available is the US?

[@kgarmaker123]

Fabulous... Wow Guiletta is not only a fabulous singer, but look at that body! Wow. Thats a tight costume and she fills it out nicely.

[@savioalves1234]

looking good and singing fine hahahaha

[@hswatnik]

rip g. simionato-

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

PRECIOSA ARIA

[@rothvinbosley1335]

We are left only with Kaufmann and Nebtrebko at this time!

[@SiEtIn1]

oh i just read the description, it gives the date, never mind that part please

[@vaimusic]

Not from a complete performance. Only this scene was performed on a 1964 telecast of the American TV program The Bell Telephone Hour. We have this clip out on DVD, along with a lot of other great performances from that series. Please see our youtube profile for more info about our company, channel name: vaimusic.

[@hugobenedini3507]

vaimusic aéromodelismo fid