Merrill / Tucker - Forza

Don Carlos : Robert Merrill
Don Alvaro : Richard Tucker
Gala Bing 72
Better Quality

[@e-bikeskibum7141]

Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 years old here. Unbelievable! Vibratos healthy, plenty of vocal sustain and strength across the entire vocal range!! Great singers.

[@ricardogigante881]

the loudest finalmente - 3:35 Ever. what an instrument. These two are Olympian titans

[@loidaornelas9479]

Not to mention the most beautiful ''Finalmente'' ever.

[@dorintony]

@@loidaornelas9479 listen to Herlea. This world is tooooo subjective...

[@MOV1983]

@@dorintony The video is not about Herlea.

[@EcceHumanitatis]

And it's also BEAUTIFUL, not just loud.

[@LibbySingsMezzo]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@7H7GRm8jm4QCnjuQ]

Camp Hill Light Opera Experience - CHLOE probably the best Opera video and performance ever, with respect to all the greats. Truly electric

[@moderatoworld3423]

Agree

[@stevenj9970]

No question about it

[@shanetucker7031]

Fuck yeah it is!!!

[@Gustavocasanovatenor]

yes

[@100Singers]

This is what I call great opera singing. Not the mediocrity we have today ....

[@johndoe8114]

When talking about the all time great tenors, people often forget about Richard Tucker. His voice is like a cannon, yet his tonal quality is so pure.

[@Funghiallapanna]

To be technical, it's an F flat. But you are exactly right. I was at that Gala. Merrill's cry of 'Finalmente' that night may just be the single loudest note I ever heard issue from a male throat. Very exciting. It "sat" just right for him and he was in form that night. That note left the stage, sailed/echoed through the huge theatre, hit the back wall of the Family Circle and returned to the stage.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Wouldn't they have sung the duet fron Les Pecheurs des Pearls wonderfully?

[@shicoff1398]

They did sing pearl fishers duet, a year after this as two older Veterans, you can hear it on you tube also, from the "Jan. 1973 Carnegie hall" concert they gave, Tucker was then age 59 but still in solid voice, the audio of it is on you tube under the Pearl Fishers duet, Tucker and Merrill, and also Tucker sang a beautiful more Lyric version in 1946 at age 32 years old with Robert Weede Baritone live also on radio in a radio concert but in English, also on you tube and very beautiful posted by Edmund st austell, it was my recordingI sent to him for posting long ago. @@shirleyrombough8173

[@shicoff1398]

As I said yes they did a year after this, and it is on you tube also.@@shirleyrombough8173

[@johndrohan7659]

Best singers Ever in history.

[@dragonzlyric]

@@shirleyrombough8173I would’ve loved to have seen/heard that but that song requires a tremendous about of strength and control from both voices especially with their intensity.

[@AfroPoli]

Merrill gives a great lesson in the meaning of chiaroscuro here.

[@cedricterry7864]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@harrisonkristian8355]

@Cedric Terry instablaster =)

[@sananton2821]

Chiaroscuro is about varying timbre, as the old singers used to. Merrill most certainly did not do that. He was monochrome all the way through. Chiaroscuro is a metaphor taken from the great old painters, who used light and shade to create dramatic contrast. Did painters use dark and light in the exact same spot? Of course not!

[@Operafiend22]

When Bob took a serious approach, the greatness was there.

[@oiuyuioiuyuio]

​@@sananton2821 why do imbeciles like you talk about things they know nothing about? In opera singing, chiaroscuro has always referred to the constant quality of a voice which must be present all throughout the range (which if you have the right technique should be achieved by the brightness of the chest voice with the darkness of the falsetto and a low larynx). Merrill absolutely had a chiaroscuro voice. No, idiot, it's not about changing timbres, you ridiculous clown.

[@Etnalleb]

Oh My Word !! Tucker was just absolutely stunning here... he truly was a fantastic Tenor. I dont think i've ever heard him sound this good . This was the best baritone/tenor duet i've ever heard. Bravo Tucker/Merill 5 stars

[@tesicon]

His son Henry R. Tucker wrote about this video : "One of the most memorable events in the twentieth-century history of the Metropolitan Opera was the star-studded gala performance honoring the leadership and legacy of Sir Rudolf Bing when he announced his retirement as general manager. For one of these selections, my father was paired with his long-time friend Robert Merrill in one of the duets from "La Forza del Destino." Merrill, by his own admission, was very nervous while he and my father waited in the dressing they shared during the gala.When their moment in the gala finally arrived and they were waiting in the wings, my father kept prodding Merrill to give the performance of his life. To add to his prodding, he grabbed Merrill by the shoulder as they were ready to walk onstage. "Remember, Merrill, no goddamned bunting tonight!" he barked. "It's gotta be a home run! Nothing less!" The videotape of the dramatic duet, "Le minaccie i fieri accenti," went so spectacularly that my father can actually be seen skipping off the stage"

[@UmaBerliner]

That skipping exit cracked me up and was just spontaneous joy personified. I could listen to this every day and never get tired of it. His son Dr. David Tucker, has written a wonderful memoir, The Hard Bargain, that gives a deeply personal and exquisite understanding of the man, his career and his family. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves opera.

[@UmaBerliner]

@SHICOFF1 have you seen this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3qZe5KPlrCcipI

[@shicoff1398]

@@UmaBerliner Thank you.

[@telsport]

Makes me glad I have ears.

[@ruevenben]

That E absolutely flew out of Merrill. One of the most thrilling notes i've heard.

[@ransomcoates546]

Reminds me why even before Covid I had stopped going to the opera. No one sings like this today and no one knows how to teach someone to sing like this.

[@shicoff1398]

Yes, those days are gone.

[@onthehorizon9612]

Good God! These two are God-Given. Just sit back and listen! Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 years old here. Unbelievable! Vibratos with healthy and plenty of vocal sustain and strength across the entire vocal range!! Great singers.

[@shicoff1398]

Agreed!

[@haydenwayne3710]

Great, great voices!!! Two Howitzers!!!! The quality of their respective tones, and with all that power. Name me someone who sings like that today! This WAS the golden age of singing.

[@sugarbist]

Both great singers and absolutely terrific in this great duet. Every time I hear it, it's better than the time before. I love that slap off the back that Tucker gives Merrill at the end of the aria, as if to say"See. we were great" and they were.

[@swissarmytenor]

+sugarbist I think the swat on the back was the cut-off cue, but you're right - they were absolutely great! In Tucker's biography (called "Tucker" - its a GREAT read!) it was reported that backstage, Tucker was dying to get on stage and demanding, "No bunts, Merrill - home runs only!"

[@swissarmytenor]

+sugarbist I think the swat on the back was the cut-off cue, but you're right - they were absolutely great! In Tucker's biography (called "Tucker," it was reported that backstage, Tucker was dying to get on stage and demanding, "No bunts, Merrill - home runs only!"

[@sugarbist]

+swissarmytenor Tucker had a rock solid technique and voice,with great high notes that was appreciated by his peers whom wouldn't hesitate to complement him. Lauri Volpi , Del Monaco and Corelli were big fans of Richard Tucker. Forza was a role that was perfect for Tucker's voice.

[@sugarbist]

Yes , I think so and you can hear and see how exuberant Tucker is

[@user-py1jg6bb2r]

@SHICOFF1 Mr. Tucker is unbelievable, not only in here. So sad for his death...

[@MrOlogramma]

I have the eyes full tears.....this beauty too for me

[@shmk1]

They sang like gods on this night

[@martinsummer6746]

Display.Name 💜💜💜

[@barbarasoprano5269]

Running man Beacause they were...incarnate.

[@marlenehartley7742]

Yes, they did! And I never forgot it.

[@stevevandien310]

Tucker here is nearly 60, Merrill just a little younger. But my God, what amazing voices. Rich , vibrant, resounding Such robust Verdi singing seems well beyond any tenor and baritone who try to sing this music today.

[@johnwalker1746]

Finest singing I've ever heard, from both of them. "Finalmente" from Merrill at ~3:35 is the most amazing thing I've ever heard.

[@shmk1]

spine chilling

[@standingupt]

ABSOLUTEY the GREATEST, most FULL OPERATIC sound I have EVER HEARD!!!!!!!!!

[@photo161]

I remember when I heard it live, the effect of Merrill's massive avalanche of sound like noon had ever heard before was literally shocking, and I was amazed that Tucker was able to retain his composure and go on precisely in character.

[@user-py1jg6bb2r]

@SHICOFF1 Merill has fantastic voice, a bit brighter than Warren, I love all three american baritone. But if you did not tell the volume, I cannot tell at all, and Merrill would not sound too big from recording. Warren and Mac Neil have "older" timbres, or matured warm rounded voice, I am no expert, but from scratch, baritone usually be in role of father, or elder figures or touch guy type of on stage acting. I personally has that biased against those who sounds brighter, younger or higher voice as a baritone. Both Warren and Mac Neil also showed great intelligence on their interpretation of the roles, I am talking about La Travita. Both sang a lot slower and less powerful, more tormented and more pleading... while many others sounds so young father, strong and harsh. And of course, the movie version that Neil was in(1980's met movie La Travita), it was great he sang that role.

[@sananton2821]

@@user-py1jg6bb2r Why do I keep hearing comments like this?? Merrill had an extremely dark voice! Too dark, in fact.

[@user-py1jg6bb2r]

Wow, speechless! Proudest american operatic legends! What a night!

[@boycebryan]

when people say, 'nobody sings like they used to anymore'. this is what they're talking about

[@GijsvanSucade]

I see two friends singing, I see two eldery men but most of all I see two of the greatest artists I have ever heard.

[@photo161]

I love how they both start to skip off the stage. Having sung this great scene together many times before, they had to know what a spectacular job of it they did here.

[@marlenehartley7742]

Shall we ever hear their like again? !! Amazing! After spending a lifetime of listening to opera this is one of my favorites.

[@photo161]

I remember so well...when these two old veterans strode on stage you could sense that the feeling was, -Oh how nice, now we'll be treated to a nice moment of nostalgia. But instead, these two giants, Merrill and Tucker simply tore the place apart, achieving a level of vocal and dramatic splendor that no one else during that long evening even approached, much less equaled.

[@phyllispetras2181]

YES! They just tore it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marlenehartley7742]

So true!!

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Yeah.

[@ShawDAMAN]

This still makes me laugh incredulously when I hear it and I've listened to it a hundred times probably. It's just so great and these guys weren't young either!

[@FacePaster]

God, I just keep coming back to this video week after week. The most thrilling singing on KZbin by far. FINAL-MEEEEEEEEEENTEEEEEEEEEE - that has to be the most resonant sound a baritone has ever made! Blows my mind every time.

[@photo161]

I only wish that the clip included at least a few minutes of the tumultuous applause that greeted this spectacular performance.

[@frankfurter6561]

The second golden age when heroic singers still were amazing technicians of their own instruments and nothing couldn't deny the true intensity of their performances. There was a time when beauty was simple and direct. No cheap mimics, no excuses and no microphones here. Just pure, wild and raw beauty in their singing. Compare any of these sounds with the prefabricated and absolutely awful Kaufmann.

[@henriquemarioamorim5811]

Perfeito

[@photo161]

I was surprised to hear Merrill say during an interview late in his career, that he still coached every morning five days a week. How many singers work so hard and so consistently to maintain their instrument.?

[@downfromkentuckeh]

​@@photo161Do you have thousands laying around to pay for 5 days a week worth of coachings consistently?

[@tomterreri6364]

Two giants......so focused, so emotional, so outstanding..........the conductor moved the music beautifully. Lucky this is still available.

[@colinbellvintagehymnssongs5291]

Oh my goodness! I wish i could develop a voice even one hundredth as good as that! Im only new to opera and trying to learn singing. That made my hairs stand on end! Thanks for sharing!

[@marlenehartley7742]

One of the greatest I ever heard. I never forgot Tucker and Merrill singing this that night. Perfect!

[@primobaritono]

This is one of those MAGIC MOMENTS on stage. Everything is perfect !

[@ilecier]

What an extraordinary performance! A home run, indeed. Shivers. The ice on the cake is Merrill's 'Finalmente'! You can hear how it reverberates through the theater.....👋👍

[@photo161]

I wish that it were possible to listen to the astonising and endless avalanche of applause that greeted this epic performance...

[@tommyt9761]

Robert Merrill has the pleasure of singing and being close buddies with two immortals, first Jussi, and then Richard....now, that's a career!!!!

[@Seatrumpet]

I have had the record of the Bing Gala for over 27 years and this has always been my favorite duet EVER!! To finally see the video is amazing!!!! I read Tuckers autobio years ago and he talks about that night. He was so excited and kept walking into Merrills dressing room yelling " we gotta hit home runs tonight Merrill, nothing but home runs!!! " My God did they ever hit a grand slam!!! They are both sorely missed.

[@TheYu87]

Two giants. Volcanic energy in their voices. Chiaroscuro and squilllo to the greatest extent. This is the epitome of great, exciting singing. Bravissimi!

[@LordMgls]

these two... in these roles... wow. they really were something out of this world. i love the way how tucker is not afraid to slightly deviate from the score in order to add some extra emotion to it. few tenors have the guts to do it nowadays. obviously that is a possibility only when the voice is good enough--which is seldom the case nowadays.

[@jrellis11]

Very rare to experience actual goosebumps, actual hairs standing on end. This video creates those effects. Absolutely nothing comparable in contemporary opera. This was truly the golden age, and these were truly two of the finest to ever practice this amazing art form.

[@rst-3192]

when tucker sang forza complete with warren in the 1950's and in the 1960's with both bastianini and merrill they sang it a little differently but this was for TV and a concert, so all out singing in a concert gala setting of course, this was great for them both and veteran tucker was 58 years old, as a comparison the 1961 same duet with merrill/tucker is on you tube from the complete met opera radio brdcst. no matter they where both grerat!

[@frisco21]

In the pantheon of epic singing, this was an Olympic-quality performance. That night in 1972, at the Bing Gala, the grownups came out to play.

[@RBP1963]

Tucker+Merril two legends !!!! Forza at high level !!!!

[@bastamtajik7]

Explosive performance!

[@dennisj.3439]

Unbelievably exciting and great enthusiasm Without a doubt greatest American tenor and baritone ever produced!!

[@atonio0007]

Straordinari .... un duetto stupendo cantato meravigliosamnete

[@CarlosDaniel-yu9zd]

Um dos mais importantes registros de cantores líricos da História!

[@tommyt9761]

Such chemistry....what a team.....what a performance!

[@jboothperry]

one of the greatest vocal performances of the 20th century

[@cimbassovr]

DUE COLOSSI DELLA LIRICA!!! Grazie di❤👍per il filmato

[@kathleenroland-silverstein4729]

Unbelievably beautiful.

[@bodiloto]

+Kathleen Roland-Silverstein Kaufmann e Hampson... ahahahahah !

[@onthehorizon9612]

SUPER STARS & Beyond, Beyond . . .

[@mhoeler]

No one sings like this anymore. Fantastic.

[@ciupotto]

rimango incantato da questi due artisti....in grado di cantare dal vivo in modo così sublime... L'età non più verde, pare non essere influente, anzi, amplia il valore della prestazione.....

[@nancyrevzen7798]

2 really GREAT singers!

[@jhlds1512]

Look at Merrill flinching after Tucker sings at 3.27!

[@johnblasiak607]

Robert Merrill looks very much like Robert De Niro here lol Great performance 🎭👏

[@Sacha_Kudli]

I thought that to 😂

[@oliverdelica2289]

And Richard Tucker out there looking like Robin Williams

[@richardlindsey3389]

My God!!!! This is pure gold.

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

Not only are they amazing - the sheer power! - but their voices were a perfect match.

[@boricuamuzik]

Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 and still sounded like Gods!!!!! Merrill's "finalmente" at 3:36 is one of the best sounds I've ever heard in my life.

[@Etnalleb]

The more i view and listen to this Masterpiece the more awed i am of how truly great Tucker&Merrill really were. There will never be a Tenor/Baritone duo like them. I noticed Tucker was so hyped up he stole a custom move from Franco Bonisolli and skipped off stage. I didn't notice that before . So was Tucker 'El Pazzo " also? I think not ...he was just having fun as did Bonisolli when he gave a great performance of which he gave many. Best Tenor/Baritone duet ever . Bravo Tucker & Merrill .

[@sesquashtwo]

Bravo! Bravo! Both of you, rest in peace...and keep Heaven well covered in Operatic arias, Gentlemen!

[@michaelaherrejon8398]

Absolutely glorious!!!!!!!!

[@uppityglivestockian]

Seriously fabulous on so many levels. Finally, Yoothboob has a calling it should adore. Thank you for sharing this with us and for giving us a glimpse at performance art that we must not lose.

[@juanprc10]

Tucker is fantastic in this duet.

[@assindiastignani]

I grew up hearing these two great singers - together and separately - sing the enitre Italian repertory. They were always this good. I never heard either of them have a bad evening. We don't have this kind of singing nowadays.

[@GermanOperaSinger]

What a beautiful anecdote...what great men they both were...it always deeply saddens me that I never heard Mr. Tucker live. If only dear Mr. Tucker hadn't passed away so soon, he could have had at least another 5 or 6 sensational seasons with the Met...well, all the greats leave so soon. No singer will ever reach the level of Mr. Merrill and Tucker.

[@michaelturov4439]

No comments...just listening!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HarisFianos]

jeeeeeeeeeeesus i think i just found my new favorite opera it's like the fore that burns through raw steel bravo to both of them sadly i just found about them, but i intend to listen to everything they ever publish on youtube

[@jayboytheplayboy]

Merrill is amazing, sweetness and strength; may La Forza be with you always.

[@mascagny]

1,6k likes, Amazing how the world is unable to enjoy so a pure expression of what is are for : communicate feelings.

[@rossmcl177]

Oh God that's magnificent! If anyone ever asks you why you love opera, sit them down and show them this: then if they still don't understand, they never will! Tucker and Merrill were apparently great friends - I love the way they are trying to out-do each other here (especially around 3.20-3.40), then the relief and pride in their faces at the end, with Tucker literally skipping off the stage. They knew they had nailed it!! Marvellous! Vilaph - Thank you SO MUCH for sharing.

[@vanzofaust]

Wow. Tucker is absolutely fabulous. Thanks for posting.

[@FacePaster]

this blows me away every time i watch it

[@mcknighty11]

3:36 The loudest note ever... gorgeous verisimo singing here.

[@bluechazzan]

I don't think I can ever tire of listening to this. I have the same reaction of awe and entranced delightful glee every time I hear this recording. No other performance of Invano Alvaro that I've heard excites me as this one.

[@martinsummer6746]

Stunning performance and two of the greatest opera singers we had 💜

[@dianaventura7999]

And Sutherland admired these two great artists tremendously. She became good friends with Merrill. She admired Tucker...she even sang at the 1987 Richard Tucker gala. At her Met debut as Lucia. She noted how powerful Tucker was as Edgardo. Tucker was also very kind to her. And she never forgot it. We all know the record setting ovation she got after the Mad Scene. Tucker had to wait quite a while to sing his great scene. But he didn't cared. He was a very humble and gracious man...besides being called the American Caruso. Back in the golden age of the 50's, 60's, 70's and even 80's, there were so many legendary voices. How depressing the state of the art in opera today...

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

+diana ventura I kind of have ugly thoughts about how some of the female singers have the international cariere they actually have...

[@photo161]

Yes, the precipitous decline in the vocal arts is a heartbreaking reality, indeed.

[@photo161]

I'm not sure every one of his colleagues would agree with the claim that Tucker was "humble."

[@oliverdelica2289]

@@photo161 🤪🤪😬😬

[@aguacun]

Bravo both of them... I love that unique sound of Merrill!

[@vivaverdi8]

this is such an experience I truly enjoyed this!

[@junefun55]

I find this so deeply moving I cry every time I watch it. Fashions and times change but talent and commitment like these two passionate artists never goes out of style. A joy and a privelige to watch.

[@LordMgls]

Wonderfull!! Great duet. Great Verdi. Great singers.

[@aliciarealp]

No encuentro adjetivos suficientes para describir los sentimientos que me produce esta maravilla.

[@jeffersonaiolfe]

Greatest. Fantastic!

[@leadingbyxample]

I know there is a God when I hear singing like this...

[@bladezone1]

They were simply the best at this duet - strong, powerful and filled with fire!!! THE BEST!!!

[@paulostroff99]

An awesome and truly dramatic performance from their hearts.Bravo.

[@gustavonyc]

I can't stop watching this. This is a singing lesson and I wish we all would take some example on how to bring life to our singing.

[@edronc2007]

Incredible! Divine! Two elderly gents are outsinging not just their own, but several generations to come! THANKS!!!

[@Darksaga28]

One of the best videos on Yotube and only has 140k views, imagine living in a world like this.

[@IsaiahNielsen]

AMAZING!!!! Gives me chills especially when Merrill opens up..that voice 😍

[@robertwbecker]

I mean really,, this is un-f-----gbelievable,, been listening to these guyz forever,, and they are always AMAZING!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE POST,, MADE MY AFTERNOON, AND IT'S FRIDAY!!

[@tww2002]

Dynamic Duo. Superb.

[@kdkevs]

I have watched this video about 50 times and each time I am blown away. Who's better than these guys?!

[@pappawuzz]

Weltklasse habs noch nie besser gehört

[@Richiesutherland]

I still think that Merrill's one word, "Finalmente!" at 3:37 is among the most glorious sounds I have ever heard. Ever. Tucker oversells a bit, as always, but it is still a great, great sound and his commitment is total.

[@jontew]

Thank you for your insights. And, yes, what a thrill it must have been to see them both on the same stage. A friend of mine remembers a Met Cav and Pag with Corelli and Tucker. WOW!!!! I'd kill to experience that one.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Both are great. I have been becoming a big fan of Tucker. Been buying several of his albums.

[@loralayons1120]

This duet is the culmination of the 1972 gala concert.

[@liedersanger1]

No, that was Nilsson singing Salome.

[@tomasjuhasz]

FANTASTIC this is the best baryton tenor duet!!! Tucker and Merrill vao!