MUSICA PROIBITA Ferruccio Tagliavini

One of the best versions of this song, recorded in a somewhat dry atmosphere c.1951 by Ferruccio Tagliavini just before he began to damage his voice by taking on heavier rôles. From HMV DA 2054.

[@tophoca]

I too must disagree with the experts. As a young boy, I heard Tagliavini perform this song, in Palma I believe. Whilst the voice certainly deepens with age, it lost none of its beauty from the Fonit Cetra days. Tagliavini kindly signed a copy of his recording of Madama Butterfly with Petrelli and Taddei which I still think ranks among the very best, a recording I much treasure even now. Oh, and Ferruccio Tagliavini also bought me a splendid ice cream which to a boy of 10 years or so ensured my undying admiration to this very day! Palma and Tagliavini, it doesn't get any better than that!

[@CarloQuinto]

Beautiful, Gorgeous performance. Tagliavinis voice grew darker as he got older. I resent the comment he ruined his voice. It got darker and more beautiful but thank you for posing.

[@expertsenior6262]

Thank you for your comment. All singers' voices unfortunately deteriorate to a certain extent as they age. It is an accepted fact that Tagliavini did not continue successfully as long as others in opera because he strained his voice performing heavier rôles. However, he did continue in recitals and radio and eventually television, where especially in the latter his discomfort when reaching top notes is plainly visible. That lovely velvety tone evident in "Musica proibita" is no longer apparent. His later recording of this composition shows this in comparison.

[@CarloQuinto]

@@expertsenior6262 Thank you for your reply. I see your point but I have to disagree about Tagliavini.. I had the privilege of meeting him late in his career and attending rehearsals of his performances here in phila. His voice was still very beautiful but had taken on a lovely darker quality. He had great success in those performances,. The mezzo voce was still awesome. What heavier roles had he taken on? I can't think of any. He told me that WERTHER was his favorite role which surprised me.

[@ryanoneil685]

Agreed. Tagliavini's voice undoubtedly changed with age but never ever was it ruined. Thank god for Tagliavini and Fonit Cetra for all those great recordings which give me, too young to remember him at his prime, great pleasure on an almost daily basis!