Puccini’s “Che gelida manina” from La bohème

Renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato presents a series of three master classes focusing on opera arias. Here Ms. DiDonato coaches tenor Jose Simerilla Romero with pianist Justina Lee on Puccini’s “Che gelida manina” from La bohème (1896).
To watch more videos from Carnegie Hall’s Workshops and Master Classes, visit
• Joyce DiDonato Master ... .
Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato’s performances have been called “a model of singing in which all components of the art form-technique, sound, color, nuance, diction-come together in service to expression and eloquence” by The New York Times. The revered singer presents a series of three public master classes for young opera singers who were chosen from an international pool of applicants. To learn more about Carnegie Hall’s Workshops and Master Classes and to apply, visit www.carnegiehall.org/workshops.

[@Tenor_Simerilla]

(Long comment warning:) These sessions were brought up to me recently and I was asked about them and my progress since. I realized I never had a chance to really look back, and see these video recordings and so I wanted to share and explain that these sessions were at a time when I was VERY young, and had very little to no understanding of the voice. In some of them I remember being sick, and tired as well. I am very grateful for these opportunities and will always look back at them as the very beginning of my vocal studies, which as consequence sparked an intense journey for me in the following years to progress and build my voice, as well as an intense desire to search for the truth about great operatic singing taught by the traditional Italian school of singing passed down from Caruso onwards!!! I wish every young singer the absolute best in their own respective journeys into learning about their vocal instrument, and hope that wherever their paths lead them they never lose their love and passion for the artistry which is why we do this in the first place, never to get infuriated or too highly critical of yourself, and also never to stop experimenting with your voice and searching for answers and asking questions…sometimes the only way to find the right path is by hitting every dead end. Trust me!!! :)

[@yimingliu7347]

yes I’m also a tenor , and I also follow you for a long time . I can feel this career is really a difficult and different…… I really like your words and voice! Toi toi toi

[@tarikbairu1648]

You have Good voice👍🏾

[@JM-lw3nx]

I have mixed emotions about these "master classes". I think it may expose young talent to a lot of unnecessary stress and attention. Anyway, you were brave to participate, and hopefully it helped you in some ways. Good luck in your career!

[@Shamsithaca]

the only way to look at it. I hope u are taking care of your wonderful voice and musicianship. Great to hear you are listening to some of the greats also.

[@sebthi7890]

do you know the masterclass with Shí Yíjie? He knows what a tenor need.

[@lucascosta3922]

MAN I'M A 19 YRS OLD BARITONE AND I IDENTIFIED MYSELF SO MUCH WITH HIM, amazing masterclass

[@tomk3620]

OMG! Joyce DiDonato is absolutely brilliant! So charming and funny and passionate and on and on and on! Bravo Jose Romero for putting yourself out there and learning from the Masters! BRAVO Jose and as for you Joyce DiDonato...I am a huge fan after watching this Master Class! I shall re-watch this often! A Masterclass in acting...FANTASTIC!

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

Don`t mind the degrading comments below, they know nothing about singing or teaching. Jose is a very talented singer and Joyce clearly knows what she `s doing. Congrats and good luck to you

[@kareemahmullen8940]

From Virginia...just a listener of opera. Jose, you did so well here. Very courageous and confident. Her comments are so great about this role and the need to be creative and spontaneous, rather than the stock opera character. I too have been bothered by this. More recently, I have seen tenors making it all much more believable like Michael Fabiano. Love his Rodolfo. Jose really on the spot here, but really did well to bring your rapport with Mimi to another level. Ms. DiDonato is so spot on regarding your musicality and natural gifts. It is a pleasure to watch and listen to you. And appreciate your recent comments below. Best of luck in your career!

[@thomasgrass6357]

Didonato ist wunderbar. Ihr Bezug zur natürlichen Situation ist fantastisch.

[@caninbar]

Great acting tips! It's got to look and feel as natural as possible. In this way, it becomes more realistic and stimulating for the audience. And Joyce is a born entertainer.

[@Fdbrgp]

It is evident to me that he is sick and tired, you can hear it during all the aria. This and the nerves make him even more dry, even when he is having a conversation after the aria he clears his throat several times. So I wouldn’t judge him for this performance...this aria is really difficult.

[@vincec8218]

Por favor escucha a la soprano Kasondra Kazanjian...voz magnífica

[@anthonyhenrysmith]

magnificent

[@KuznVinny]

I had little exposure to opera. Nevertheless, this brings back fond memories of when my mother was invited to fine music recitals and I was allowed to accompany her. Largely piano recitals. One that I still recall was Susan Starr. As I recall, she was to visit Russia shortly after.

[@vincec8218]

Please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen...tremendous voice

[@YuriLowcarb]

Bravi!

[@joyaepace]

Joyce is tough but really hilarious! Yeah, she teachrs the next step - make it your own!

[@michelormiz]

She s great and clever

[@vincec8218]

Please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian, great voice

[@georgeharrison2147]

Good job your almost there

[@lindashapanka6229]

When is JD gonna direct an opera?

[@robertotorres9945]

Bien muchacho ese es el camino.... adelante xfavor y nunca te olvides del UHM ----MAA ----MAA

[@thesaucegroup1877]

Great info from Joyce at the start - use it for my voice

[@johns.9819]

he gave it alot

[@tamarakennedy4976]

Oh my God im frozen eyes glued to him his voice is dreamy enchanting and very crisp great control tone and his high notes were chilling..jesus...i would listen to him sing the phone book.

[@carloCGN]

This was the third (!) day of intensive rehearsals and workshops and masterclasses and you can clearly hear that his voice is just tired (my and your voice would be tired too!). I still like his timbre and phrasing thou. I am sure he will be a very good Rodolfo in Vienna !

[@rhanemcquain3853]

Daniel Bouhadana The human body isn’t capable of doing any athletic activity in perpetuity- and operatic singing is most definitely an athletic activity. Fatigue is natural- and a large part of building a good technique is learning how to pace one’s vocal resources and also when to stop singing. That’s why voice teachers, laryngologists, and vocal therapists are all such big proponents of vocal rest. Obviously the aspiring opera singer needs to build enough stamina to sing a 3-6 hour role (depending on their fach and repertoire), but if he already had the technique and stamina necessary for professional standard singing he wouldn’t have been participating in a vocal masterclass. Let’s all just remember that learning to sing with a classical technique is a life-long process, and that the participants of masterclasses like this are very near the beginning of that journey, relatively speaking.

[@vincec8218]

@Daniel Bouhadana please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen

[@vincec8218]

@@rhanemcquain3853 please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a

[@vincec8218]

listen

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@saradambrosca4815]

Grandissima Joyce 💜

[@carnegiehall]

Thank you for watching our master classes!

[@vincec8218]

Per favore ascolta la soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@Manrico91]

It will be nice that all the people that talk shit a few years ago about you see what do u reach nowadays. Great job Tenore!

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

28:12 wow... 30:18...wow again

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian, a wonderful voice

[@tamarakennedy4976]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE HIS VOICE...

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@georgestatarian5796]

Beautiful voice. He will be a great tenor at his 30s

[@vincec8218]

Please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen...tremendous voice

[@danmararteta]

Wow so many Opera critiques and experts here in the comment section. hahahaha

[@lucianojunior5705]

Hahhahahahaha that's true

[@Tkimba2]

Just because you don't know anything about opera and singing it doesn't Eman other people don't listen, read, learn, educate themselves

[@danmararteta]

@@Tkimba2 how can you educate yourself on what is happening inside the body if you yourself doesn't know how it feels to sing classical

[@Tkimba2]

@@danmararteta how do you know I don't?..

[@danmararteta]

@@Tkimba2 i am basing my answer on what you said

[@Richbari1]

Lots of natural talent. Please ditch the nasality. That is not synonymous with the tenor voice. If placed correctly will be a gorgeous instrument and an obviously musically talented young man!!

[@M_elliote34]

Everyone is a voice critic now 😅

[@vincec8218]

Please check out

[@vincec8218]

Kasondra Kazanjian

[@panbal3151]

Don’t be too harsh on singers, he might be sick. And one single performance doesn’t mean anything

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian, a gorgeous voice

[@jsl1952]

luna-moon in italian is pronounced -loona- not lona, ..

[@campbellcubing2965]

Joyce DiDonato, The Uta Hagen of opera

[@alvarorojas7495]

Las clases de esta Señora son su realistas. Fácil.sisi así.el dedito indicando el uracan hacia arriba.😄 Le encanta oírse........ Técnica vocal??????🥴

[@vincec8218]

Por favor escucha a la soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@simonjo9397]

Brava Maestra~~~

[@carnegiehall]

We're happy to know that you enjoyed this master class excerpt. Thank you for visiting our channel.

[@simonjo9397]

Grazie mille💝

[@vincec8218]

@@simonjo9397 per favore ascolta la soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@lindacowles756]

G'day! Re: her question about Rodolfo's not expecting Mimi's hand to be cold-----1. It's Christmas Eve (December), 2. This is in Paris, not a warm climate in winter, 3. Her candle has gone out, so she doesn't get any warmth from it now, and 4. She doesn't have a muff to keep her hands warm (not until later in the opera when Musetta brings her one). So why would he be surprised that her hand is cold?

[@olivealbers2478]

He rolls his voice perfectly.

[@celibidache1000]

Why sing this aria? He's obviously not ready for it.

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen...magnificent voice

[@celibidache1000]

@@vincec8218 She is nasal, have to little chest participation, depresses her larynx for darkness, and her vowels are incredibly unclear - I barely hear what language she is singing in. Or maybe I've seen the wrong video. Please tell me what video I should watch.

[@samricher]

La spren falsetoooo zaaansa

[@eternalmariacallas2283]

3:45?????

[@Tenorore]

Joseph Callejas.

[@arturosalguero]

I think he is sick and as a result more nervous and as a result insecure in his high notes

[@lukebannister828]

definitely

[@vincec8218]

Please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen, a tremendous voice

[@vincec8218]

@@lukebannister828 please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen...a magnificent voice

[@vincec8218]

@@lukebannister828 please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian, a terrific voice

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

17:46 LMFAO

[@peterbrenton410]

She didn't get that quite right He touches her hand after they look for the key... some minutes after she comes in

[@vincec8218]

Please give soprano Kasondra Kazanjian a listen, a tremendous voice

[@jotge.3444]

Ich glaube die Kritiker hier wissen nicht, was ein Falsett ist. Er singt Kopfstimme und wenn er mehr Kraft gibt, dann kann er daraus einen gemischten Ton machen. Man kann nicht sagen, ob er heiser oder belegt ist. Jedenfalls hört man es beim Gesangston viel weniger als beim Sprechen, das würde für seine Technik sprechen. Ich liebe zwar Joyce Didonato, aber sie ist ein schlechter Vocal Coach. Anstatt sie technische Hilfen gibt, erzählt sie was von Interpretation. Das ist aber in einem solchen Fall der 2 Schritt. Wenn einer gut singt in der Oper ist mir die Darstellung gar nicht so wichtig.

[@Yves_Ka]

You sound confused: This was not a vocal coach - this was a master class in interpretation not in technical singing instruction - she even says to him dont sing out - I guess you didnt understand too much!

[@jonathanmorales803]

Weird that he started the high c with falsetto. This guy has potential, but these so called teachers don't teach thier students chest voice, and this small constricted, nasal singing is the result.

[@Shamsithaca]

dont judge by what he did at that moment to help him do the High C. He is a smart singer, he kept it light. It may also be a technical thing that is helping him access the top notes. Yes, i agree tho...he is very young to be singing such big roles...he also looks older, so maybe he has already matured...dont know.

[@mavavz]

🥂

[@worldjisung9051]

it looks like a girl voice.nobody sings like that.

[@parisdim4685]

Hearing this young man trying just to get through this was really painfull. Nice voice quality,but no technic and absolutely no style at all.

[@parisdim4685]

@@Shamsithaca And please... those "tricks" for accessing the notes are just funny. La Boheme needs a fairely large orchestra.How do you think his voice,in the manner that the singer uses it in that video,is going to be heard even to the seats closest to the stage....??

[@insooofficial]

He's either sick or a baritone

[@georgestatarian5796]

Tired

[@rapsodie1211]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vincec8218]

@@rapsodie1211 please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@vincec8218]

@@georgestatarian5796 please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@georgestatarian5796]

@@vincec8218 ok

[@roxy570germany8]

22:30

[@babblewithbea8370]

I was not ready for that 😮

[@magicmonkichi]

"Che gelida manina, i've listening to this aria~~~Pavarotti is my fav but I like Domingo too~" LMAO she's soooooo fun!

[@hyataganh]

How is possible this man will be able to play Rodolfo with 22 years old? That is insane. He have no chance to the several repetitions.

[@azonrecon474]

Is he really 22?

[@modestavicentefuertes2286]

It's possible but you need good technique.

[@vincec8218]

@@modestavicentefuertes2286 por favor escucha a la soprano Kasondra Kazanjian...maravillosa voz

[@wellythonvieira]

Theater class? Shouldn't she teach vocal technique?

[@marialuizep.7872]

Watch until the end

[@andrewlongo6]

She's teaching opera techniques.

[@vincec8218]

@@andrewlongo6 please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

theater is vocal technique. didnt you hear his technique changing for the better after `theater`lessons? Advancement is the goal,

[@Evangelist-Harold]

She’s teaching him what true adoration for someone looks like and how to translate that through the gifting- just be sincere and honest! For example, in Christendom, True Worship and Adoration to God must come from your spirit (your heart). Not simply how well or beautifully you sing to HIM. God only accepts worship from the heart. Likewise, Joyce is getting him to realize it’s not about you but about the object of your worship. In this case it’s the young lady sitting before him. Excellent class!

[@giustinicol]

Very beautiful voice, but he need a lot voice technique

[@vincec8218]

Please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@Tkimba2]

"tell me what do you think..."...stop thinking! And start singing well. There's nothing to think here. He has so many problems Vocally and they are working on his acting.... Ridiculous

[@tenorcarloscol]

I really hope you never ever teach.

[@Tkimba2]

@@tenorcarloscol and I hope this (talented) guy finds an ACTUAL teacher

[@simaoandrade1121]

@@Tkimba2 yeah and not someone with your teaching spirit

[@alvarorojas7495]

Este chaval.no entendió a Piotr..... Y a Di donato menos .... Inteligencia y Humildad. Inténtalo.😒

[@jotaro9156]

Canta muy pesado. Es un tenor lirico

[@javieroybin4541]

Evidentemente no está preparado técnicamente para cantar esta aria.

[@OperaMyWorld]

He sings High C in falsetto?? Hahahaha!!

[@georgestatarian5796]

She told him not to sing it Wright because he was working a lot these 3 days

[@massimobene7716]

Ahahahah he Is a comic singer

[@shannonsuxx]

i dont understand the rudeness here.

[@JohnSmith-ln1yp]

That’s not falsetto

[@JohnSmith-ln1yp]

Okay the second time it WAS falsetto. But why not? In what became an acting challenge?

[@bryanchuang]

He has beautiful teeth now hahaha

[@Shamsithaca]

my favorite part ever is 2:09 min mark "bump" woops.

[@mavavz]

Guys...do you know hard it is to actually.....ok.

[@samuelmaso98]

The high C is too high for him. a bit ridicolous to be honest... Are we sure he's a Tenor? I think he is a good singer but maybe he should sing as a baritone. I really like how he pronounce "r",

[@johndoe8114]

He is def a tenor, high notes take some time, especially for darker voices. Even Corelli struggled to sing a B flat in his 20’s

[@modestavicentefuertes2286]

@@johndoe8114 that's right and that's why we don't have dramatic tenors nowadays, because they are called light/lyric baritone by his "teachers"

[@adamturrubiates7462]

Lol good voice but im sure he knows this , should work on what he eats or drink prior to performance to prevent the gunky sound

[@tedstiles6831]

Lyric baritone with an extended top? His voice fills out more on the mid to lower than the high. I know he’s tired. Beautiful moments though even with may be getting sick. Needed a little more vocal fold meeting on the high “c”. A true tenor needs to have that at his disposal l, especially in this type of aria. Hopefully he’ll learn to bring that fold connection through his top. Good luck!

[@rapsodie1211]

If he is a baritone Joyce is Ma Dalton 🤣

[@tedstiles6831]

@@rapsodie1211 stranger things have happened

[@rapsodie1211]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vincec8218]

@@tedstiles6831 please check out soprano Kasondra Kazanjian

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

i think he didnt have the strength at that moment, by fatigue or sickness, so he chose to save his voice instead of completely ruin it, wich was the smart thing to do. if you dont have enough strenghth for you support you sinply cannot belt out that note, and you shoudnt. Joice was great and very smart not to focus on the technical aspects, because she new he was not at his best. She managed to get the best out of him, nonetheless. I have great respect for her and him

[@passione6923]

Falsetto

[@OGrauMusic]

Inappropriate voice for this type of role. Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Spontini, Mozart, Lieder or French song, Oratorio, and even a young Verdi, but not PUCCINI. This tenor is crazy .... lol.

[@radames5855]

non ci siamo .

[@Tkimba2]

Con insegnanti così... Come potremmo "esserci"?

[@radames5855]

@@Tkimba2 infatti,il canto lirico ,è un appoggio continuo,sul diaframma,cioè sul fiato,tenendo costantemente la gola APERTA...lo dice lo stesso Gigli in una Masterclass Viennese...ma lo dicono anche tutti i grandi maestri del passato,tipo Cotogni,Marchesi,Melocchi ecc...questi cantano senza appoggio e a gola stretta,e la signora Maestra,gli dice perfettamente,il contrario di come si canta...roba da ridere 😃

[@gianlucalestini8530]

@@radames5855 ma poi anche la pronuncia delle parole: “lona” anziché “luna”, l’acuto in falsetto, e l’insegnante che non gli corregge nulla se non il modo di toccare la mano.... ma per favore dai!

[@radames5855]

@@gianlucalestini8530 infatti

[@EllencyOfficial]

@@radames5855 il mio maestro Carlo di Giacomo mi sta insegnando infatti a laringe bassa, sul parlato, e con la Gnaggnera 😁 purtroppo anche la pronuncia è sbagliata... E non è facile per chi non è italiano

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

He’s already nasal and she just makes him more nasal.

[@davidetenorino]

Totalmente de acuerdo

[@jotge.3444]

Die Frage ist meint man nasal oder genäselt. Das unterscheidet man im Deutschen. Nasal ist erwünscht, aber genäselt ist falsch. In Wirklicheit also funktionell wird nämlich die Nase beim Singen durch das Gaumensegel verschlossen, sonst würde man ja näseln. Das Ergebnis bei der Resonanz ist der Kopfton, den man im Kopf weiter hinten spürt.Da wird oft Funktion und Resonanz verwechselt.

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

@@jotge.3444 Nasality is not desirable at all. If the voice is well-balanced, the voice will not sound nasal.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

nasal is good, it pierces through the orchestra and saves the vocal chords

[@Tkimba2]

​@@hetedeleambacht6608absolutely not

[@saltenor6094]

Purtroppo non si canta così. Spettacolo pessimo antitesi del BelCanto italiano…

[@lucianosoretferrer7129]

No es bel canto,es verismo.

[@saltenor6094]

@@lucianosoretferrer7129 ma il verismo non si può cantare se non con una linea del canto sul fiato come prevede la scuola belcantistica e verista italiana. Spingere non è verismo!!!!!!

[@passione6923]

A song that is still unsatisfactory high pitched voice is false Study the middle tones faithfully

[@worldjisung9051]

high C with falsetto looks like girl voice.If you are a man, change your teacher.even if you learn normal teacher, u can be better than now.

[@raulpacheco8]

world Jisung he is tired, its mentioned in the video... and there's no shame in sounding like a woman. If you're gonna be commenting on opera and classical music. Please educate yourself before you blabber, it doesn't suit you to speak mindlessly.

[@konradottingen7187]

Chi son? Chi son? senz'altro non sei un tenore, ma uno che canta con la voce ingolata. Pure stonato.

[@LaraGiulia]

Fa schifooo

[@blake1946]

Jesus it's disgusting ^^

[@johndoe8114]

People in these comments are so Ignorant dude

[@user-tg2ic8er2j]

you are comment too

[@arturosalguero]

Weak

[@raffaeleviggiano4901]

Deve cambiare mestiere il tenore...non c è nulla di nulla