Stracciari & Ruffo Largo al Factotum Sing-Off

[@mickeymomo]

Ruffo, in my opinion, is the greatest singer ever!

[@franzbernasek4058]

two famous Baritons Riccardo Stracciari and Titta Ruffo , famous Singers

[@legatofancier]

Since I love both these singers, for somewhat different reasons, I love both of their performances, for somewhat different reasons. Ruffo was a force of nature. What he lacked in muscianship, he compensated for with animal vitality. Starcciari was refined artist who sang with excellent muscianship and exemplary refinement. We should celebrate both of them!

[@aprilemillo]

Ruffo is a classic Verdi baritono, he sings the "buffo" aria of Fiagaro with great finesse. Stracciari was more in the classic buffo reading of this great aria. Two approaches, equally valid. Oh to have this kind of vocalization around today.

[@deutschefach]

I must say this is perhaps the best recording Ruffo ever did in his whole career. What is deceptive is to say he is a natural. That is the highest praise a singer, particularly an opera singer can ever receive. It is the hardest thing to achieve but that is why they pay us so much...or it should be.

[@abcdefgh-db1to]

Listen to his 1912 recording of the aria, even better !

[@MrNykmark]

Ruffo was a singer, Stracciari was an artist and singer!

[@alfredomontes9877]

Congratulations...anyway such recording you have is a real diamond. Keep it and care it

[@paulostroff99]

Sensational!

[@primobaritono]

I'm sorry, I think Stracciari sounds great. Just as in the Rigoletto recording that was made later that same day. Ruffo's record was made in 1920, which was not exactly a prime year for him either.

[@pakshunlee1472]

With a darker tone with deeper feelings.

[@aprilemillo]

With every respect accorded, Gigli did nothing to "ruin" his position with every Italian that ever heard him. It remains to this generation of supposed music snobs to dare say that he was anything other great and immediate and direct and human in his commnuication of that first rate tenor voice.

[@aprilemillo]

Again respectfully, with no fake hint of comraderie, as your opinion is your right. Gigli did not "ruin" his reputation in Italy by adding a personal touch to his singing. Today is too clean, too devoid of HUMAN expression. Those who speak the language can always have fun with it, or suffer more with it as it were. They are no less great. Singing automans is what he today, notes and nothing else. Traditions change.

[@rupepill]

There is an interesting video clip available on KZbin of De Luca, singing this aria, taken from an early Vitaphone film.

[@robcardinal8430]

Primobaritono.....while Stracciari certainly has an elegant delivery(would love to hear him sing " Il Balen..." from Trovatore)....Tita Ruffo has the raw sensual power demanded of this character.

[@bodiloto]

Non è vero . Figaro come personaggio fa parte del repertorio buffo rossiniano . il vecchio

[@marcostracciari]

non male lo zione eh???

[@OldSchoolOpera]

In this comparison 50/50 but if you chose Stracciari’s 1925 recording he’d win.

[@jhb134]

@hobo1975 - Doesn't really sound like Riccardo is "past his prime". If anything, sounds like his normal self, and he even handles the very-quick tempo .... no doubt, to fit the aria onto old, 78 sides .... exceptionally well. Just an opinion.

[@deutschefach]

One of the hardest thing for a singer to do is to sing their chest or bottom octave with their sound. No two singers have the same clarity and timbre. If that is wrong then other things go wrong because that sound is wrong. Too much color too soon and the voice gets stiff from carrying the weight all over. Ruffo has much better piano tone. The voice is clear and has no breaks. Stracciari is not disciplined here and his piano's sound phony. Great voice do doubt but off. Ruffo by a mile.

[@operabitch77]

your comparison needs no explination. its valid!!!! good comment!!!

[@paulostroff99]

Pol Plancon,Tito Gobbi,Giuseppi de Luca,and the comparitively unknown but great Russian Pavel Lisitsian.They certainly were not chicken liver.I would be delighted if you would comment on this-796824.

[@paulostroff99]

796824-Thank you for your speedy response.I shall in minutes check on Ivar Andresen,as KF Is one of my all time favourites.Although I beg to disagree on Lisitsian- I respect your opinion,and am pleased that you concur on de Luca and Plancon as being of the elite.

[@TheKaimakan]

With all the respect for these two great voices and artists, I think Rossini, in that period, was played like a “funny” verista composer. If you listen to Bruscantini, then you will have a better rendering of Rossini. It would be nice to compare these to great singer with Verdi or some “verismo” aria. Thank you for your patience.

[@kirkp7470]

No contest...

[@deutschefach]

I must say...that this recording has shocked me. I thought Stracciari was as close to baritone perfection as I have ever heard. This shows me he kind of lost his unique quality and late in life did not get it back, or at least did so in a spotty way. If you compare Björling's last concert and this it is obvious Stracciari is way off his game. This seems to affect a lot of baritones as they age...too much color and not enough clarity leading to wooly tone that they push on. It does not float.

[@raule1128]

Creo que la interpreta mejor dimitri hvorostovsky