The 5 Greatest Tenors of All Time

A list of my five favorite tenors including fun facts and performance clips!
If you want to listen more to these legendary tenors follow these links:
5. Fritz Wunderlich: • Fritz Wunderlich sings...
4. Plácido Domingo: • Placido Domingo-No pue...
3. Enrico Caruso: • Enrico Caruso Santa Lucia
2. Franco Corelli: • Franco Corelli in Parm...
1. Luciano Pavarotti: • Luciano Pavarotti sing...
I do not own any of the music or the clips in this video.
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[@sharonholdren7588]

I am thrilled to hear Fritz Wonderlich was second on your list. He is first on mine. When I was a kid in the 50s we had an album of hard plastic 78s of his. When he died my mother held it and wept. It wasn't until the advent of the Internet I was able to hear again that beloved voice and truly appreciate what he meant to my parents.

[@ducadimantua]

He died in 1966. Wunderlich recorded on LPs. Maybe you're thinking of Richard Tauber? He was also a fabulous tenor.

[@shicoff1398]

@@ducadimantua Yes, Wunderlich never recorded on 78's as that ended by the late 1940s completely and Wunderlich was born in Sept . 1930, so in 1949 he was still in his teens.

[@valeriepagendarm6376]

This is beautiful! I love Pavarotti but to hear these tenors side by side is just amazing! It is an education. Your comments are perfect. You provided just enough information and all of it was interesting. Thank you.

[@clairebeaumont5290]

What about Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor? Best tenor in my opinion. The famous duet from the Pearl Fishers he sang with Robert Merrill from America was breathtakingly beautiful.....

[@dellonman]

I’m searching for a modern pairing for the Pearl Fishers duet that compares. Nothing yet.

[@stephenalderson6279]

Best none Italian tenor. But most of the greatest tenors have been Latino / Hispanic.

[@sugarbist]

@@stephenalderson6279 who are most of the Greatest tenors that have been Latino, Hispanic?

[@johnroberts4078]

@@dellonman How about David Bryne and Rufus Wainwright....old school

[@dellonman]

@@johnroberts4078 not for me, way too thin. Lacks richness of tone in both voices.

[@barbaragreenhalgh4162]

All good....thank you for your programme....my favourites are Caruso, di Stefano, Gigli and Bjorling

[@daviddecarlo968]

A list without Bjorling and Tucker is incomplete in my opinion.

[@denisesf5]

The fact that Fritz is in your list makes me your newest fan. Bravo!! ❤* and he happens to be my opera singing German husband's favourite tenor of all time... he owns every recording that man made...or close to it! Fritz died when a rope banister gave way when he was visiting a friend at his friend's castle and he hit his head down the stone steps. Saddest day in my husband's life!😢😢😢 (and btw...my fave is Luciano. By far😍!)

[@andreboco]

What a beautiful break down what a beautiful tribute. You introduced me to one new tenor whom I had never heard of ....your first I heard Pavarotti sing twice live in the late 70s and early 80s at the height of his power and I remember thinking that I cannot believe this voice is coming out of a human being.....and of course I’m a fan of Corelli as well. For you to magnanimously allow Pavarotti to take the single spot at the top for what he did for the opera, even though you prefer Corelli’s voice...that is a true sign of hubris and generosity and for that I say “Bravo” to you brother

[@cynthiavalasin6199]

I have a dear friend, 87, who heard all of the greats. She heard Pavarotti live 5 times. Without a doubt, the very finest voice. His voice, heard live in the opera house and in concert halls, far surpassed his recordings. She counts these performances as the highlights of her life. It is a good thing to remind ourselves that we listen to opera singers under a variety of circumstances: recent recordings, older recordings; in this opera house, or that opera house; on a good day, on a poor day; at the height of a career, in the twilight of a career; studio recordings, opera house recordings, concert hall recordings, stadium recordings; a challenging aria, a simple aria, and so forth. It's almost impossible to compare two singers under the same circumstances. All things will never be equal.

[@seanhallahan14]

Fritz Wunderlich, couldn't agree more! LOVE Franco!!! I'm also constantly impressed with Rolando Villazon. Thank you for all of this wonderful color and all that you do!

[@colino72]

When did you last hear Villazon sing anything? His voice is trashed and he was impossible to watch.

[@giselaschulte5602]

Thank you. My mother died one week ago, and listening to the tenors is just like heaving a very small, but defined look into heaven.

[@marinellabakken7491]

I'm very sorry for your loss! Opera music helps.

[@giselaschulte5602]

@@marinellabakken7491 Thank you ❤️

[@pandelilazaridi4100]

JUSSI BJORLING SHOULD BE IN THAT LIST! ONE OF THE FREATEST VOICES AND ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MUSICIANS AND THEREFORE FOM THE BEST SINGERS EVER PAST THROUGH LIFE !!!!! AND TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOUND BEEN SO FAR FAR BEHIND THEN! HE WAS A TRUE "T R O V A T O R E" ! (Trovador) "ONE OF A KIND" HE HAD THE "ITALIAN HEART"

[@bonnieyost2578]

Thanks, Anthony, for a very listenable commentary!

[@CarlDietz]

Thank you for the most enjoyable and FUN video sharing your favorite tenors. You are so gifted.

[@andrewblackmore9705]

My list would have to include Jussi Björling.

[@jsanders2993]

YES!!!!!

[@petternilsson4393]

Of course!!

[@andrewblackmore9705]

@@sugarbist I know it's not my fucking list. I didn't say it was my list.

[@sugarbist]

@@andrewblackmore9705 Nice!

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist Correct, no Tucker etc. but it's his list and picks, no big deal.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

Jussi Bjorling is the only tenor that came close to having a Stradivarius in his throat. He was phenomenal.

[@williamfankboner4206]

I heard a collection of tenors render Nessun Dorma. Bjorling stood out as the one with the best vocal line. No one else came close.

[@BodilessVoice]

Remove Placido, and then add Jussi!

[@steveselby6201]

Completely agree Jussi was the greatest

[@tonygomes6306]

Absolutely RIGHT ON

[@moishemillerr]

And he put him in the honorable mentions while mediocre Domingo is in the list. Some people I cannot understand.

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

Great list, Franco Corelli is my favourite as well. Massively powerful voice, but his voice also had a great beauty. He sang with incredible passion.

[@Brsbeach]

Thanks so much-That is fantastic! I look forward to watching more of your work! :-)

[@suffes1]

A top 5 list without Björling is like a car without an engine. Björling was considered the leading tenor for a period called the Golden era of tenors. The end of the 30's to a bit into the 60's. Here you will find most of the great classical tenors.

[@carlosmonzo4102]

And what about the great tenors from before the thirties???

[@suffes1]

@@carlosmonzo4102 Just fine!

[@johnamaral6415]

Bjorling great, Volpi Great, Coreli Great, Martineli, Tauber great Caruso great but I think the greatest tenor was Francesco Tamagno

[@shicoff1398]

@@carlosmonzo4102 Correct, Gigli, Lauri Volpi, Martinelli, Jadlowker, etc.

[@markusbehrens7117]

@@shicoff1398 ...und alle vergessen immer George Thill...

[@theleons4]

Excellent video! Most interesting, so well done and informational. Missed Carreras, but I am in agreement. What beautiful voices! They are truly inspiring and so are you!! Can’t wait to hear you sing next week and listen to your next video! Congratulations!! ❤️🌹

[@morganapendragon4951]

Carreras had the most beautiful tenor voice in the world. My husband, a Pavarotti fan, agrees.

[@charleshbintliff9249]

I enjoyed your video I am 85yo. Living in NJ I have had the greatest pleasure and enjoyment in seeing some of your choice mostly at a tv program called voice of Firestone. Yes Franco was my favorite too. Thank you again I hope we meet face to face soon to discuss our favorite. Chuck in NJ

[@carolpaynter8181]

Just watched this for the second time, really interesting and informative. Thanks for putting this together🤗

[@elizzievb]

I know bupkes about opera except for Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma but I LOVE your passion and found this very interesting. You have inspired me to delve! Thank you! ❤️👍

[@barbarajolley3513]

Thank you for your video, Mr. Leon. Caruso was wonderful. My Mom introduced me to Banjamino Gigli. I love Jussi Bjorling's voice as well. You talk about music with passion and knowledge. :). New subscriber:).

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I look forward to your next production.

[@suemac7685]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. You are so very generous to share your educated opinions, valuable insight and as you put it "fun facts." The performance clips backed you up. Clearly, you put a lot into the production of this video- so entertaining and presented with love for the music and graciousness (if that is even a word!) towards your audience. Bravo!

[@garssympa500]

As I was watching your video, I was thinking Jussi Björling but he is in the top ten. That was a wonderful video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Of them all, Pavarotti makes me tear up for some reason. I've subscribed to your channel to discover more music.

[@6828tom]

As a person, Pavarotti was a jerk. I know because I met him. Big time jerk.

[@Mikep487]

I don't understand the tearing up because for the most part, Pav lacked passion.

[@garssympa500]

@@Mikep487 I know. But there is a quality to his voice that gets to me.

[@lottat6003]

No, Björling is the very best. He was Pavarottis idol and he tried to sing like him.

[@lottat6003]

@@6828tom Many divas, opera singers, are... 😅 I grew up with a grandfather who played the piano and used to play with opera singers.

[@marthagutierrez1178]

I was hesitant to watch this video at first because I’m a Latina soprano and of course I have my favorites, but you hit it right on. Thanks for all your homework and background on each tenor, very educational and those are my top 5 as well👏😊

[@heinrichlombard6416]

Your video moved me to tears, thank you for your passion in talking about these great men. I fell in love with Opera at a young age thanks to Pavarotti. I trained as a tenor but a career in opera was not meant to be due personal circumstances. It is certainly the biggest disappointment of my life. I still perform in public from time to time, not being able to let go completely of my greatest love.

[@ilseilse3824]

Thankyou from germany. Your words are so friendly for all this Tenors. Very Good at this time, we can hear all this very good voices. 🥰

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

Difficult to narrow it down to the top five, but here it goes (in no particular order): Bjorling, Caruso, Corelli, Del Monaco, and Giuseppe di Stefano.

[@joserosa4072]

I agree!!!! Love your list!!!

[@marinellabakken7491]

Agree only with the first two; not Corelli and di Stefano for me, but Fritz Wunderlich it's a must, he died so young and he was already on the very top, had he lived longer, then we would have been much richer.

[@Vik2312]

You can’t have a top five of tenors But…these are my top several Jussi Bjorling* (voice) Mario del Monaco* (drama) Franco Corelli* (pathos/dedication) Giuseppe do Stefano* (truth of sound and acting) Enrico Caruso* (enough said) Mario Lanza* (verisimilitude/evolution of voice) Luciano Pavarotti* (versatility) Giacomo Lauri Volpi Cesare Valletti Kurt Böhme Mario Fillipeschi And the list could keep going but theses are just a few

[@kl.9649]

Jussi Björling is the greatest imo. Listen to his interpretation of Nessun Dorma and O Holy Night

[@marinellabakken7491]

And "Il trovatore", "Rigoletto" (for me the best Duca di Mantova ever, although I also like Alfredo Kraus).

[@eileenhetherington3704]

This is what happens when a younger person puts together a greatest tenor list. Jussi being Swedish and passing away in 1960, means he has not gotten the exposure and airplay of many other tenors, so tends to be overlooked. He was voted the favorite worldwide male operatic singer in the 20 th century, which the author of this video is wholly unaware of.

[@mino7520]

Of course, bjoerling is a greatest of all times ....

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

There are many other tenors who sings Nessun Dorma better.

[@atizaries5512]

Corelli is unsurpassed Calaf ! As if maestro Puccini, havi g travelled in a" time machinine ", happened to hear Corelli sing, which fact imspired him to composing Turandot, the one and only Calaf.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@williambtm1]

A marvelous narrative 9Anthony Leon, I agree with your selections. Yes. more videos, please?

[@virginiaalonso6172]

Your list is exactly the same as mine! I was lucky enough to sing with the great Pavarotti and also the marvelous Plácido. I almost (!) sang with Corelli when a soprano got taken ill in a Carmen performance in Miami (Micaela), but I was 7 months pregnant at the time and it wouldn’t look exactly good on Micaela! What frustration… but I did get to stand backstage and watch him perform up close. I chose that rare opportunity rather than first row tickets… What a thrill!

[@joserosa4072]

And Mario DelMonaco? Not on this list? How about Jussi Bjorling?

[@beatsandwaves8156]

Shame on you not to have added Jussi Bjorling, of whom, when Pavarotti was asked what he thought about him, he replayed: 'I am only human'

[@lasseholstad2453]

Yes, indeed!!

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

Dang. Sorry I never got to know that dude.😮😢

[@1010divajap]

Thank you for a great program. These Tenors are beyond amazing!

[@suzannederringer1607]

Good List! I remember Pavarotti in FILLE at the Met. Wonderful! So glad you included Fritz Wunderlich. Also - don't forget the excellent Jerry Hadley - he was never a Superstar like Caruso or Corelli or Pavarotti but one fine intelligent Musician and a beautiful voice.

[@epona9166]

Love that you included Corelli. Such an interesting man. Very nervous, suffered greatly from stage fright, which led to his earlier-then-necessary retirement -- so I understand. I"m also a fan of Roberto Alagna in opera roles (not outside of opera). He is a wonderful but understated actor.

[@raulc398]

He didnt retired early because of stage fright,he over came his fear by constantly practicing ,remember he starting singing at 33,you are absolutly right about Roberto

[@epona9166]

@@raulc398 i don’t think he ever overcame his performance fear issues but you’re right it wasn’t garden variety stage fright. It wasn’t fear of the audience. It was anxiety that his performance wouldn’t be 100 percent of what he expected of himself and know he was capable of. And although he did retire earlier than people expected him to, (age 55) it was prompted by his own concerns about his vocal decline and in fact he did experience some discernible decline within a few years. So, my comment was off the mark.

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

@@epona9166 I don't think it is that simple. The stage fright grew over the years, and I think that effected his vocal performances. His vocal performances was still better then most, he could easily have continued, he did not lose any range and never sang with a wobble in the voice. His breath control. one of his strongest attributes were affected. He sang a few recitals at the age of 60 and his voice sounded better then ever, the time away from the constant pressure of the opera stage seemed to cause added stress that effected his voice.

[@marianneorlet9317]

Great idea to feature these amazing tenors! Your lively and convincing presentation makes me look forward to the next one! Thank you, Anthony!💖👏🙋‍♀️

My pleasure!

[@maxwellworldwidehistorical3801]

Mister Leon is a very good Musicologist! Thank You Sir for your sound assessment of Musical Genius!

[@davidwelch8288]

Excellent video. I agree with (most 😁) of yours. I just now discovered you with this video. I subscribed and I look forward to watching many more. Thank you, good health and much happiness to you and yours.

[@esthertien311]

Such amazing content, Anthony! I get excited weekly for your video to come out! Can’t wait for next week 🤩 thank you!!

Yay! Thank you friend!

[@carolpaynter8181]

Totally agree with your number 1 choice. Very interesting video, thanks for putting this together

My pleasure!

[@hermangaddy4361]

I think your choices were spot on for the reasons you gave. And it is a pleasure listening to your beautiful, spectacular voice as well.

[@barbarawarner4645]

Great Review! Thanks so much. Domingo is my favorite of contemporary tenors (I know, he no longer sings tenor). Saw him in person twice. We have recordings of many of the others.

[@danielkristianson208]

Quite a few other names could justifiably be included, two being Alfredo Kraus and Nicolai Gedda. And two others: Jussi Björling and Jerry Hadley.

[@josefkrenshaw179]

I pulled out the Klemperer/Wunderlich /Ludwig Mahler 'erde' today after hearing of the passing of Christa Ludwig... No tenor I have heard even comes close to it in that amazing work.

[@ingemayodon5128]

Bravo, I absolutely agree with you. I have the CD. Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada

[@b-jscott]

Thank you so much for this interesting review. Fabulous 💞

[@michelefritze3988]

I just loved your video Thank you so mucg. Please do more of the same.

[@selini52]

The extremely short life of Fritz Wunderlich and his impact on today’s tenors who claim his technique as their ideal is still amazing

[@DanielOBazan]

So many great voices! Thanks for putting this together. I’m enjoying your well done video’s and to spend some time with your heart

Thank you Danny! I'm so glad you've liked them and have been watching! Much love!

[@jerryn5527]

What a lovely presentation, congratulations to your choices ❤️

[@chrisbean]

i am amazed by the sound of your voice, man. it sounds so soothing and nice to listen to.

[@maryleone2023]

Franco Corelli is my favorite operatic tenor, i.e. performed at the Met. Mario Lanza is my favorite Hollywood tenor who may have been able to perform at the Met, had he not died so young at the age of 38 in 1959 in Rome. Lanza cut off his ties to Hollywood and intended to pursue Grand Opera. He was so great that Caruso's own son stated that only Lanza could play his father in the movie The Great Caruso. Lanza had an enormous impact on such tenors as Jose Carreras who did a Tribute to Mario Lanza at Radio City Music Hall which I attended. That being said, my favorite operatic tenor, Franco Corelli owned Nessun Dorma, which became Pavarotti's signature song. Pavarotti stated that Corelli had vocal cords of steel and would have been as popular as the Three Tenors if there was available TV coverage at that time.

[@valeriedavidson2785]

Mario Lanza was wonderful. Never been anybody like him since.

[@williamrbuchanan4153]

Surprised to hear Lanza in the role of Caruso. His son was probably persuaded by the $ on that score.

[@maryleone2023]

@@williamrbuchanan4153 Enrico Caruso, Jr, stated in 1991 that " I can think of no other tenor, before or since Mario Lanza, who could have risen, with comparable success, to the challenge of playing Caruso in a screen biography". The film was made in 1951. I don't think Caruso's son was pursuaded by the money 40 years later. Also, in 1951, there were very few, if any Tenor/actors who could have successfully played Caruso. Lanza held his own throughout the film as he performed with Metropolitan Opera stars on screen. The film was a great success for MGM and many opera stars credit Lanza and the film as the inspiration for them to become opera singers, Carreras and Domingo especially. Lanza also looked the part since he and Caruso were similar in height and build. Lanza's voice was as extraordinary as Caruso's. You should see the movie. It is great.

[@valeriedavidson2785]

@@williamrbuchanan4153 Why were you surprised that Lanza played the part of Caruso? I saw the film in 1951 over and over again. I was only 13 and I was mesmerised. He had a superb voice and there has never been anyone like him before or since.

[@shicoff1398]

@@maryleone2023 The movie was a hit in when it came out in 1951 and the recordings Lanza made for it in 1950 are available and still popular today.

[@anthonyspiassi376]

I'm from Brazil, thank you for talk slowly, makes it very understandable.

[@Bobrogers99]

You picked 3 of my favorites (from a slightly longer list), so I agree with you. I've listened to quite a few tenors here on KZbin, some of which I had never heard before. One thing I have realized is that some tenors can have brilliant performances, but not consistently and not for very long. If they don't take good care of their voice and don't stay within their limits they can become second-rate in just a few years.

[@anthonypetroneiii2260]

Thank you! This was great! Well done- well organized and good information-

[@dulcesantos4352]

Love this video! Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@194219742002]

Sé que es cuestión de gustos pero no pueden dejar afuera a Di Stefano. Gracias.

[@johnholmes912]

gigli and bjorling surely belong on the list

[@sugarbist]

Gigli and Bjorling may belong on your list. The poster did say,'' you may not agree'', but it’s “his top 5” not anyone else’s. Why can’t you and others on this page understand this?

[@johnroberts4078]

@@sugarbist its fun, silly

[@sugarbist]

@@johnroberts4078 Yes it is

[@everdinestenger1548]

This is his list but I had a very old vinyl record of Il Trovatore with Amelia Gallicurci and Gilgi, I cried every time I listened to it.

[@peterpodol9206]

A reasonable list. The one tenor missing who has to be included somehow is Bjoerling. Otherwise you did well and some of the tenors mention by other commentators are very misguided (e.g- Shicoff)

[@melodymelody3096]

Thks for this video ! We really missed the big man!

[@angelacarleton9575]

The first tenor I heard and watch at the movies was "Mario Lanza." I loved him for his expressive form and hitting those incredible notes that makes one cry for joy!

[@dominiclucas1272]

Pavarotti was also a huge Mario Lanza fan.

[@dutchv231]

I went on KZbin to find some Mario Lanza, in my mind #2 with Enrico Caruso #1

[@markusbehrens7117]

Lanza hatte eine tolle Stimme, aber er war leider nur ein Schlager und Filmtenor - meines Wissens nach hat er nur 2 oder 3 mal eine Oper durchgehalten...

[@Altonahh10]

You are so right about Corelli. I would add some other tenors but then it would be a top 10 list ;-)

[@suebarner8364]

Bjorling! I also loved Cura, but no one else seems to have heard of him.

[@phil2u48]

I saw / heard Cura as Samson and he gave a stellar performance, born for the role perhaps. Cura unfortunately was an inconsistent performer and music directors began to shy away from hiring him. Here on KZbin one can see his sensitive but powerful Turridu (with W. Meier).

[@suebarner8364]

@@phil2u48 Have you seen the 2000 live “La Traviata” with Cura? There were some rough spots, but I loved it - very cinematic (even tho the plot is pretty ridiculous).

[@rawvision6701]

Cura's career was short-lived, so he didn't leave much of a legacy.

[@soniamacdonald9193]

@@rawvision6701 Loved Cura's first recording, saw him in London at the Festival Hall and he was great, but then he lost his touch somewhere along the way. Bit like Jonas Kaufman - wonderful at first, now I have to turn off the radio if he's singing.

[@shicoff1398]

@@phil2u48 Saw him sing Samson long ago in Chicago, not really greatly impressed, he was OK though.

[@VerdiGlo]

It is obvious the love you have for music, and because of this I so very much enjoyed your commentary. Look forward with glee to your future presentations. Thank you, Anthony.

[@smileymarshn7973]

The recording of Tosca that you mention is wonderful. Thank you.

[@mikaelb7735]

Thank you for interesting and charming information. But.......where was Jussi Björling???

[@johnstanton3693]

No list is complete without Giuseppe Di Stefano. The warmth of the voice, impeccable diction and those exquisite high pianissimo supported from his chest made him unique.

[@cynthiavalasin6199]

No question he was outstanding. La Scala recently honored Caruso, Corelli, and Di Stefano. Interesting they omitted Pavarotti, who remains my personal preference. I do agree with TheBrandon425. Well said!

[@suzannelacy8093]

I agree 100% and as an ancient grandma ( back in my Salad Days ) was a student member of Covent Garden Opera House . I have been fortunate enough to see and hear the very best . Giuseppe Di Stefano , Pavarotti , Carrera , Domingo , Caruso and that much loved British comedian and devout Christian Tenor Harry Secombe (spelling prob ) . I have a little stack of Theatre Programmes from those beautiful few years when my career in London was at its peak and my house mates , best friends and lovers are as clear as yesterday . In my mind they are forever young . ack in my salad days ,

[@Mikep487]

I will say this. Nobody had better vocal control than Di Stefano, who could go from fortissimo to pianissimo seamlessly.

[@Mikep487]

@@cynthiavalasin6199 I can't understand why Pav would be a personal preference. He lacks both the size and emotion to be the best.

[@peace-now]

Hi John. He was. Di Stefano sang for my uncle and his friends in 1944. My uncle was an ambulance driver.

[@albiepalbie5040]

Just found your channel Caruso so rich and moving Fritz Wunderlich - beautiful! Have never really liked Domingo - I feel there’s a whine there Franco Corelli is magnificent - he does have it all Pavarotti - beautiful - such charisma - happy His beautiful voice survived all the hype Love his voice

[@rubytuesday4564]

Even Pavarotti stated clearly that he looked to recordings of Bjorling as his guidepost to sing a roll. The good news here is this poster caused an outpouring of profound appreciation for Bjorling.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

Got to love KZbin. It is where I learned to love Opera.

[@SidLaw500]

I am the son of professional opera/classical singers and have listened at length to all the singers you mentioned. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on one's musical preferences as to who one's favorites would end up being. Just like Picasso is different than Van Gogh, most singers are trying to paint a picture with their voice that is unique within the music of their choosing.

[@sugarbist]

A beautiful informative statement

[@shicoff1398]

@@sugarbist Yes--- he is spot on!

[@shicoff1398]

Excellent comment !

[@marinellabakken7491]

I totally agree with you, but you see, you can't name the 5 greatest painters of the world without mentioning Van Gogh; as well you can't name the 5 greatest opera tenors without mentioning Jussi Björling. This guy, the "tenor" who is making the statements doesn't say that these 5 are his favourites, he means that they are the greatest and he even puts Corelli as one of them, that is really stupid because Corelli is not a first class tenor, this is for sure.

[@SidLaw500]

@@marinellabakken7491 My dad loved Bjorling the most, and saw him a few times in recital.

[@katherinebopp2021]

I was so pleased and thrilled to see Luciano Pavarotti preform in St. Louis , Mo

[@lboden7239]

What? All that beauty and then a mask for crying in a bucket! Seriously, first time to your channel and was thoroughly entertained and impressed with your knowledge and content!

[@dot8605]

My neighbor is a tenor, he sounds mostly like a strangled cat. A shame Wunderlich died so very young. He would have been the best. My favorite for sure.

[@ymasumac9380]

Hahaha sounds like a strangled cat! Sooo funny!!

[@marinellabakken7491]

Wunderlich was a Miracle, unfortunately he had an unhappy childhood and a terrible tragic death by an accident at a very young age. Had he lived longer, the face of the Opera World would have looked different. Huge, huge talent! RIP Fritz Wunderlich!

[@karlruffing4237]

If Fritz had lived to the age of 45, you would have never, ever heard of Pavarotti.

[@jonswanson7766]

If the cat was strangled wouldn't it be silent as in ex-cat?

[@perrasmussen1469]

JUSSIE B. WITHOUT A DOUBT

[@vickiw3335]

Jussi Bjorling,

[@karlavonhuben1381]

As an opera lover well past their sell=by date, I'm thrilled to see a young person taking such an interest in the artform. All we hear is "It's dying" or "It's elitist" or "It's boring" or "It's in Italian/French/German/Russian/Czech so why should I bother?" I'm sad that opera is pre-classified by so many people as something they'll hate, so they never even hear a note. I loved your list, but as you say, such a ranking is very individual. Since I've watched almost every opera the Met has streamed since we went into lockdown, I've seen hundreds of performances, and I think I'm more in tune (see what I did there?) with today's singers than with the fabulous tenors who are now gone. My list would probably include Pavarotti and maybe Corelli, but I'd also add Jonas Kaufmann, Juan Diego Florez, Roberto Alagna (I know I'll get downvoted on that one) and Javier Camarena to my roster. And maybe Matthew Polenzani, just because he's such fun. Thank you for doing this.

[@jillcampbell8019]

Great video!!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 bravo!

[@justintime42000]

Franco Corelli is my favorite too. Today is his birthday 100 years ago. His consummate and unique artistry and incredible voice will live forever, thanks to KZbin and young singers and fans singing his praises. One of the great regrets of my life is I never got to see him sing live on stage, and if had known about his later appearances I would have moved heaven and earth to be there. Whenever I’ve gone to the Met I always imagined how his voice would have filled up that beautiful opera house so magnificently. ❤️❤️❤️

[@grahamdouglas6752]

I desperately wanted to see him in his last appearances at Verona, very near the end of his normal career in 1975 (excluding the Tokyo concerts with Tebaldi etc). Unfortunately, as a poor penniless student, I just couldn't find the money to get me from England to Italy. Therefore, like you Cathy, I never got to see the great man live - as Anthony Leon says in his piece, he really was the whole package!! I too noted the day of his 100th birthday.

[@meyerbeer13]

No. Merli was way better than Corelli.

[@labienus9968]

@@meyerbeer13 First time I ever heard that one.

[@meyerbeer13]

@@labienus9968 corelli de Mónaco and domingo are all tenors who had prestige in their own era but there was nothing homeless about any of them. Francesco Merli and Giacomo Lauri Volpi are great beyond just their time frame. Alfredo Kraus and Psvarotti too.

[@meyerbeer13]

Timeless

[@appappar9893]

The greatest of them all - The most beautiful of voices - JUST SIT DOWN AND LISTEN... JUSSI BJOERLING

[@appappar9893]

1 Bjoerling 2 Corelli 3 Caruso 4 Wonderlich 5 Gigli

[@annerice4546]

Just found you loved your video. X

[@hightenor12]

This is a killer list, but as with others, I was astounded to not see Bjorling on here, but for me, the biggest snub that I haven’t seen anyone mention is Del Monaco. He was a movie star and had so much drama in his performances, and his Vesti la Giubba literally stopped me in my tracks, and moved me in ways I haven’t felt for a long time. Also, I’d like to take some time to defend Domingo, as he was the most expendable Tenor on your list (according to all of the experts here in the comment section), but as a large voiced, possibly Baritone, but trained as a Tenor, Domingo was always my voice teacher’s recommendation for me to listen to, as well as Bjorling, because I had a large, wide sound through my chest up to an A/Bb4 but everyone said my timbre was so bright, I must be a tenor. She always told me I would be a Spinto, and everyone else told me I was a lyric Baritone who would eventually do Verdi, and I was so frustrated and had trouble selecting rep for competitions, I just quit, but am recently getting back into form, and videos like this are helping me get my confidence back, and ideas to take to my teacher, so thank you. Keep doing it, man!

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

Domingo does not have a large voice. He had a medium sized tenor voice, and he was never a baritone, as we can see these days. Melchior sang professionally as a baritone for a few years, no one thinks of him as baritone today, the same with Set Svanholm. These two singers actually had careers as baritones. Ramon Vinay sang both tenor and baritone for years very successfully. These singers would perhaps have been better examples. Even just using this top 5 list in this video, Corelli enrolled at the conservatory as a baritone, they discovered he was a tenor and then they destroyed all of his high notes, he had to go back to singing baritone again when he left the conservatory. Bergonzi started as a baritone and he certainly did not have the biggest of tenor voices. It is really not that uncommon for tenors to start as baritones, they have to learn to sing past the passaggio. But for some reason this is constantly mentioned when it comes to Domingo. Bjorling was a good light lyric tenor, he certainly did not have a big voice. So he does not really fit in with these of types tenors. Most people who saw him live admits that his voice was small. It was the right sized voice for light lyric tenor material, like Pavarotti. Their voices were always boosted a massive amount on any of their studio recordings, If you want further evidence: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGaQYpajhK1-jdUsi=sdkqbKvRysvorxYP You mentioned Del Monaco, he had the same issue as Domingo in that they were not that good at delivering high B and high C notes. Del Monaco had a massive middle register, he often sang Largo Al Factotum, and no one thinks he was a baritone. Of course we do understand that Del Monaco had a huge dramatic tenor voice, so the highest notes was difficult for him. Domingo did not have a large dramatic tenor voice like Mario Del Monaco. He was a full lyric tenor with a medium sized voice who's technique left him around 1975.

[@carolinecorman1716]

Wunderlich will always be my favorite tenor.

[@marinellabakken7491]

Agree, he is one of my first three; Mozart is my favourite composer, maybe it make sense, but Wunderlich sings the most beautiful Granada too and other amazing things.

[@ingemayodon5128]

​@@marinellabakken7491 I absolutely agree with you. His Granada is out of this world. Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada

[@brontewcat]

They all sound pretty amazing to me. I could not pick between them.

[@wondertrip]

Thank you, very much, for sharing your insight and passion. Well done!

[@ahogbin2644]

Interesting selection. I was lucky to see Domingo in many of his great roles and Pavarotti in a few. One of my personal favorites was Alfredo Kraus who whilst not having the most beautiful of voices was a great stylist.

[@jane_7193]

Anthony, your personality is warm, kind, passionate and lovely. Thank you for a great video. You did leave out Björling. Perhaps you can explain why? Ok, I saw amongst the honorary mentions you brought Jussi Björling. However, one must bear in mind that in younger cultures where there is a briefer and thinner history in opera (really good teachers and one learns through hearing great singing) it is a really big achievement to develop exceptional skills and develop one´s natural gifts and talent. Björling was Swedish and Pavarotti got his opera teachings in his mother´s milk.

[@pepperco100]

@Jane_ Pavarotti's father was a fine tenor. If you search, you can find a KZbin video of them singing a duet!

[@jane_7193]

@@pepperco100 Thank you for telling me. I will definitely seek Mr. Pavarotti and listen to his singing.

[@jane_7193]

@@pepperco100 Effortless, exquisite talent, father and son Pavarotti. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWUiJiJg5Wmo5I

[@pepperco100]

@@jane_7193 Cheers!

[@kendelsthlm]

You forgot Jussi Björling😑

Yes, Jussi is one of the greatest for sure! The truth is I love them all. It's so hard to pick favorites sometimes. I believe every tenor is better at something than the other. Long live Björling's legacy!

[@shardana59]

Pavarotti does not belong there. Bjorling and Gigli are missing

[@tricky778]

But wasn't the big intro bjorling?

[@tricky778]

But then I here fritz wunderlich and he sounds almost identical to bjorling so maybe it was him

[@bonnieyost2578]

Thanks for the recognition of Bjorling - who surely belongs in the list of 'Greats'. Listening to Bjorling and Merrill do the duet from Pearl Fishers is a 'once in a lifetime' experience!

[@danielohearn7544]

How am I just seeing this now? This is awesome!

[@julieduchek2969]

Absolutely wonderful

[@hughgrection4205]

Well done, a very entertaining presentation and had you had Jussi Bjorling at least tied with Lucuano I would have enjoyed it more

[@livioferrari6398]

No bjorling?

[@Baystreetboy1947]

Thanks for the video!

[@felipejubal]

Concuerdo con los dos últimos que nombraste Corelli y Pavarotti son de otro planeta. Me gustó tu video... y queremos escucharte cantar 😉 Saludos desde Chile... Recuerdo a tus padres con mucho cariño... Una familia de músicos 👏👏👏

[@jossemegy]

Creo que no has oido tenores

[@GioSantosMusic]

Wonderful list!

Thanks, Maestro! 🙌🏼

[@MC_Elie]

Thanks for posting. Franco Corelli, Guiseppe Giacomini, and Luciano Pavarotti. I love the color/timbre of their voices in the Tenor category. It has that strength and height! Ciaroscuro. Light and dark mixed well. You feel they have balls when they sing, like a true courageous hero!

[@lalindisss3224]

Wow !!! Vaya lista la tuya Estimado Anthony 👌 ... La disfrute mucho .. claro yo agregaría otros también grandes como Bergonzi, del Mónaco y Kraus , pero por todo lo señalado creo que esta perfecta !! Un muy fuerte abrazo !! Ojala sigas haciendo mas videos en los que nos muestras mas de ti y de este bello arte !! Te admiro mucho !! Saludos desde México 👋👍🎼🎶👌👈

[@bernhardecklin7005]

Thank you Anthony, great! Learned a lot.

[@mrm.5787]

...but was it Jussi Björling in the presentation?

[@annaruocco8097]

As someone who has heard most of the tenors of the last century, as someone suggested below you should label this my five favorite tenors In my list Domingo and Pavarotti can't make the list. You listened to Caruso listen to Corelli's teacher Lauri-volpi and Bjorling Gigli. Del -Monaco,Bonci,Pertile, I could go on, in my list Domingo and Pavarotti might make top twenty.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Thanks for this. I got here right after watching Pavarotti and James Brown performing together.

[@adanmiller890]

Bravo Anthony!!!!And now you win the Operalia.Congratulations!!!I m friend of Armando Cordero,el me habló de ti.