This Song Will Make ANYONE An Opera Fan

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[@CharlesCornellStudios]

Check out my very special Christmas album made especially for you in fact it is called This Is A Christmas Album because that's what it is ok go listen if you want to: open.spotify.com/album/5hannMkeP65XSOPWdx5wYS

[@chigginheadD]

there anywhere to buy it instead of streaming?

[@cooldebt]

Well, I know what's on the playlist during Christmas lunch now! 🎶 (Plus, of course, The Consouls' 2020 Christmas Radio😉)

[@bretcanny2886]

I will check out your Christmas album now! I’m hoping to hear some Christmas songs on there.

[@olivernp7515]

Could you do a video on Ravel's La Valse, or at least selected parts?

[@KingOfGamesss]

(Paris 1998) The Three Tenors - Core 'ngrato kzbin.info/www/bejne/moXUZWmvhMaMjas

[@sarahbayla]

My high school concert band performed this and when we practiced our conductor would sometimes sing along. He was incredible and with great effort we convinced him to sing with us at our concert. It was one of the most amazing musical experiences I've ever had.

[@danielboyd4079]

that's awesome

[@harrylane4]

I love how “high school music conductor put a song on the list just so they could show off their own chops” is such a universal experience

[@johnwisniewski8712]

Band geek here. I teared up reading your comment. I would’ve loved to have been there

[@ddavidjeremy]

Amazing. That's what it's all about, isn't it. 😊

[@resena7234]

As an Italian myself, seeing an American doing soo many spontaneous pizza hands at the right moment is a life goal

[@marcopatella1497]

Concordo!!

[@KaptnJolly]

damn, i need a timestamp now

[@johnyeap7133]

wait what's a pizza hand?

[@franzferdinand3433]

mhanz

[@khyrand]

@@johnyeap7133 🤌

[@melancholymelodies89]

I was in college for music education when Pavarotti died. That entire day, the vocal department came to an absolute standstill. At the end of our Music History final that semester, the professor played this and there wasn't a dry eye in the entire room.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

I was a freshman in college...generally same.

[@nasugbubatangas]

His death was a great loss to the operatic community.

[@oldfrend]

it was said that there was sunlight in his voice. that day the sun dimmed a little.

[@MarcRebillet]

I’ve been crying my eyes out to this piece since I was a small child. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch you break it down so enthusiastically.

[@thargraves1121]

MARC…. I blast I cried like 2-7 times a day. You are a icon and sex symbol 😅

[@8-bitromance43]

I've cried to some of your work actually. Keep killing it :)

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

Really? I’d love to sing it for you

[@caraliel8868]

Feel ya Marc, it’s near divinity.

[@Darqice]

Ah, then you musta loved Vesti La Giubba as well, huh?

[@tomd9323]

Not only was Pavarotti incredibly talented, he was also a genuinely nice guy. I met him with my mum as a kid, and saw him play a guitar behind his head whilst singing. Seems like a fever dream looking back. Truly one of a kind in lots of ways.

[@cellina.starfire]

Aww that's awesome!

[@secretforreddit]

What an amazing experience!

[@iHatePlasticBags]

Lucky you!

[@angelbass2975]

That is amazing!! I was a caregiver privately and attended the opera often with my boss. We bought the old operas he played in bc he had so much experience with him through The Met and traveling. He is still truly a gift to the world.

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

Actually he was very arrogant apparently

[@alan2a1l]

There is no bigger Big Finish than the Big Finish of “Nessun dorma” - on “vincerò”, “I will win!” The title means “no one sleeps” and no one who is listening to it does. There’s no more perfect apotheosis of intensity, anticipation, & climax in music. And the relationship he (“Calaf”) is singing about, is a virtually impossible mountain to climb, “Turandot”, the ice queen, has put every single one of her suitors to death up to the point “Calaf” shows up to try his luck at the great riddle she poses & he has to answer to win her hand or die. That’s the context and EVERYTHING in the words & music support that moment. That is greatness in music. And, oh yeah, no picnic for that category of tenor to sing, demanding, exposed, and encourages all of the things that undermine well-supported tone emission. Hard not to get excited and blow the B natural at the end! Pavarotti’s version is a triumph in itself as he sings of triumph. Also listen to Jussi Björling’s version, as well. Absolutely fearless.

[@aidancampbell7935]

I saw the thumbnail and I already knew exactly which performance this was. Truly incredible.

[@maryvallas772]

If this song doesn't overcome you with emotion, there's something wrong! Not only is the music hauntingly beautiful, but good Lord... the emotion he evokes is as powerful as his vocal chords!

[@frycek098]

Right?? I genuinely tear up every single time I listen to this for no reason at all. It’s just overwhelmingly good

[@EH23831]

Yup! Chills. Every.time!!

[@jakehendriksen2841]

The first time I heard a recording of this performance, I burst into tears. I still do sometimes when I listen to it. I'm really excited to hear your take on *why* it has that effect on people.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

You brought it! This video did not disappoint, and I will probably rewatch this quite a lot in the coming weeks. I'm looking forward to listening to your Christmas album, too!

[@KingOfGamesss]

(Paris 1998) The Three Tenors - Core 'ngrato kzbin.info/www/bejne/moXUZWmvhMaMjas

[@paulklingman2850]

It took me literally almost two decades of one-on-one voice lessons - the last six with a gentleman who conducted Pav while he was still with us and continues to coach Domingo and other world-famous opera stars internationally. How I managed to snag an opening in his studio remains a mystery to me, but I am forever grateful. When I finally made the connection (ha) as to how to get that head-chest blend to persist beyond the second passagio without forcing the larynx down or overblowing or cracking or etc., I was in tears. He took me up to a C# that day - prior to then I could sing a B-flat perhaps six times per year, if the moon were full, on a Tuesday, and I’d just eaten scallops (I joke). After that lesson a high C is child’s play. How strange the voice is, with all its training plateaus.

[@limonade2684]

❤

[@secretforreddit]

As a lifelong opera fan, I loved your explanation of what makes Nessun Dorma so special. The song combined with Pavarotti's unimaginably perfect voice really makes this one of, if not the, best recordings of an opera piece of all time. Another incredible opera piece you might want to check out would be the sextet ("Chi mi frena in tal momento?") from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor;" it has incredible melodies for all six singers and is one of the only other pieces that can make me cry with happiness just from listening to it. Highly recommend it!

[@lifeisgood3087]

Only two opera pieces (one aria and one sextet) make you cry? Have you been exposed to opera? I could have an endless list here of arias, duets, trios, ensembles, intermezzi, etc. that make me and anyone cry.

[@secretforreddit]

@@lifeisgood3087 I actually used to live not far from the Mariinsky Theater in St Petersburg, Russia, and in the last year alone have been to sixteen operas in three countries. And that's not counting my Met Opera subscription which is always on in the background. Yes, I have been exposed to opera; I just don't cry easily.

[@koalabandit9166]

I think that knowing the lyrics adds to the emotional intensity of the music (and go watch the whole opera, it's amazing): None shall sleep! None shall sleep! Even you, oh Princess, In your chilly chambers, Watch the stars That tremble with love And with hope. But my secret is locked within me: No one shall know my name, No! No! Over your mouth I shall tell it, At light's first shine. And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine (Choir: No one shall know his name and we must, alas, die) Dissipate, o night! Vanish, stars! Vanish, stars! At dawn, I shall win! I shall win! I shall win!

[@aaronleblanc9276]

It sucks that something is always lost in every translation. The word "vincerò" in this instance seems to translate with the least fidelity. I feel like it may have something to do with replacing a vowel with a weak consonant sound at the very end.. Having your tongue pressed to the top of your pallet for an "N" just isn't as expressive or passionate as a full-throtled "OHHHHHH."

[@FDE-fw1hd]

It’s definitely a thing but most singers can understand that connotation. Choosing lyrics is important.

[@koalabandit9166]

@@aaronleblanc9276 Absolutely, and my English isn't perfect, so I'm sure my translation could have been better too. I just love opera, and I feel that the lyrics and the story are such an important part of the experience (though a jazz musician understandably tends to focus on the notes). Thinking of what you said, I also feel that maybe "to overcome" would be a better translation. It's probably more "triumphant" than simply "to win", and the vowels are stronger.

[@jonprescott-sears5644]

Yep, thanks for bringing up the lyrics. Perfectly dovetails with Charles's discussion of the first two chords: "NONE" (on the crunchy dissonant chord) resolving to "SHALL SLEEP".

[@TheSpaceHipster]

Professional Opera singer (Bass-Baritone) and casual composer here! So so happy you are delving into the Opera repertoire with this video, Charles! Made my day. Here is a quick list of suggestions! Puccini is possibly the best way to get into Opera. It is some of the most "accessible" yet complex music in the rep. La Boheme is a GREAT place to start. From the get (Questo ma rosa) you are thrown into an adventure of sound, and then treated to some lovely delicate and sweeping melodies that provide a perfect foreground to the parisian Christmas Eve setting. I also LOVE Puccini's 'La Fanciulla Del West.' There is a fabulous motif that represents the female hero, and it blares as soon as she enters. Very romantic and bold, and I love that an italian opera exists about the American Wild West. Another well known tune is "vesti la giubba" from the Opera "Pagliacci." Very bombastic melody, and the epitome of operatic melodrama. "La Donna e Mobile" from La Traviata is a famous piece, but very musically simplistic to the modern ear. (I'm not a huge fan of Verdi Opera, I'm sorry. He just cranked out a bunch of the same basic stuff.) Mozart is obviously fabulous- many of his operas are commonly performed in English as well, so that can be a good gateway into Opera! The Magic Flute is a great example of this. It is classified as a 'Zingspiel,' and was traditionally meant to be performed in the language of the audience. The Queen of the Night aria is the most famous and impressive piece from the opera. The Overture to Marriage of Figaro is also iconic and exciting. I would also suggest checking out Beethoven's one and ONLY opera, 'Fidelio.' The Overture and the tenor aria that opens act 2 are especially striking, and really cut deep, especially if you can find a translation to read. Hope this helps! Ben

[@Corkiepie]

Fidelio is fantastic! Vastly under appreciated. I sometimes feel like people say they don’t like opera, but have only heard Puccini, Wagner or Verdi - and sure, they are often good starting points, but there’s so much more out there.

[@Pearl-2003]

Whatever you say about Verdi, at least he bothered to compose roles specifically for mezzo-sopranos (Amnerisin Aida, pretty big part), unlike Puccini who kinda forgot we existed. P.S. I'm a mezzo.

[@TheSpaceHipster]

@@Pearl-2003 this is painfully accurate. The other place you find legit mezzos are in Baroque operas, and occasionally in Handel. But I'm hoping to see more in modern rep! Mennotti certainly didn't shy away from all the ranges

[@Pearl-2003]

@@TheSpaceHipster Mozart composed some roles for mezzos aswell so did Rossini (Rosina Angelina). Outside of Italian rep big props to Bizet for composing an opera whose heroine is a mezzo. Also sidenote Carmen is a banger of an opera.

[@TimothyCHenderson]

While it may not be as impressive as Beethoven's version, check out Paer's Leonora as a great compare and contrast against Fidelio. They are in different leagues but Paer's version is interesting in it's own right. The story is pretty close to verbatim along with the breakdown of musical numbers but the closing out of the second act has some adjustments. Allegedly, Beethoven kept a copy of it in his apartment and was a fan. The overture is worth listening to on it's own just for the opening question it asks before it delves into themes pulled from the opera.

[@OriginalWireman]

Superb breakdown. Of course, if you're a Brit of a certain vintage, Nessun Dorma - especially sung by Pavarotti -is achingly familiar. In an inspired decision, the BBC chose it as the theme for their coverage of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The opening broadcast had viewers asking: "What IS that tune?". By a few games in, you couldn't go anywhere without hearing it, from open apartment windows, from bars, from shops, anywhere there was a TV showing a game. Which was EVERYWHERE. By the end of that glorious summer of football, everyone in the street was whistling it. Even now, 32 years later, those opening chords don't evoke opera. They will forever stand for football, with all its agonies and ecstasies.

[@matteofailla]

As an opera coach, I'm always thrilled by this opera, and Puccini is on my tier S of opera composers. It's very exciting to know that even musicians who are outside this field can get fascinated by it ❤️

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

You are an opera coach? Wow cool, I love singing opera

[@matteofailla]

@@nickevershedmusic8927 well yes, or at least I found this term works too. The official one is repetiteur, just look for it ☺️

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

@@matteofailla review my opera singing on previous videos if you will?

[@jasonsummit1885]

Luciano Pavarotti does this one so good. Just the emotion he puts into every word, you don't even need to know Italian to feel the song.

[@HarryWincup]

The choruses of both Nessun Dorma and Con te partirò instantly bring me to tears every time, even after all these years. Just phenomenally beautiful music

[@nicholassullivan6105]

Yes, I'll second this! I'd enjoy seeing a breakdown of con te partiro

[@rowangillard3136]

Con te Partirò is a pathetic attempt at music popularised by Bocelli who IS NOT an opera singer. He is a pop singer. Bocelli is not fit to lick the soles of Pavarotti's shoes and it is a travesty that he has become so famous. Go and listen to some real opera by the Italian masters instead of indulging such total rubbish

[@zanger4002]

The 2006 Olympics opening ceremony performance of it tho- especially once you know more about the context of the performance- never fails to make me cry...

[@HermioneGio]

Italian here who grew up in a family of huge opera fans, specially my father. I am seeing a lot of people suggesting to check out Puccini's Tosca ("E lucevan le stelle") and Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci" ("Vesti la giubba"), and I wholeheartedly agree. I suggest, though, to listen to Pavarotti's version of the 2 arias as well. "E lucevan le stelle" at the Opera theatre in Rome (I think it was in the 1990) was incredible: people kept applauding and asking a "bis" for minutes... Pavarotti accepted and sang the aria again... and killed it again! Twice in a row. I would also check "Un bel dì vedremo" from Puccini's "Madame Butterfly"... it's really hard not to feel moved by it.

[@giovannianile3830]

Why not adding also “Recondita Armonia”, such a wonderful piece

[@madisonholtze7344]

Pavarotti's rendition of this aria makes me weep every time I hear it. Just extraordinary. Thanks for analyzing some opera Charles. 💜

[@MichaelPandolfo]

Actual opera singer here. Thanks for highlighting some of the gorgeous and dramatic harmonies we love!!

[@samhui9517]

This is my favorite of Luciano Pavarotti’s signature songs, a close second is O Sole Mio. I am not a musician, can’t even read music, but these 2 songs give me goosebumps every single time ! Just goes to show one doesn’t need to be an opera lover to love these songs.

[@kaan_bey]

Puccini and Debussy are absolutely brilliant musical painters who can always keep their music interesting with rich and colorful ideas.

[@mfaizsyahmi]

i see what you did there

[@joaopedrolessa2242]

My favorite aria is the Liebestod from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. It’s extremely dense and can be harsh for non German speakers (like me) but it’s one of the biggest climaxes in music

[@marijntenvelde8106]

@João Pedro Lessa it absolutely is

[@reyndimensions2180]

Another popular opera song you should listen to is Vesti La Giubba from Paggliaci, the translation and what the character is going through is heart wrenching

[@DannyMcHugh]

I adore Pavarotti's version of Vesti La Giubba, but I find Placido Domingo's filmed version of KZbin to be very well acted and so very sad.

[@theKobus]

RIIIIIIIDIIIIII

[@ghiekorg]

As an italian i'm sad i discovered Pavarotti when he was already dead. But to discover him as an adult, with the capability of understanding what he is actually singing, is a big privilege. I would suggest you (and your audience) to check also "vesti la giubba", especially the "ridi pagliaccio" part, one of the most dramatic piece ever. ❤ thank you for this

[@LeTromboniste0]

Extra thing for the opening: The text is "nobody sleeps" although it's a calm quiet night and people should. The constant alternation between this quite dissonant dominant and not fully resolved tonic, with a very soft way to resolve by sliding all the notes, perfectly embodies this calm but sleepless stillness. It's absolutely masterful word painting.

[@erlandodk]

I'm not an opera fan. I don't understand italian. But this brilliant piece of music gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. It is simply the essence of beauty.

[@noharahien]

In case you haven't, check out the Prelude from Tristan and Isolde. As a jazz lover who barely listens to operas, this one is just unforgettably beautiful to me

[@theKobus]

the chord! it's a cool chord

[@noharahien]

​@@theKobus Yeah man that half diminished 7th chord! Basically every music theory textbook talking about half diminished 7th takes this piece as an example lol

[@papageno88]

I undersign listening to Tristan. Have to include the Liebestod though. Also, Brian Wilson uses the Tristan chord in "God Only Knows."

[@fullmetalsewist]

If you are a jazz lover, the opera Salome will be right up your alley.

[@ZephWraen]

My high school band played this song (this would have been almost 15 years ago) and I was given the solo (played on the Flugelhorn instead of sung) so this song will always hold a special place for me.

[@JochenVogel]

"Nessun Dorma" is one of the greatest pieces of music. And Puccini was the Jazz-man among the Opera-composers. Check out also "Mi chiamano Mimi" from "La Bohème". And do check out Jussi Björling's version of "Nessun Dorma", Jeff Beck's and, last but not least by far, Fritz Wunderlich's "Keiner schlafe".

[@giobarbarinimusic]

When I read "Vincero" I already knew what this video was about and got chills from the thumbnail. My grandpa is an italian man from the 30s that went to Brasil on the 70s, I grew up listening to jazz with him but he always loved opera, specially this song. I've moved to Europe this year and I constantly remember about him. This song is really special to me.

[@xavier.m.pradotenor]

Now imagine appreciating & dissecting this aria within in the harmonic, dramatic, vocal, & poetic context of the whole opera. Truly heartbreaking & so beautiful because of it… and you start to hear hints of it long before, so by the time you get to it, your heart & mind have been completely ripped apart. That will make you an opera fan.

[@armandoorque]

Fantastic job like always Maestro. Puccini wrote amazing arias of this style. I think Mi chiamano Mimi should be your next Puccini analysis

[@Nadia1989]

I love that aria. The build up is ✨sublime✨

[@alexmummery3638]

Back when I was a college student, I was asked to be a fill in a trombone part for our school opera performance for the year. We were doing Arrigo Boito's Mefistofele and it was the most fun I had playing music. Definitely check out the epilogue/finale for that beautiful tension/release!

[@paulklingman2850]

Some ideas for more awesome operatic arias: Vissi D’arte - Puccini (again) - Tosca Queen of the Night - Mozart - Magic Flute Czardas - Strauss - Die Fledermaus (this one may have less broad an appeal but it’s vocally demanding) Musical Theatre (The stuff everyone knows - Music of the Night from Phantom, any number of pieces from Les Mis, If I Can’t Love Her from Beauty and the Beast [only performed in broadway version], and a piece that never fails to make me weep through its sheer simplicity, Sunday from Sunday in the Park with George by Sondheim [RIP] - I could go on) But one MT piece deserves a sort of special mention here - How Beautiful the Days from The Most Happy Fella by (of all people) Frank Loesser, who wrote Guys & Dolls. The two musicals could NEVER have come from the same composer if you were to listen to them having never heard them before. Going from “Sit Down, you’re Rocking the Boat” (I got a standing ovation in the middle of the damn show for that one!) to what is closer to an operetta than a musical is insane. But what’s going on harmonically in the latter parts of …Beautiful the Days could be a Harmony IV final exam. Not-really-opera (we vocalists call it popera) The Prayer - David Foster (?) - Popularized by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion I hope you hit at least one or two of these if you haven’t already. I like your style and analysis. You don’t obsess over every single chord.

[@dylanschang6386]

I'm an opera singer, a tenor. This recording was definitely very influential in my inspiration to be an opera singer.. how could it not? Thanks so much for digging deep into the harmonies, bringing a jazz perspective to those of us who don't think of opera in that way as we are performing it, while also exposing it to a whole new audience. For further opera listening, I would recommend the following: "La fleur que tu m'avais j'etee" from Bizet's 'Carmen' - Lots of interesting harmonies, especially near beginning and end "Che gelida manina" from Puccini's 'La Boheme' - More Puccini deceptive cadences and key changes.not as many crunchy extensions, but the aria is plaintive, and it really lets the voice soar.

[@hunhunhaha]

You should talk about how the harmony reacts to the lyrics and subtext as well. This is how genius works. Like a true genius turned master.

[@EmOnLinE12]

Yesssss

[@NolwennGladys]

So glad you enjoyed! I'm a classical musician, a teacher and a big opera fan. It was very fun to see you discover Puccini, it made me look at it in a new light. I never thought to put the chords down on a keyboard, it's funny to see the differences between how you and I listen to and analyze music. I think Puccini is very peculiar in his harmony amongst other opera composers. I'd suggest you keep listening to him for a while if you like it so, then branch out to other romantic composers - Verdi might do it for you. For now I'd recommend "Tosca" by Puccini, specifically two arias : "E Lucevan le Stelle", another tenor aria, and "Vissi d'Arte", this time a soprano aria. Very intense, very epic. Awesome. And then, if you like crazy harmonies, you might really enjoy Wagner. His operas are extremely long, and to be honest, I mostly listen to the overtures - introductions only played by the orchestra. But they're mindblowing! The "Prelude" from "Lohengrin" feels to me like one of the greatest pieces of music of all time, and the "Prelude und Liebestod" of the third act of "Tristan und Isolde" also. Then you can go over the Mahler and his symphonies, etc... The XIXth century was extremely interesting musically, and you'll find that romantic composers had already crossed a lot of borders! I cross my fingers that you Charles, or other people will come across this comment and go to listen to some more music. Have fun everyone!

[@roscoepentney5942]

Nessun Dorma will always remind me of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The three tenors concert (Pavarotti / Domingo / Carreras) was brilliant

[@juanpaxv]

For more sick and beautiful harmonies, check out also from Puccini's Toscs "Recondita Armonia" and "Vissi d'Arte". And specially "Ch'il bel sogno di doretta" It sounds like pure jazz!!!

[@YatesNYC]

Chi bel sogno is absolutely sublime!

[@Benjaminimize]

I'm enjoy opera a lot. But I do need to be in the right mood to sit through a whole opera. It's nice to just listen to the highlights - the best arias and overtures. The Flower Duet by Bizet never gets old for me. O mio babbino caro is very pretty too. But for sheer pathos that strikes straight to the heart like a bullet "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca is hard to beat. Watch it in the context of the whole opera, or even on its own and I guarantee you will cry. Even the song is very short. Would love to see harmony analysis of that.

[@dinobuddy]

Delibes, not Bizet. But yes, absolutely gorgeous

[@Benjaminimize]

@@dinobuddy ah yes, from the opera Lakmé

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

I find that subtitles help a great deal

[@ThereaalSP]

I played nessun dorma in my freshman high school marching performance. I had to go back and listen to the original and i was just blown away. This song will always hold a special place in my heart

[@user-gg3nm4xm6r]

shows the connection between impressionist turn-of-the-century classical music and jazz.

[@emilecroons]

You must check out another one from Puccini - the whole love duet in Madama Butterfly. The Jussi Bjorling and Victoria De Los Angeles version. IMO best mix of voices. It's breathtaking! Another one that can reduce you to tears!

[@composernotes]

And in the full opera the resolution to the I chord (D) in root position never happens, it finishes in first inversion as it had done previously and then goes on to the rest of the opera. Thanks Charles, your enthusiasm is infectious and I love the way you explain the harmony as so modern, that it could almost be a pop song. And yes I love opera. I hope you do a few other stunning moments. I will definitely post some suggestions!

[@alanjmcc]

I remember arguing with a friend over whether too much analysis can ruin a work of art. I said no. He said yes. I insisted a close look at individual parts highlights the surfaces to appreciate when you take in the whole, and that only increases how much there is to appreciate. I wish I had had these seventeen minutes of yours to strengthen my argument. You do it so very well. Really appreciate this video. Thank you.

[@kevinhenderson1279]

Nessun Dorma- the most beautiful two and a half minutes of opera ever written.

[@marcossidoruk8033]

Someone never listened to tristan.

[@reubenconducts5792]

There is so much Puccini to explore that feels just as modern as this!! Tosca is a favorite of mine, not only for the unbelievable music but also that it's relatively concise for grand opera, and just overly dramatic enough to be super enjoyable. A less commonly heard one is La Fanciulla del West (the first every spaghetti western!!), which has fascinating harmony all throughout

[@TMNTfever]

This definitely is one of the pieces that inspired me to sing opera in college. And if I'm being honest, it was Pavarotti alone who I could blame. While at first I admired the melodies, I later got obsessed with the architecture of opera music. I eventually got a music composition degree and I attribute some of my pieces to having operatic elements, but for other genres.

[@newfontherock]

One of our history profs was an opera teacher. As I am a pianist, He helped me see the Bel Canto in Chopin. Good stuff.

[@jumill]

Very good analysis! That aria has haunted me for almost 5 decades...My late dad used to play it loud, he enjoyed it so much, around lunch time when he gets home from work. And I would come back from school that aria would be blaring in the house. It is so dramatic and beautiful and full of emotions. Thanks so much.

[@susannahholland8697]

This song sung by this man made me an opera fan at age 62 having never listened to opera before in my life. I went from this to Tosca. Then to other recommended grand operas. At this point, I’ve been to The Met four times, I attend Met Opera in HD cinema screenings, and watch then on TV. It all began with this song. Thank you for breaking it down.

[@joffreybluthe7906]

Another tenor aria in a Puccini opera that's amazingly beautiful is "e lucevan le stelle" from Tosca. You can check out versions by Roberto Alagna. Thx for the breakdown! Now I know better why I love this aria :)

[@joeabrown930]

This was a great video! I’d suggest a couple of the arias from “Die Tote Stadt” (The Dead City) by Erich Korngold. “Marietta’s Lied” in particular. Beautiful harmony in those! Korngold was well known for his film scores in the earlier days of film, like “The Adventures of Robin Hood” with Errol Flynn. Awesome stuff.

[@mygetawayart]

the entire discography of Giacomo Puccini is amazing. Its surprising modernity stems from the fact that more modern composers (especially in movies) took him as of their main inspirations. My favourite song of his is "Quando m'en vo" from La Boheme, it's incredibly sentimental and despite being written in the early 1900's, you can definitely hear all the bits that were picked up by modern composers.

[@hannahs.1277]

My orchestra plays this every year for their Christmas concert in church and eventhough we only play in a small town for mostly older people it always warms my heart when they ask us what beautiful piece that was. We all love playing it and seeing that many people with tears in their eyes is just so wonderful. That song never disapoints

[@cooldebt]

Thanks Charles for encouraging me to appreciate one of the few forms of music that I have never really enjoyed much.

[@alexandrapedersen829]

I don't know anything about music, but what really got me into opera was Maria Callas. Just the way she was able to imbue emotion and storytelling into what I'd previously considered pretty music with impressive high notes made it click in my mind that opera is a form of theatre and that a story is being told.

[@willowschafer]

For anyone who has even a remote interest in opera, the aria der hölle rache from Mozart's Magic Flute is famous for being one of the hardest arias to sing for women. Mozart specifically created it to be sung by his sister-in-law (if I remember correctly) because she had an unusually high range and extreme control of her voice. Not only does the aria hit extremely high notes, but it also features a very difficult staccato portion as well as leaps between high and low notes. Another very interesting opera piece is the entire Akhenaten opera by Philip Glass. It is unique because the orchestra completely lacks violins and instead relies on the viola section for the strings which gives the opera a very low and rich tone. The overall music also mixes ancient Egyptian motifs with more modern tones.

[@deonmurphy6383]

Another opera piece I like is from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, “Au fond du temple saint”. In particular the version sung by Robert Merrill and Jussi Björling, superb. Brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it.

[@specialperson335]

Would be really interesting to see you analyse Wagner's liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, the prelude from which changed music and harmony forever.

[@bobbybain2576]

I love how you can use music theory to prove 'Yes indeed, mathematically this does slap'

[@missymoosical]

15:13 the fact that it’s the 5th means he could drop it anywhere and it’s amazing - opera’s the masterclass in voiceleading to break the heart ❤️❤️❤️

[@pyrogamer2597]

Song makes me tear up every time I hear it

[@g.defreestlarner772]

Charles' passion for music is so infectious

[@williamdhl72]

Another amazing piece of opera music by Puccini is "e lucevan le stelle" from Tosca. It's so hauntingly beautiful!

[@cellina.starfire]

YES. Andrea Bocelli's performance of it just kills me. Such a tragic song...

[@M.Stabile]

@@cellina.starfire please try Miquel Fleta. Its out of this world.

[@jamiebassettcompositions1471]

Liebestod, the final aria of Wager’s Tristan und Isolde, has incredible chords. Think you’d enjoy picking them apart!

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

Honestly, your absolute love for music and the joy with which you break it down are SO infectious, Charles! Thank you so much for your inspiring content and cozy vibes!🧡

[@martycarval]

Hi Charles, I really love what you do! What you think is a D7 V chord is not! It's actually a Ebm7M! Notes are the same but the Eb/Bb bass fifth is even more exciting ! Keep going!

[@kaymojil7669]

My favorite teacher called him “the Pav” his love for the singer and the voice was so palpable. I can still hear the Pav in an interview saying “when I speak I say we, mean me and my voice”. Respect for the instrument God gave him.

[@mgescuro]

You should listen to “E Lucevan Le Stelle” from the 3rd act of “Tosca.” It’s so incredibly cinematic.

[@henkdevries2002]

Check out Mahler. The finale to the second symphony for example one of the most beautifull things ever written in my opinion.

[@maryeckel9682]

I got to sing that in college, and I was shaking for about fifteen minutes afterwards. That and Beethoven's Ninth were pinnacle experiences.

[@ThemeParkNetYT]

No one can sing it like Pavarotti, but Aretha Franklin sang this song at the Grammy's one to step in for Pavarotti when he was sick. I had goosebumps all over my body when I first heard her sing that song!

[@scottgilesmusic]

Elektra by Richard Strauss is amazing. It's dramatic, you can pretty much tell what's going on by looking at it even if you don't speak German and it's only 90 to 100 minutes. It says what it wants to and then gets off the stage. It's colorful, edgy and mean.

[@josecastellanos6952]

Check the Overture of Tannhäuser (Wagner) an energetic piece and the whole Madama Butterfly (also Puccini), with the indescriptible aria “Un bel dì, vedremo”, probably the saddest piece of music together with the Barber Adagio.

[@danielmartens6369]

I'm so glad you covered his song, as being raised on Opera, this so still one of (if not completely) my favourite operatic piece. I would greatly recommend The Pearl Fisher's Duet from the Opera "The Pearl Fishers". It is a beautiful piece for two male voices, and is again one of my favourites!

[@felicius190]

I dont know if this is to much but the operas of Wagner (for example The Meistersinger von Nürnberg) are so extraordinary with the leitmotifs. Always gives me Goosebumps.

[@HectorGarcia-ho3xe]

He should definitly do a video of wagner!!

[@christinamixemong9568]

Wagner was a bad man.

[@fredrikessunger9049]

Yes, but his music was amazing

[@ianng9915]

Wagner is probably not for everyone. We get the most out of him when listening to hours non-stop rather than separate songs or arias, like listening to the entirety of Gotterdammerung act 2 and 3, Walkure act 1 and 3, Tristan act 2 and 3 etc. But most people don’t have the time nor attention span. But if you do, the world opens up…

[@theKobus]

funny I like Parzival better than Meistersinger but sucker for anything with the Holy Grail in it

[@composernotes]

I agree the chord of beat 4 of the first few measures is an altered dominant. But Puccini does something incredible with it. The scoring has E-flat, B-flat in the bass, with C, F-sharp, B-flat, D in the treble. I hear it as a D7#5, an augmented chord, rather than flat13. There is no A-natural in the chord against the B-flat. But the two altered notes are in the bass as a perfect 5th, which makes you try to "understand" the chord as some kind of E-flat chord. Amazing harmony throughout. And I agree that it is beautiful.

[@Vlogafogo]

Years ago I worked as at a music school near Amsterdam and I was practicing some jazz and bossa nova before the next teacher who was an opera singer came in and asked me if I want to accompany her students and herself during the next presentation. I remember she did some Puccini songs too like Lady Butterfly....I was totally amazed about the way Puccini notated the music and the possibilities of interpretation... it was like playing a jazz ballad rubato with voicings Keith Jarrett would have used 😊🙏❤ I love your passion diving into that tune!!!

[@dkz1302]

Would be amazing to watch you do a similar video/reaction to Pagliacci; “Vesti La Giubba” !!

[@supersingalong1]

Yesss!! So glad you recorded those Christmas songs from last year. Also, Pavarotti 😍

[@vincentarcaro1353]

Greatest aria in opera performed by one of the greatest tenors in history composed by Puccini one of the great Italian composers ❤

[@kantpredict]

They played this as the final song at my granddad's funeral. He was a big fan and we often likened him to Pavarotti as he was a portly gent with a beard who sang at church every week. Miss you, Terry. ❤️

[@tarekschmidt96]

great stuff as always! one nerdy addition: I think the magic of that first dominant chord is even amplified by a low fifth between E flat and B flat in the bass so that chord is not only full of upper tensions but basically has the root note in the melody only and the flat 9 in the bass truly amazing stuff 🎉

[@newfontherock]

I just checked the score and the voicing is Eb, Bb, C, F#, Bb, D. So, I wonder if it is a dominant chord. It's more like EbmMaj7 with an added 13, whatever that means. So yeah, it's crazy, like he said, just a crunch that resolves from all directions. Without the alterations and extensions, I think it's an oddly spelled Ebm chord, with the Gb re-spelled as F#. (Recall the Imperial March from Empire Strikes Back. John Williams does this chord multiple times for the Dark side in different keys.)

[@irishjet2687]

Puccini's _Turandot_ (and "Nessun Dorma" in particular) also set the backdrop (literally) for the best scene in the Mission: Impossible movies. Placing a three-way sniper stand-off on the stage of the opera makes for a fantastic scene. It's made even better by having the only music playing be the diegetic music from the opera, with the dramatic climax coming on the same beat (again, literally) as the "Vin-cer-ò!" note that is so breathtaking. Seeing that in the theater is one of my favorite movie memories.

[@cooldebt]

I love how you could appreciate that moment because of your knowledge of the music itself. The use of music in movies is a 'science' and requires a lot of knowledge to be done well. SImilarly with VGm, I never thought about how much thought and effort and skill does into much of the music until I started listening to brilliant Aussie jazz ensemble The Consouls.

[@dylanschang6386]

thats how I got introduced to opera, believe it or not- through that scene. I am now a professional opera singer

[@operaanna]

Shame they cut part of the aria to make the timing work though

[@dclarkmusic]

Right there with you! This Pavarotti performance is earth shattering

[@YenShively]

Easily one of my favorite performances of all time, definitely my favorite Aria of all time. It’s just simply beautiful, brings tears to my eyes every. single. time.

[@RoseArtemis24]

It's just such an incredible piece that always evokes powerful emotions whenever I listen to it. Especially when sung by Pavarotti

[@jamesturner6979]

Speaking of Opera and pop culture, you should totally check out "Draco & Maria" - an opera created solely for the video game "Final Fantasy VI" and has gotten various live recitals with real opera singers. 😍

[@alexgolubov7837]

If you want a Puccini Aria with tension, you should check out ‘Va, Tosca’ from Tosca… so simple but so much beautiful musical tension

[@jakemilburn]

Not only listening to the harmony and melody, but analyzing the lyrics and the meaning behind this song makes it so much more emotional and worth it.

[@PowPowPixie]

Thanks for this video, it totally reminds me of my mom who used to be a violinist, so growing up there was always classical music playing. Puccini is her absolute favorite opera composer, this song, "Un bel dì vedremo" from Madame Butterfly, "O mio Babbino Cano" from Gianni Schicchi, and also "Casta Diva" from Norma by Bellini are her absolute favorites. I've heard them all my entire life and they still get me emotional even now, especially Madam Butterfly, it makes cry every time.

[@gatoreuph]

Totally agree on the arias you suggest. Hard to beat Puccini.

[@vivacevideo8099]

Absolutely right.

[@RodolfoLimacbx]

This piece! This singer! This atmosphere! And that climax! Pavarotti made it so powerful! Thanks man! 13:37

[@anthonyruiz4783]

Alright (cracks knuckles) I am an aspiring Opera singer. Here are some of my favorites... a majority may or may not be by Puccini also... Best first opera to watch in full (ideally in person) is Gianni Schicchi by Puccini. It is in Italian but unlike most operas it's only about an hour long. It's a comedy. If you like tragedies, also only about an hour long is I Pagliacci by Leoncavallo. Some great individual songs (called arias) are the following: Che gelida manina from La Boheme by Puccini (probably don't already know it but is soooo good) Vesti la giubba from I pagliacci by Leoncavallo (you might know this one already) Song to the Moon from Rusalka by Dvorak (this one has some chromatic mediants that is similar to modern music) Largo al factotum from Barber of Seville by Rossini (you'll know this one) La habanera from Carmen by Bizet (you've probably heard this one) Dido's lament from Dido and Aeneas by Purcell (ngl this one will be an acquired taste but a good one if you break it down theoretically) I could go on. Comment if you want more suggestions. **The romantic era is when people started writing music according to feeling. That's why some of the music from the baroque or classical period doesn't make sense with the meaning of the song. A majority of the songs on this list are late romantic and loved more than other eras by modern ears because of the amount of expression that is in the music.

[@lakoneko]

It's cool how your description of the tension in the chord changes of the verse parallel the lyrics/text, in that it is a man at conflict over what to do, and eventually resolves with his final decision and conviction towards action. Obviously that was the intention, but since you didn't mention the lyrics, I wonder if you knew that when you analyzed the piece

[@Michael_Underhill]

How did this video drop as I was watching that exact Nessun dorma performance??

[@frederickkk1985]

Nessun dorma Nessun dorma Tu pure, o Principessa Nella tua fredda stanza Guardi le stelle Che tremano d'amore e di speranza Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me Il nome mio nessun saprà No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò Quando la luce splenderà Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio Che ti fa mia (Il nome suo nessun saprà E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir, morir) Dilegua, o notte Tramontate, stelle Tramontate, stelle All'alba vincerò Vincerò Vincerò

[@TheSeeking2know]

Already a mini-opera fan. Great to see you break this down in your unique way. More of this please! And congratulations on the Christmas album!

[@kathleenthorpe5284]

The emotional pull of this aria sung by Pavarotti has the same affect on me each and every time I hear it. Your explanation and playing of the chords, showing us how the composition makes these incredibly emotional sounds was so great to watch. Thank you! I have added your Christmas music to my Spotify library.