Merrill / Tucker - Forza

[@AfroPoli]

Merrill gives a great lesson in the meaning of chiaroscuro here.

[@cedricterry7864]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@harrisonkristian8355]

@Cedric Terry instablaster =)

[@emailvonsour]

Chiaroscuro is about varying timbre, as the old singers used to. Merrill most certainly did not do that. He was monochrome all the way through. Chiaroscuro is a metaphor taken from the great old painters, who used light and shade to create dramatic contrast. Did painters use dark and light in the exact same spot? Of course not!

[@Operafiend22]

When Bob took a serious approach, the greatness was there.

[@oiuyuioiuyuio]

​@@emailvonsour why do imbeciles like you talk about things they know nothing about? In opera singing, chiaroscuro has always referred to the constant quality of a voice which must be present all throughout the range (which if you have the right technique should be achieved by the brightness of the chest voice with the darkness of the falsetto and a low larynx). Merrill absolutely had a chiaroscuro voice. No, idiot, it's not about changing timbres, you ridiculous clown.

[@e-bikeskibum7141]

Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 years old here. Unbelievable! Vibratos healthy, plenty of vocal sustain and strength across the entire vocal range!! Great singers.

[@jefolson6989]

They both look like men in their 60s. Merrill voice booms.and echos through the house. Incredible

[@ricardogigante881]

the loudest finalmente - 3:35 Ever. what an instrument. These two are Olympian titans

[@loidaornelas9479]

Not to mention the most beautiful ''Finalmente'' ever.

[@Creationseed9]

@@loidaornelas9479 listen to Herlea. This world is tooooo subjective...

[@MOV1983]

@@Creationseed9 The video is not about Herlea.

[@EcceHumanitatis]

And it's also BEAUTIFUL, not just loud.

[@jefolson6989]

Listen to how long the decay is! Unbelievable!

[@LibbySingsMezzo]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@7H7GRm8jm4QCnjuQ]

Camp Hill Light Opera Experience - CHLOE probably the best Opera video and performance ever, with respect to all the greats. Truly electric

[@moderatoworld3423]

Agree

[@stevenj9970]

No question about it

[@shanetucker7031]

Fuck yeah it is!!!

[@Gustavocasanovatenor]

yes

[@100Singers]

This is what I call great opera singing. Not the mediocrity we have today ....

[@rationalsceptic7634]

You clearly don't listen to much Opera...we have some amazing Voices today

[@amandajean7738]

​@@rationalsceptic7634 Care to name three of so called today's "modern" greats?

[@generalpeacemaker]

@@amandajean7738 What do you think about Freddie De Tommaso?

[@Funghiallapanna]

To be technical, it's an F flat. But you are exactly right. I was at that Gala. Merrill's cry of 'Finalmente' that night may just be the single loudest note I ever heard issue from a male throat. Very exciting. It "sat" just right for him and he was in form that night. That note left the stage, sailed/echoed through the huge theatre, hit the back wall of the Family Circle and returned to the stage.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Wouldn't they have sung the duet fron Les Pecheurs des Pearls wonderfully?

[@shicoff1398]

They did sing pearl fishers duet, a year after this as two older Veterans, you can hear it on you tube also, from the "Jan. 1973 Carnegie hall" concert they gave, Tucker was then age 59 but still in solid voice, the audio of it is on you tube under the Pearl Fishers duet, Tucker and Merrill, and also Tucker sang a beautiful more Lyric version in 1946 at age 32 years old with Robert Weede Baritone live also on radio in a radio concert but in English, also on you tube and very beautiful posted by Edmund st austell, it was my recordingI sent to him for posting long ago. @@shirleyrombough8173

[@shicoff1398]

As I said yes they did a year after this, and it is on you tube also.@@shirleyrombough8173

[@johndrohan7659]

Best singers Ever in history.

[@dragonzlyric]

@@shirleyrombough8173I would’ve loved to have seen/heard that but that song requires a tremendous about of strength and control from both voices especially with their intensity.

[@tesicon]

His son Henry R. Tucker wrote about this video : "One of the most memorable events in the twentieth-century history of the Metropolitan Opera was the star-studded gala performance honoring the leadership and legacy of Sir Rudolf Bing when he announced his retirement as general manager. For one of these selections, my father was paired with his long-time friend Robert Merrill in one of the duets from "La Forza del Destino." Merrill, by his own admission, was very nervous while he and my father waited in the dressing they shared during the gala.When their moment in the gala finally arrived and they were waiting in the wings, my father kept prodding Merrill to give the performance of his life. To add to his prodding, he grabbed Merrill by the shoulder as they were ready to walk onstage. "Remember, Merrill, no goddamned bunting tonight!" he barked. "It's gotta be a home run! Nothing less!" The videotape of the dramatic duet, "Le minaccie i fieri accenti," went so spectacularly that my father can actually be seen skipping off the stage"

[@UmaBerliner]

That skipping exit cracked me up and was just spontaneous joy personified. I could listen to this every day and never get tired of it. His son Dr. David Tucker, has written a wonderful memoir, The Hard Bargain, that gives a deeply personal and exquisite understanding of the man, his career and his family. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves opera.

[@UmaBerliner]

@SHICOFF1 have you seen this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3qZe5KPlrCcipI

[@shicoff1398]

@@UmaBerliner Thank you.

[@boycebryan]

when people say, 'nobody sings like they used to anymore'. this is what they're talking about

[@johnwalker1746]

Finest singing I've ever heard, from both of them. "Finalmente" from Merrill at ~3:35 is the most amazing thing I've ever heard.

[@shmk1]

spine chilling

[@standingupt]

ABSOLUTEY the GREATEST, most FULL OPERATIC sound I have EVER HEARD!!!!!!!!!

[@photo161]

I remember when I heard it live, the effect of Merrill's massive avalanche of sound like noon had ever heard before was literally shocking, and I was amazed that Tucker was able to retain his composure and go on precisely in character.

[@道-p2e]

@SHICOFF1 Merill has fantastic voice, a bit brighter than Warren, I love all three american baritone. But if you did not tell the volume, I cannot tell at all, and Merrill would not sound too big from recording. Warren and Mac Neil have "older" timbres, or matured warm rounded voice, I am no expert, but from scratch, baritone usually be in role of father, or elder figures or touch guy type of on stage acting. I personally has that biased against those who sounds brighter, younger or higher voice as a baritone. Both Warren and Mac Neil also showed great intelligence on their interpretation of the roles, I am talking about La Travita. Both sang a lot slower and less powerful, more tormented and more pleading... while many others sounds so young father, strong and harsh. And of course, the movie version that Neil was in(1980's met movie La Travita), it was great he sang that role.

[@emailvonsour]

@@道-p2e Why do I keep hearing comments like this?? Merrill had an extremely dark voice! Too dark, in fact.

[@Etnalleb]

Oh My Word !! Tucker was just absolutely stunning here... he truly was a fantastic Tenor. I dont think i've ever heard him sound this good . This was the best baritone/tenor duet i've ever heard. Bravo Tucker/Merill 5 stars

[@ruevenben]

That E absolutely flew out of Merrill. One of the most thrilling notes i've heard.

[@johndoe8114]

When talking about the all time great tenors, people often forget about Richard Tucker. His voice is like a cannon, yet his tonal quality is so pure.

[@onthehorizon9612]

Good God! These two are God-Given. Just sit back and listen! Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 years old here. Unbelievable! Vibratos with healthy and plenty of vocal sustain and strength across the entire vocal range!! Great singers.

[@shicoff1398]

Agreed!

[@sugarbist]

Both great singers and absolutely terrific in this great duet. Every time I hear it, it's better than the time before. I love that slap off the back that Tucker gives Merrill at the end of the aria, as if to say"See. we were great" and they were.

[@swissarmytenor]

+sugarbist I think the swat on the back was the cut-off cue, but you're right - they were absolutely great! In Tucker's biography (called "Tucker" - its a GREAT read!) it was reported that backstage, Tucker was dying to get on stage and demanding, "No bunts, Merrill - home runs only!"

[@swissarmytenor]

+sugarbist I think the swat on the back was the cut-off cue, but you're right - they were absolutely great! In Tucker's biography (called "Tucker," it was reported that backstage, Tucker was dying to get on stage and demanding, "No bunts, Merrill - home runs only!"

[@sugarbist]

+swissarmytenor Tucker had a rock solid technique and voice,with great high notes that was appreciated by his peers whom wouldn't hesitate to complement him. Lauri Volpi , Del Monaco and Corelli were big fans of Richard Tucker. Forza was a role that was perfect for Tucker's voice.

[@sugarbist]

Yes , I think so and you can hear and see how exuberant Tucker is

[@道-p2e]

@SHICOFF1 Mr. Tucker is unbelievable, not only in here. So sad for his death...

[@telsport]

Makes me glad I have ears.

[@haydenwayne3710]

Great, great voices!!! Two Howitzers!!!! The quality of their respective tones, and with all that power. Name me someone who sings like that today! This WAS the golden age of singing.

[@shmk1]

They sang like gods on this night

[@martinsummer6746]

Display.Name 💜💜💜

[@barbarasoprano5269]

Running man Beacause they were...incarnate.

[@marlenehartley7742]

Yes, they did! And I never forgot it.

[@frankfurter6561]

The second golden age when heroic singers still were amazing technicians of their own instruments and nothing couldn't deny the true intensity of their performances. There was a time when beauty was simple and direct. No cheap mimics, no excuses and no microphones here. Just pure, wild and raw beauty in their singing. Compare any of these sounds with the prefabricated and absolutely awful Kaufmann.

[@henriquemarioamorim5811]

Perfeito

[@photo161]

I was surprised to hear Merrill say during an interview late in his career, that he still coached every morning five days a week. How many singers work so hard and so consistently to maintain their instrument.?

[@downfromkentuckeh]

​@@photo161Do you have thousands laying around to pay for 5 days a week worth of coachings consistently?

[@darklord220]

Hes comparing merrill and tucker to the top earning professionals of today.​@downfromkentuckeh

[@MrOlogramma]

I have the eyes full tears.....this beauty too for me

[@ariasemusicaslegendadas7657]

3:35 THIS IS THE TRUE SQUILLO

[@FacePaster]

God, I just keep coming back to this video week after week. The most thrilling singing on KZbin by far. FINAL-MEEEEEEEEEENTEEEEEEEEEE - that has to be the most resonant sound a baritone has ever made! Blows my mind every time.

[@jimdrake-writer]

As Tucker's biographer, I spent time with Merrill and among other things I asked him about that "finalmente." He replied that after Tucker had sung that entire passage with all the power he was capable of, Merrill had to "stretch" that "finalmente" to give the audience and critics something to write about. On the way to center stage from the wings, Tucker said to Merrill, "No bunting! We're gonna bang out home runs now!" The applause went on and on while Tucker and Merrill smiled and locked arms. Tucker whispered to Merrill, "Let 'em try to follow that!" and then literally skipped from center stage to the wings.

[@stevevandien310]

Tucker here is nearly 60, Merrill just a little younger. But my God, what amazing voices. Rich , vibrant, resounding Such robust Verdi singing seems well beyond any tenor and baritone who try to sing this music today.

[@bowerdw]

I admired those two as a young man. They were even better than I thought.

[@ransomcoates546]

Reminds me why even before Covid I had stopped going to the opera. No one sings like this today and no one knows how to teach someone to sing like this.

[@shicoff1398]

Yes, those days are gone.

[@photo161]

I remember so well...when these two old veterans strode on stage you could sense that the feeling was, -Oh how nice, now we'll be treated to a nice moment of nostalgia. But instead, these two giants, Merrill and Tucker simply tore the place apart, achieving a level of vocal and dramatic splendor that no one else during that long evening even approached, much less equaled.

[@phyllispetras2181]

YES! They just tore it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marlenehartley7742]

So true!!

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Yeah.

[@GijsvanSucade]

I see two friends singing, I see two eldery men but most of all I see two of the greatest artists I have ever heard.

[@道-p2e]

Wow, speechless! Proudest american operatic legends! What a night!

[@marlenehartley7742]

Shall we ever hear their like again? !! Amazing! After spending a lifetime of listening to opera this is one of my favorites.

[@ilecier]

What an extraordinary performance! A home run, indeed. Shivers. The ice on the cake is Merrill's 'Finalmente'! You can hear how it reverberates through the theater.....👋👍

[@ShawDAMAN]

This still makes me laugh incredulously when I hear it and I've listened to it a hundred times probably. It's just so great and these guys weren't young either!

[@photo161]

I love how they both start to skip off the stage. Having sung this great scene together many times before, they had to know what a spectacular job of it they did here.

[@RBP1963]

Tucker+Merril two legends !!!! Forza at high level !!!!

[@photo161]

I wish that it were possible to listen to the astonising and endless avalanche of applause that greeted this epic performance...

[@mhoeler]

No one sings like this anymore. Fantastic.

[@primobaritono]

This is one of those MAGIC MOMENTS on stage. Everything is perfect !

[@photo161]

I only wish that the clip included at least a few minutes of the tumultuous applause that greeted this spectacular performance.

[@marlenehartley7742]

One of the greatest I ever heard. I never forgot Tucker and Merrill singing this that night. Perfect!

[@onthehorizon9612]

SUPER STARS & Beyond, Beyond . . .

[@GermanOperaSinger]

What a beautiful anecdote...what great men they both were...it always deeply saddens me that I never heard Mr. Tucker live. If only dear Mr. Tucker hadn't passed away so soon, he could have had at least another 5 or 6 sensational seasons with the Met...well, all the greats leave so soon. No singer will ever reach the level of Mr. Merrill and Tucker.

[@dennisj.3439]

Unbelievably exciting and great enthusiasm Without a doubt greatest American tenor and baritone ever produced!!

[@jboothperry]

one of the greatest vocal performances of the 20th century

[@frisco21]

In the pantheon of epic singing, this was an Olympic-quality performance. That night in 1972, at the Bing Gala, the grownups came out to play.

[@tomterreri6364]

Two giants......so focused, so emotional, so outstanding..........the conductor moved the music beautifully. Lucky this is still available.

[@tommyt9761]

Such chemistry....what a team.....what a performance!

[@colinbell-NI]

Oh my goodness! I wish i could develop a voice even one hundredth as good as that! Im only new to opera and trying to learn singing. That made my hairs stand on end! Thanks for sharing!

[@atonio0007]

Straordinari .... un duetto stupendo cantato meravigliosamnete

[@rst-3192]

when tucker sang forza complete with warren in the 1950's and in the 1960's with both bastianini and merrill they sang it a little differently but this was for TV and a concert, so all out singing in a concert gala setting of course, this was great for them both and veteran tucker was 58 years old, as a comparison the 1961 same duet with merrill/tucker is on you tube from the complete met opera radio brdcst. no matter they where both grerat!

[@Etnalleb]

The more i view and listen to this Masterpiece the more awed i am of how truly great Tucker&Merrill really were. There will never be a Tenor/Baritone duo like them. I noticed Tucker was so hyped up he stole a custom move from Franco Bonisolli and skipped off stage. I didn't notice that before . So was Tucker 'El Pazzo " also? I think not ...he was just having fun as did Bonisolli when he gave a great performance of which he gave many. Best Tenor/Baritone duet ever . Bravo Tucker & Merrill .

[@tommyt9761]

Robert Merrill has the pleasure of singing and being close buddies with two immortals, first Jussi, and then Richard....now, that's a career!!!!

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

Not only are they amazing - the sheer power! - but their voices were a perfect match.

[@LordMgls]

these two... in these roles... wow. they really were something out of this world. i love the way how tucker is not afraid to slightly deviate from the score in order to add some extra emotion to it. few tenors have the guts to do it nowadays. obviously that is a possibility only when the voice is good enough--which is seldom the case nowadays.

[@Seatrumpet]

I have had the record of the Bing Gala for over 27 years and this has always been my favorite duet EVER!! To finally see the video is amazing!!!! I read Tuckers autobio years ago and he talks about that night. He was so excited and kept walking into Merrills dressing room yelling " we gotta hit home runs tonight Merrill, nothing but home runs!!! " My God did they ever hit a grand slam!!! They are both sorely missed.

[@jrellis11]

Very rare to experience actual goosebumps, actual hairs standing on end. This video creates those effects. Absolutely nothing comparable in contemporary opera. This was truly the golden age, and these were truly two of the finest to ever practice this amazing art form.

[@bastamtajik7]

Explosive performance!

[@boricuamuzik]

Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 and still sounded like Gods!!!!! Merrill's "finalmente" at 3:36 is one of the best sounds I've ever heard in my life.

[@cimbassovr]

DUE COLOSSI DELLA LIRICA!!! Grazie di❤👍per il filmato

[@CarlosDaniel-yu9zd]

Um dos mais importantes registros de cantores líricos da História!

[@nancyrevzen7798]

2 really GREAT singers!

[@richardlindsey3389]

My God!!!! This is pure gold.

[@GermanOperaSinger]

The golden age at the Met ended after Tucker...59 years old here and still singing like he was in his prime...name one other tenor who could sound this good at 59.

[@johnblasiak607]

Robert Merrill looks very much like Robert De Niro here lol Great performance 🎭👏

[@Sacha_Kudli]

I thought that to 😂

[@oliverdelica2289]

And Richard Tucker out there looking like Robin Williams

[@kathleenroland-silverstein4729]

Unbelievably beautiful.

[@bodiloto]

+Kathleen Roland-Silverstein Kaufmann e Hampson... ahahahahah !

[@HarisFianos]

jeeeeeeeeeeesus i think i just found my new favorite opera it's like the fore that burns through raw steel bravo to both of them sadly i just found about them, but i intend to listen to everything they ever publish on youtube

[@tww2002]

Dynamic Duo. Superb.

[@sesquashtwo]

Bravo! Bravo! Both of you, rest in peace...and keep Heaven well covered in Operatic arias, Gentlemen!

[@martinsummer6746]

Stunning performance and two of the greatest opera singers we had 💜

[@bloydaage]

This is probably the most convinsing consert version ever. And Tucker always surprise me in live moments! His voice did not always recorded well in studio. But here i just bow down...

[@ciupotto]

rimango incantato da questi due artisti....in grado di cantare dal vivo in modo così sublime... L'età non più verde, pare non essere influente, anzi, amplia il valore della prestazione.....

[@Darksaga28]

One of the best videos on Yotube and only has 140k views, imagine living in a world like this.

[@FacePaster]

this blows me away every time i watch it

[@leadingbyxample]

I know there is a God when I hear singing like this...

[@jayboytheplayboy]

Merrill is amazing, sweetness and strength; may La Forza be with you always.

[@michaelturov4439]

No comments...just listening!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aliciarealp]

No encuentro adjetivos suficientes para describir los sentimientos que me produce esta maravilla.

[@pappawuzz]

Weltklasse habs noch nie besser gehört

[@RickChristman]

OMG! I NEVER fail to sit in complete and total amazement at such singing. To even attempt to make a comparison between this singing of the gods to the singing of mere mortals of the last 25 years is without sense.

[@michaelaherrejon8398]

Absolutely glorious!!!!!!!!

[@jhlds1512]

Look at Merrill flinching after Tucker sings at 3.27!

[@bluechazzan]

I don't think I can ever tire of listening to this. I have the same reaction of awe and entranced delightful glee every time I hear this recording. No other performance of Invano Alvaro that I've heard excites me as this one.

[@mascagny]

1,6k likes, Amazing how the world is unable to enjoy so a pure expression of what is are for : communicate feelings.

[@aguacun]

Bravo both of them... I love that unique sound of Merrill!

[@junefun55]

I find this so deeply moving I cry every time I watch it. Fashions and times change but talent and commitment like these two passionate artists never goes out of style. A joy and a privelige to watch.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Both are great. I have been becoming a big fan of Tucker. Been buying several of his albums.

[@Richiesutherland]

I still think that Merrill's one word, "Finalmente!" at 3:37 is among the most glorious sounds I have ever heard. Ever. Tucker oversells a bit, as always, but it is still a great, great sound and his commitment is total.

[@uppityglivestockian]

Seriously fabulous on so many levels. Finally, Yoothboob has a calling it should adore. Thank you for sharing this with us and for giving us a glimpse at performance art that we must not lose.

[@vanzofaust]

Wow. Tucker is absolutely fabulous. Thanks for posting.

[@mcknighty11]

3:36 The loudest note ever... gorgeous verisimo singing here.

[@edronc2007]

Incredible! Divine! Two elderly gents are outsinging not just their own, but several generations to come! THANKS!!!

[@rossmcl177]

Oh God that's magnificent! If anyone ever asks you why you love opera, sit them down and show them this: then if they still don't understand, they never will! Tucker and Merrill were apparently great friends - I love the way they are trying to out-do each other here (especially around 3.20-3.40), then the relief and pride in their faces at the end, with Tucker literally skipping off the stage. They knew they had nailed it!! Marvellous! Vilaph - Thank you SO MUCH for sharing.

[@juanprc10]

Tucker is fantastic in this duet.

[@vivaverdi8]

this is such an experience I truly enjoyed this!

[@LordMgls]

Wonderfull!! Great duet. Great Verdi. Great singers.

[@tomasjuhasz]

FANTASTIC this is the best baryton tenor duet!!! Tucker and Merrill vao!

[@Pashley91684]

This is pretty incredible.

[@shadboltbill]

A bass myself, I've heard just about every baritone ever recorded, and gotta say, Merrill the most simply beautiful baritone sound ever.

[@emailvonsour]

I guarantee you that there are TONS of baritones you've never heard.

[@tww2002]

THE GREAT PERFORMANCE. NO EQUAL.

[@barrystein8124]

Sometimes you just have to go back and listen to the "greats" of opera. These 2 outshine pretty much everyone that's trying to sing today. I love this performance. Thanx for posting.

[@jeffersonaiolfe]

Greatest. Fantastic!

[@andrealombardi6708]

Due grandi voci, due interpreti di eccezione! Indimenticabili...

[@bladezone1]

They were simply the best at this duet - strong, powerful and filled with fire!!! THE BEST!!!