Vocal Coach REACTS - Two Country Singers VS "Nessun Dorma"

[@daleb1279]

Austin had pestered Rob to sing opera for a long time and Rob finally gave in but said only if you do it with me. They did it after they finished up their tour when Rob felt like he was vocally in the best shape he could be and he hadn't sang opera in 15 years and after hearing Rob's part, Austin went back and worked on his some more. This is Rob's dad's favorite aria and he did it for him.

[@melindaflick631]

Awww, that's so sweet that he did that. Love Robs voice. I like Austin's too, but I like Robs more. I feel like Austin is at the higher portion of the range, and Rob is edging into baritone.

[@aaronburdon221]

​@@melindaflick631yea, Rob definitely carried this one away. This is my 2nd favorite rendition after the Maestro himself

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

You understand the boys and as a fan I respect that ..... these are better singers than any in any format as THEY NOT ITALIAN, NOT TRAINED AS CLASSICAL ARIAS SINGERS ... yet nail the elements with beauty of vocal vibrato and range ..... therein IT IS ABOUT TALENT ....not European protocols of Traditional operatic expectations .... that is stiff and unnecessarily inappropriate to implement upon a project by Popular Song singers ! Great job, kudos to them. jj

[@connierudd2573]

Rob trained for opera in college, Austin's training was more towards a Broadway style. Both use their voices to share beautiful music in many genres.

[@pennygarrity386]

Rob didn't just dabbled he studied it for years. His vocal coach said he could have a HUGE career in opera. Thank God he joined Home Free.

[@pilotboy3328]

Yes, Thank God Indeed.

[@glowormrdr6183]

What's really funny is they rap in different songs. Rob's talent for whistling is showcased in several songs, and his R&B riffs are amazing. The man is *versatile*.

[@nanadeborah8717]

Rob majored in opera and his professors wanted him to continue into professional opera. He had not sung opera for 15 years until this. He gave the video to his father for Father's Day and his Dad cried. Austin majored in musical theater. He pressured Rob into doing this. Thanks for your reaction!

[@Mr.Ekshin]

Rob is a passable operatic tenor, meaning his technique is such that he could perform on stage without a microphone and be easily heard above an orchestra. Austin is hitting all the right notes, but without a mic, he'd be easily drowned out by an orchestra. Totally different style and training.

[@nanadeborah8717]

@@Mr.Ekshin Thank you for your explanation. I think for not singing opera for over 15 years,Rob did more than a passable job. Austin was trained in musical theater which of course,has a different type of training. That these 2 singers could perform this difficult aria and do it well is a testament to their talent and devotion to their craft. You must be American because the European reactors,educators in the field, did mention Americans are quite snooty and critical about opera without the ability to appreciate talent and hard work.

[@patriciamcl54]

@@Mr.EkshinI must disagree. I wonder how much you know about classical singing if you can't recognise "spinto" - incisiveness - when you hear it. Austin's voice easily stands out (there are many examples both in his work with Home Free and his solo work) because of that very quality. This was almost certainly what Austin's vocal coaches heard when they wanted him to switch to opera. Lyric tenors with spinto are much in demand, particularly as the old Italian workhorses of Puccini et al become less popular. The voices produced to suit them are also less in demand, and modern opera has no real place for them. A reactor who is a vocal coach with an extensive background and training in opera says that with a voice like that, Austin is worth his weight in gold!

[@teresacartwright5406]

In an interview with the channel Patrol Gaming, Austin said that he'd really wanted to show off "opera" Rob; however, Rob said he wouldn't unless Austin sang it with him. He went on to say he thought he'd been okay but that Rob had been fantastic. They're both classically trained - Rob had extensive opera training (Austin had some but his degree is in Musical Theater). I love how they support each other. You might also like Austin's rendition of "Bring Him Home" on his channel.

[@annehffry3284]

Rob is so impressive in this performance! So glad Austin talked him into it.

[@minneyruth]

Us Home Fries really appreciate your analysis ❤ Rob was trained in opera and Austin was trained in musical theater... if I'm wrong other's will correct me 😊

[@momD612]

Girl, you're so right. As always 😉😘🥰🥰

[@minneyruth]

@@momD612 🥰🤗

[@momD612]

@@minneyruth 😘🤗🥰

[@roniboyd613]

Nailed it!!

[@minneyruth]

@@roniboyd613 🥰

[@cristinaliebster9741]

Home Free! And Now Opera! What Talent!!!❤

[@PaulaThompson-x9w]

I haven't heard of them doing this in public but sometimes Opera Rob sneaks out in concert, especially if you are close enough to the stage to hear it. I was very proud of our boys for doing this. Thanks for the Home Free reactions

[@susanhorn4325]

Opera Rob is especially noticeable in the live performances of Home Free’s Sea Shanty Medley. It’s such a treat to witness.

[@roberthudson1959]

Brown and Lundquist have said this will never be performed in concert because the different styles of singing require incompatible forms of preparation.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

In the recently available Sea Shanty Medley Live, you can hear Opera Rob cutting through every so often. It's a piece that calls for singing loud and deeper than a lot of his usual parts, so this causes him to use the opera resonance.

[@karenm5681]

Never apologize for stopping a lot. It’s a valuable education we’re receiving from you when you do, as well as more of an appreciation for music. We can always go directly to the original channel for our uninterrupted views/listening.

[@bethcoussou]

Love that Austin knew Rob had the chops and experience to record this! I would never have known until I saw this when it was released. I was blown away by Rob, more than Austin. Austin has more music theater experience. He has the chops, too, but in a different way! I appreciated your expert opinion! Wish you react to Home Free more often. They just released a cover of the classic “Stand By Me” that I think you would definitely love and appreciate!

[@lazylady8591]

Rob was trained to sing opera in college. His professors had encouraged to have a career singing opera. He chose a different career path. He had not sung the genre for fifteen years until Austin had him to do it. It took Rob a month to prepare to sing the aria He insisted Austin do the aria with him. Austin is trained in musical theater. He was also trained to drop his accent. He , however, usually retains it since most people don't mind it. In fact many people like his accent.

[@dagmar.6954]

I have never been a big fan of opera except maybe some Andrea Bocelli & a few others. But I have always appreciated the talent it takes to sing opera. I was pretty impressed with Rob & Austin's version of Nessun Dorma. I have heard this famous song done by Pavarotti. I think I was more surprised by Rob's range & powerful delivery than even Austin's. Pretty good for a couple of country boys! Nice to see them dressed up in suits & looking classy.

[@jwernerschultz]

Rob graduated college in Opera, and Austin was trained in musical theater. Great reaction!

[@MaggieatPlay]

Appreciate greatly your stopping and giving explanations. I like your clear analysis and explanations. Rob is classically trained; Austin is trained in musical theater.

[@janeramirez8767]

I agree. Some reactors are like friends to listen to music with, and that's fine, but I also seek out reactors who have specialized knowledge. This is my first Ken Lavigne video, and I've already subscribed, precisely because of the stopping and explaining.

[@TheDivayenta]

Austin = popera. Rob = could have a career as an opera singer. He’s got the chiaroscuro. Ken, you sound wonderful!

[@michellejackson6679]

Rob is absolutely amazing.. My Mom loved opera.. I didn't.. but this song by Pavarotti... I loved... Only one ever. I so appreciate Rob and Austin's version. But again.. as much as I love Austin's voice.. Rob just blows it away...

[@darleneroberts9187]

I really enjoy this song. Thank you for the great comments. Home Free are my favorite group out there.

[@richb313]

Great reaction and analysis I think Austin did this to highlight Rob's talent and ability.

[@vickiadkins9844]

I'm so proud of Roband Austin!! This absolutely blew me away a yr ago. It still does!!

[@ellenstrack6274]

Rob was opera trained....I have loved this since I first heard it!!

[@sherryarflin726]

I loved it. Austin had to talk Rob into doing this…Rob didn’t want to.

[@lengawoodard1859]

They did great for two country boy band singers. Loved it.

[@DeerlyMusical2]

Rob studied opera in college. Austin studied musical theater. Different musical styles. And no, they never do this in public. Rob said the preparation for opera is completely different from the preparation for their concert work. Thanks for the review. Please review Home Free more often.

[@marshac7738]

Such a treat! But seriously, Rob sounds like a different artist than we hear when he sings with Home Free! I don't care for opera, but these two "tried" and did what I didn't expect--they made me want to watch it over and over again. Who knew? 🤭

[@pilotboy3328]

Ditto

[@gaillouise8310]

I Really think you are just plain JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sherryarflin726]

Rob study Opera and Austin study Musical Theater. I think this is a hard opera to sing with just one person but having two has got to be harder.

[@mariemenard4447]

This is beautiful! I have goosebumps 🪿

[@susanengland3919]

Rob had classical opera training in college, but he hasn't sung any opera for 15 years . Austin studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University..

[@romypie3725]

Well, country singers, metal singers, like the incredible Dan Vasc who also did a flawless and fabulous job on Nessum Dorma, show they are much more talented than we could ever suppose.

[@kmwwrench]

I was a little worried to watch this for the first time. And I know that they were worried about whether their fans would like it. Well, yeah, we do. Made me cry the first time. I'd say pretty darn good for guys who don't sing opera regularly.

[@JoanN63]

This is insane. This is wow, wow and again wow. It's extremely good. Fantastic. Both are doing great. But Rob, I'm perplexed. His voice is just magical, so rich, so warm. Chills just ran through my body. It flows into my heart. What you say: Rob sounds like a (good) opera singer, and not like Rob from Home Free where he is also so great. For me he will be able to stand with the greatest of opera singers. It's not often that I listen to songs by opera singers but here it is. This is perfection. Even if you don't like opera, this must touch you, you must like this.😉 Of course I hope that both will always continue to do Home Free, but I wouldn't think it wrong that such "trips" are made more often. Opera, country, ballads, soul etc. I think anything is possible..This is insane. This is wow, wow and again wow. It's extremely good. Fantastic. Both are doing great. But Rob, I'm perplexed. His voice is just magical, so rich, so warm. Chills just ran through my body. It flows into my heart. What you say: Rob sounds like a (good) opera singer, and not like Rob from Home Free where he is also so great. For me he will be able to stand with the greatest of opera singers. It's not often that I listen to songs by opera singers 5 times and more in a row. But here it is. This is perfection. Even if you don't like opera, this must touch you, you must like this.😉 Of course I hope that both will always continue to do Home Free, but I wouldn't think it wrong that such "trips" are made more often. Opera, country, ballads, soul etc. I think anything is possible..

[@ericzeichert511]

But could the great Pavarotti sing Mississippi Squirrel Revival?

[@patriciamcl54]

Luckily for him he didn't need to. The question is why Home Free thought it was a good idea.

[@TheDivayenta]

Or the Squirrel Nut Zippers?

[@wendymorrison5803]

Proving again that fantastic operatic talent hides everywhere.

[@babyfry4775]

Rob studied opera in college and Austin studied musical theater. Rob did not want to do this (from what I understand) as it took a lot of preparation but Austin pushed him to do it. So I don’t think they’ll do it live. There is, however, clips of Austin singing Bring Him Home live in concert in a couple of videos. So he can do some Broadway tunes which is cool. Good reaction Ken!😍😄

[@ilonadever8249]

Great reaction, Ken, especially appreciate your examples of what you are saying.

[@robinmahan8814]

Thanks for this! Austin did a version of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables, and it is outstanding.

[@jillchamberlain6478]

Rob studied opera in college. Some of his professors wanted him to go that route, but he didn’t want to. Austin has a degree in musical theater, and had some training in opera, but mostly musical theater.

[@jillchamberlain6478]

PS - doing this was Austin’s idea. He had to convince Rob.

[@jillchamberlain6478]

Rob has said they will never do this live.

[@rodwestonable]

Love this performance and your comments. Your love for this song was clearly evident and added to my appreciation

[@pamelagoodman7559]

The Bangkok Voice Coach (opera) said that due to Austin’s pharyngeal properties he doesn’t have the space to produce the “dark” operatic sound we get with Rob

[@sandralorenz1796]

Rob was the only one with training but Austin did a good job too. Give them credit for even trying this.

[@His-Joule]

They didn’t just try, believe you me they NAILED IT ❤❤❤❤

[@angelamiller6275]

My understanding, is, this was done as a gift to Rob's Dad, who wanted to hear his son sing what he was trained in.

[@anitawright7169]

This is so awesome. I about fell of my chair the first time I heard this! Love your reaction!

[@sharonmortimer3843]

This was all Austin's idea and he had to convince Rob to do it. Rob was classically trained in college but he hadn't sung Opera in over 15 years. Were Austin was trained in musical theater but also had some classical training. I was in awe when I first heard this song. Truly enjoyed watching your reaction and analysis of this song.

[@joanholman3105]

I think you are one of the best reactors.( Is that a noun?) Thanks for your easily understood comments. These guys are some of my favorites along with Dan Vasc’s version of anything. I’ve learned in my late 70’s to love any and all music and you, sir, have helped immensely.❤

[@janetlawson4482]

Puccini is my favorite Opera composer, followed by Verdi, and Nessun Dorma is my favorite tenor aria, so I was So Excited when I saw that these guys performed this. Completely blown away by Robs clearly classically trained, I was so happy that Austin succeeded in talking Rob into doing this. So in two weeks I am going to see them for the first time live, I am excited. Thank you Ken, this was great, the look on your face when Rob started singing was great!❤

[@susanhorn4325]

Isn’t this amazing! Thanks for reacting to it.

[@rebeccamccann8710]

This is fantastic, rather unexpected to be honest, but beautifully done! Please check out Austin singing ‘Bring Him Home ‘ on his solo channel. It is certainly well worth listening to!!

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Oh thank you for this lovely reaction and analysis! Rob does have some Opera training in the past, Austin has training, but not in opera, they both did a great job.

[@dotwyness4110]

I thought you'd forgotten about Home Free, so glad youve done this one with Rob and Austin. Theres so many brilliant videos Home Free have been giving us Fries, usually every second week a new video. Now every week a new one from their new album

[@whyme7996]

Austin did a nasally but fine job considering his training. Rob has always been the golden voice of Home Free. This was a nice crossover with Opera/Musical theater

[@DavidTateVA]

Very much enjoyed your analysis here -- lots of great insight and "inside baseball" for the rest of us. Even I, as a one-time bel canto student and genial loather of opera, could hear the difference in technique between the two. Austin is usually The Guy for Home Free, but Rob wins the day here.

[@TerrieKolb-eu1kn]

The Italian method of singing opera is a gentle use of breath. Allows the voice to age well too.

[@michbenny1363]

I was attracted to your channel because you started to review some of my favorite heavy metal bands and songs and even I say you can never get enough of nessun dorma, from anyone as long as they do a decent job.

[@oldschoolpop8428]

Rob had classical training as part of his degree while Austin has his degree in theatrical performance. Austin had been trying to get Rob to do this and finally Rob agreed to do it only if Austin would accompany him.

[@jodyvogler8652]

The new Pavarotti is the young English tenor is Jonathan Antoine. Pavarotti's vocal coach told 18 yr old Jonathan that there was nothing more he could teach him. Jonathan is the youngest classical singer to have a best selling classical album "Tenore" please check out his version on Nessum Dorma". Pavarotti would be proud of him.❤

[@belinda9696]

Rob had some operatic training in college days but said He was nervous about this because he hadn't tried opera in 15 years. Austin is trained in musical theatre, but as far as I know not opera.

[@s.vidhyardhsingh3881]

4:11 oh my!!!! I would live to hear you sing this aria!!!! ❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tygerbrite]

Appreciated your really informative comments about the song and their voices. It would be interesting to see you react to these two leading their recent release, "Stand by Me," which is incredible.

[@brendaespino6157]

Beautiful!! One of my favorite pieces!!!❤

[@ladyjade001]

I happen to like Rob’s voice over Pavarotti’s. I could listen to Rob singing this 24x7x365 over any other singer, including Pavarotti. Rob’s voice is like the best chocolate for my ears.

[@benniek9544]

Very nice reaction! Thanks!

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

this was just beautiful ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hlbjazz]

I believe Rob said he wouldn't be doing it live - it was too difficult! :-) I don't speak the language, but it makes me cry.

[@peggygross7409]

Great analysis. I learn a lot when reactor breaks the piece down. Rob is the most versatile singer of Home Free.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Thank you for reacting to this!!! You have to love this...

[@timvanderburg6039]

When I first saw this, I fully expected the camera to turn around to reveal two "Real" opera singers belting out those rich tones and that Rob and Austin were just lip-syncing along. Psych! This was proven wrong once Austin sang alone. The vocal quality was definately his. I had no idea Rob had this rich tone in his reperatoie. Amazing! It has been said that, when polled, the guys in Home Free unanimously agree that Rob has the best vocal skills in the group. This video would back up that assertion.

[@michaelriley8101]

Really enjoyed this reaction, Ken! Thanks!

[@umarae27]

That was so beautiful.

[@dannydavis1659]

I thoroughly enjoyed your breakdown of this.

[@His-Joule]

I have loved Luciano’s voice and version of this song for years now. To me there is no one who can sing it better until now …the guys did a most incredible job of hitting all the notes perfectly. This song always makes me cry at the end when that one set of notes are perfectly hit and the two of them did it .. hats off !!!!!

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

I saw on a recent interview, Austin said that their voice coach Dave Stroud said Rob's waveforms are naturally the closest to Pavarotti's as anyone he's measured. How true the story is, we may never know. But such a nice compliment, Austin gives his buddy. Going to miss them singing together.

[@glendamcgrady1244]

Great reaction!

[@philbrown2563]

If you want to see who Austin Brown really is and since you enjoy great music, I truly hope you will take a few minutes to listen to Austin solo musical Bring Him Home. You will see his true talent and where his background really is. It will be worth your time.

[@pamscarr8696]

Yes, Rob is classically trained. Austin is what I would call, theatrically trained.

[@patriciamcl54]

Not quite. Both are classically trained and a recent poster who is very familiar with the college where Austin trained said that much of the opera course and the music theatre course were the same, and everybody had to prepare and auditions for all college shows, opera and musical theatre alike. Austin's teachers wanted him to switch to opera, no doubt hearing the lovely incisiveness that a high tenor needs for opera, but like Rob, he decided that the daily grind to keep the voice ready for the very hard work of opera was not for him.

[@theidajawho]

@@patriciamcl54 TY 4 that Mate!

[@momD612]

Austin's degree is musical theater.

[@roberthudson1959]

@@patriciamcl54Sounds right. My mother was a professional singer who didn't attend university until I was old enough to understand exactly what she was studying. Classical training was the foundation on which all other vocal training was built.

[@Beachgrl1717]

Nice job Rob & Austin!

[@janw491]

Never underestimate a singer just because they don’t sing what you prefer!

[@nancyholter5646]

As someone else suggested, you might like Austin's Bring Him Home. In the years just after Austin joined and they won the Sing Off, they did Bring Him Home (complete with backup/harmony arranged and performed by the others) to show off his musical theater side, but no, they'd never do this live.

[@charleneclaassen]

AUSTIN BROWN - BRING HIM HOME on his channel. Please. You have to hear it at least once.

[@lindaslater7782]

While in Italy, i attended an Italian opera. I was only 17 years old, but learned to appreciate the beautiful music. I have listened to various opera singers do this song, and, in my opinion (and im not an expert), Rob & Austin and David Phelps suit me just fine when they sing this song. Rob, classically trained in opera and Austin trained in musical theater and David studied music (opera) at Baylor and was encouraged to continue singing it as a career. However, he chose to sing for the Lord and is the best gospel singer ive ever heard. Oh, i must also apologise....i am not a fan of Pavarotti. Sorry.

[@joanwharff6483]

Austin is actually classically trained in theatre, with only a couple of opera classes in university.

[@williemcd]

You have to be a great vocal coach....you are definitely a great teacher as you pass on so much knowledge in this reaction. Have you listened to Austin's "Bring Him Home"?

[@marablemorgan8292]

Classic!!!

[@autumnwood543]

I loved this one, and yes I could hear the difference between the two vocal styles. I would really love to see more of Home Free, Tim Foust (solo work, his Frankie Valli cover is amazing,) Geoff Castellucci (Ain’t No Sunshine, I See Fire, really anything/ all of his work,) VoicePlay (Moana Medley, Dragon Born Comes, Hell Fire, and all of their work really,) Avi Kaplan (solo work, Change on is the Rise or others,) and if you really want to try something different Tim Minchin comedy like Dark Side or others… but be fore warned not so PC but very funny. Hopefully you’ll try some of these because I really enjoy your reactions. I also have a new love that you have a singsong voice, which is something that comes from studying vocals, speech pattern, annunciation and accent.) 💛

[@Mel-lm1kf]

Loving all the Nessun Dorma! Jonathan Antoine has a beautiful version as well.

[@Luana6350]

Wow - both are so great 😍

[@MonicaGoodwin-qz5gd]

❤ Beautiful ❤️

[@dianadickerson749]

Austin was so blown away with Rob that he had to redo his portion.

[@browniewin4121]

Lovely, well done.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Yes he did!

[@isaacbobjork7053]

When I saw the Swedish last name of Lundquist I guessed Rob is from Minnesota, and I was right!

[@gmkell59]

Antioner does this piece -today-brtter than anybody--He is th eBest Opera tenor extant today Cheers!

[@corralescoyote]

Tag team version made me laugh… 😂

[@matthewgoodA1206]

By now it seems like the guys can sing practically anything. For completely real. Just a tip, there is a fan-filmed video of Jennifer Hudson singing this aria live.

[@gregclark5084]

They do not try they do!

[@larryc3860]

the late, great Pavarotti ( R.I.P.) says....."you better sing, boys!" -- btw Nessun Dorma means "no one sleeps" and this aria is sung by all the great and near great operatic vocalists.......originally composed for one male voice, though female artists have also sung this beautiful piece of music.........

[@patriciamcl54]

Both Rob and Austin are extensively classically trained, from adolescence on.

[@MartyMassoletti]

Well being a fan of nessun dorma you should definitely take a listen to dan vasc's who is a metal singer's version

[@UrbanNilssonOssian]

Someone said that Rob sounds like an opera singer, Austin sounds like Austin singing opera. I'll have to agree.

[@toodlescae]

This version and Dan Vasc (metal singer) version are right up there with Pavarotti version for me. I'm not a big opera fan, preferring operetta or musical theater, but I really liked Pavarotti, Caruso and Lanza.