I enjoyed your listing, although I might understandably have a few others. But I loved what you said about Corelli. I got to know him later in his life, and got to share some fun times with him and his wife Loretta. A very quick Corelli memory I have. When we would get together, often at Jerome Hines home, I would bring an early phonograph and records. One time we were listening to Caruso. Suddenly Franco started singing along with Caruso. It was a surreal moment. As I knew him after his retirement. A lovely man, and a friend. BTW I certainly enjoy your lyric tenor voice. All good wishes.
JUSSI BJORLING SHOULD BE IN THAT LIST! ONE OF THE FREATEST VOICES AND ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MUSICIANS AND THEREFORE FOM THE BEST SINGERS EVER PAST THROUGH LIFE !!!!! AND TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOUND BEEN SO FAR FAR BEHIND THEN! HE WAS A TRUE "T R O V A T O R E" ! (Trovador) "ONE OF A KIND" HE HAD THE "ITALIAN HEART"
What about Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor? Best tenor in my opinion. The famous duet from the Pearl Fishers he sang with Robert Merrill from America was breathtakingly beautiful.....
A great example of legendary tenors to reach higher notes every time. Thank you so much for revealing these secrets and helping me improve my tenor voice!
I am thrilled to hear Fritz Wonderlich was second on your list. He is first on mine. When I was a kid in the 50s we had an album of hard plastic 78s of his. When he died my mother held it and wept. It wasn't until the advent of the Internet I was able to hear again that beloved voice and truly appreciate what he meant to my parents.
@@ducadimantua Yes, Wunderlich never recorded on 78's as that ended by the late 1940s completely and Wunderlich was born in Sept . 1930, so in 1949 he was still in his teens.
I enjoyed your video I am 85yo. Living in NJ I have had the greatest pleasure and enjoyment in seeing some of your choice mostly at a tv program called voice of Firestone. Yes Franco was my favorite too. Thank you again I hope we meet face to face soon to discuss our favorite. Chuck in NJ
A top 5 list without Björling is like a car without an engine. Björling was considered the leading tenor for a period called the Golden era of tenors. The end of the 30's to a bit into the 60's. Here you will find most of the great classical tenors.
What a beautiful break down what a beautiful tribute. You introduced me to one new tenor whom I had never heard of ....your first I heard Pavarotti sing twice live in the late 70s and early 80s at the height of his power and I remember thinking that I cannot believe this voice is coming out of a human being.....and of course I’m a fan of Corelli as well. For you to magnanimously allow Pavarotti to take the single spot at the top for what he did for the opera, even though you prefer Corelli’s voice...that is a true sign of hubris and generosity and for that I say “Bravo” to you brother
I have a dear friend, 87, who heard all of the greats. She heard Pavarotti live 5 times. Without a doubt, the very finest voice. His voice, heard live in the opera house and in concert halls, far surpassed his recordings. She counts these performances as the highlights of her life. It is a good thing to remind ourselves that we listen to opera singers under a variety of circumstances: recent recordings, older recordings; in this opera house, or that opera house; on a good day, on a poor day; at the height of a career, in the twilight of a career; studio recordings, opera house recordings, concert hall recordings, stadium recordings; a challenging aria, a simple aria, and so forth. It's almost impossible to compare two singers under the same circumstances. All things will never be equal.
This is beautiful! I love Pavarotti but to hear these tenors side by side is just amazing! It is an education. Your comments are perfect. You provided just enough information and all of it was interesting. Thank you.
You may also enjoy young British Tenor Jonathan Antoine singing "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" as a tribute to his dear friend Helga. Also, Jonathan singing "Io Si/Seen" per Grammy award winning Diane Warren's request! He sings the harmonies too. BEAUTIFUL!!! It debuted at #1 on itunes Classical Chart.
Difficult to narrow it down to the top five, but here it goes (in no particular order): Bjorling, Caruso, Corelli, Del Monaco, and Giuseppe di Stefano.
Agree only with the first two; not Corelli and di Stefano for me, but Fritz Wunderlich it's a must, he died so young and he was already on the very top, had he lived longer, then we would have been much richer.
You can’t have a top five of tenors But…these are my top several Jussi Bjorling* (voice) Mario del Monaco* (drama) Franco Corelli* (pathos/dedication) Giuseppe do Stefano* (truth of sound and acting) Enrico Caruso* (enough said) Mario Lanza* (verisimilitude/evolution of voice) Luciano Pavarotti* (versatility) Giacomo Lauri Volpi Cesare Valletti Kurt Böhme Mario Fillipeschi And the list could keep going but theses are just a few
I totally agree with your favorite, Franco Corelli. I was so fortunate to hear him live at the New York State Theater at a concert performance with the NY Philharmonic in 1966. It remains an unforgettable highlight of my classical music and opera enjoyment. I love Pavarotti, too, but the qualities of Corelli's voice and technique are unbeatable in my view. Thanks for your list!
Fritz Wunderlich, couldn't agree more! LOVE Franco!!! I'm also constantly impressed with Rolando Villazon. Thank you for all of this wonderful color and all that you do!
I know bupkes about opera except for Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma but I LOVE your passion and found this very interesting. You have inspired me to delve! Thank you! ❤️👍
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. You are so very generous to share your educated opinions, valuable insight and as you put it "fun facts." The performance clips backed you up. Clearly, you put a lot into the production of this video- so entertaining and presented with love for the music and graciousness (if that is even a word!) towards your audience. Bravo!
Franco Corelli is my favorite operatic tenor, i.e. performed at the Met. Mario Lanza is my favorite Hollywood tenor who may have been able to perform at the Met, had he not died so young at the age of 38 in 1959 in Rome. Lanza cut off his ties to Hollywood and intended to pursue Grand Opera. He was so great that Caruso's own son stated that only Lanza could play his father in the movie The Great Caruso. Lanza had an enormous impact on such tenors as Jose Carreras who did a Tribute to Mario Lanza at Radio City Music Hall which I attended. That being said, my favorite operatic tenor, Franco Corelli owned Nessun Dorma, which became Pavarotti's signature song. Pavarotti stated that Corelli had vocal cords of steel and would have been as popular as the Three Tenors if there was available TV coverage at that time.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Enrico Caruso, Jr, stated in 1991 that " I can think of no other tenor, before or since Mario Lanza, who could have risen, with comparable success, to the challenge of playing Caruso in a screen biography". The film was made in 1951. I don't think Caruso's son was pursuaded by the money 40 years later. Also, in 1951, there were very few, if any Tenor/actors who could have successfully played Caruso. Lanza held his own throughout the film as he performed with Metropolitan Opera stars on screen. The film was a great success for MGM and many opera stars credit Lanza and the film as the inspiration for them to become opera singers, Carreras and Domingo especially. Lanza also looked the part since he and Caruso were similar in height and build. Lanza's voice was as extraordinary as Caruso's. You should see the movie. It is great.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Why were you surprised that Lanza played the part of Caruso? I saw the film in 1951 over and over again. I was only 13 and I was mesmerised. He had a superb voice and there has never been anyone like him before or since.
Gigli and Bjorling may belong on your list. The poster did say,'' you may not agree'', but it’s “his top 5” not anyone else’s. Why can’t you and others on this page understand this?
A reasonable list. The one tenor missing who has to be included somehow is Bjoerling. Otherwise you did well and some of the tenors mention by other commentators are very misguided (e.g- Shicoff)
As I was watching your video, I was thinking Jussi Björling but he is in the top ten. That was a wonderful video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Of them all, Pavarotti makes me tear up for some reason. I've subscribed to your channel to discover more music.
Your list demonstrates your youth and inexperience -- firsthand -- of the people who made it into your "honourable mentions." Neither Domingo nor Pavarotti measure up to most of them. But if you'd not heard them in person and been bombarded all your life with "the three tenors" well -- it shows.
I pulled out the Klemperer/Wunderlich /Ludwig Mahler 'erde' today after hearing of the passing of Christa Ludwig... No tenor I have heard even comes close to it in that amazing work.
Opera is like Art to me - I don't know much about it, but I know what I like. And I agree with your list, with Franco Corelli right up there. I'm Swedish and I put Jussi Bjorling in the same slot as you. (Too much vibrato for my personal listening. I even have his Pearl Fishers Duet on CD.) It would be interesting for you to comment on the greatest contemporary tenors, and here are my votes. I think Jonathan Tetelman the next Franco Corelli - tone, precision, dynamics, passion (and good looks - I can say that cuz I'm a Granny). The video of him singing Nessun Dorma in the tea shop showed up in my Facebook somehow, and my jaw dropped. I played it over and over and over and over ... Emailed it to everyone I knew who knew what it was. And went and bought the only 2 CDs I could find online at the time. When I saw they were Deutsche Grammophon I knew they would be excellent, and they are. My other vote is Jonas Kaufman. I remember the first time I heard him on the radio singing La Boheme several years ago. I was, as usual doing housework. I stopped in my tracks and stared at the radio, breathless, until the aria was over.
Teleman has some of that same elegance as Corelli, so I can see the comparison. But the recordings of today is deceptive. Teleman and Kaufman have voices that is about 5 times smaller than Corelli voice. They are lyric tenors who makes their voices darker on purpose. They don't have the ring and brightness (squillo) that Corelli had, the balance in the voice.
I'm glad that you've indicated these are your favorites. Like you I have my favorites and like you I think mine are slightly more right than yours. My four favorite operatic tenors are Gigli, Bjorling, Corelli and for Wagner, Melchior. So we agree about at least one. But, I don't understand how you can put Pavarotti over Corelli, while admitting you prefer Corelli's voice. You say Pavarotti is the most famous opera singer in the world and therefore must go on top. I perhaps have to grudgingly admit to Pavarotti's fame, which I think may partly be due to Herb Breslin, London/Decca records and his exposure on PBS (none of which my favorite tenors had going for them). Also, because of his fame, he probably did introduce a lot of people to opera, which is a good thing. But, I thought your video was about the greatest tenors, not the most famous tenors or the tenors who introduced more people to opera. (Admittedly, I just don't particularly care for the sound of Pavarotti's voice). Indeed, in the first two decades of the twentieth century Caruso was clearly the most famous opera singer in the world and he probably introduced as many, if not more, people to opera than Pavarotti. The reason he is not on my list is because I don't think I can adequately judge the timbre of his voice from those acoustic recordings. I was introduced to opera by Mario Lanza, who also may have introduced more people to opera than Pavarotti. He is not on my list because I specified operatic tenors and as Lanza didn't make his career in opera he can't be on that list. But, he holds a special place in my heart as the greatest tenor who left us a legacy of unsurpassed recordings of songs in English. Perhaps if Samuel Goldwyn hadn't discovered him at that Hollywood Bowl Concert he would be on my list, but then again, without the Lanza of Hollywood fame, would I have discovered opera to even have a list! Now to what we agree on: Franco Corelli. To me he had one of the most gorgeous and phenomenal tenor voices ever. I gather, like me, you are not a purist, for if you were you probably cringe at some of the liberties he takes in the Parma "Tosca". My position is, if you can do something beautiful that no one else can, do it. In other words, "if you have it, flaunt it". And flaunt it Corelli did in so many performances. Corelli is the only one of my favorite opera tenors I saw in person. I think I'll make you a little jealous here because judging from your video you weren't even born when he retired. I first saw Corelli at the Met in 1962 ("Tosca" and "Gioconda"). By 1964 I was going to virtually every performance he sang at the Met (except broadcasts, which I stayed home and taped). I have not done a count, but I'm pretty sure I saw him in something between 200 and 300 performances and in every role he performed at the Met. No other tenor I've seen, and I've seen most of the famous tenors of the last 60 years, comes close.
I've been going to opera for over 63 years now, well into in my 80's -- and because of Lanza, when I was a kid I got hooked on opera, saw them all also, FC is not a great favorite of mine , but that also depends on the role, I do like Tucker and early GDS a lot in many roles as a singer, RT is not listed here, but so what, no big deal, the guy may not like him -- but that tenor I am fund of and is my preference- I don't care who likes or dislikes anyone, I saw most of them and in house is a better test then a rec. as you know-- but in a role like Calaf , well Corelli of course is my fav, on records in a studio JB's is great, not a role live for him --- I don't berate anyone for loving ML's voice, I saw Jussi B. also-- and Tagliavini , Schipa, etc. Lanza had a great voice and sound itself , but he chose another path to fame. Opera is a hard life, not cut out for everyone! so enjoy, (I hate fanatics) those saying "so and so is best" well it depends on who you like best, so that singer is then best for you!
what do you mean ? Corelli is the only Person you saw at the Met? you said you saw them all? Who else did you see as far as tenors? or did you only go to see Corelli? i would think you would see many more as I did as well ---- FC yes, he sang over 300 times at the Met. I taped him in my seat back in 1973 on cassette, in Cav. at the Met. and in Chicago and many more singers on cassette in house, snuck it in. I have many singers on tape, not just brdcsts. yes, pirate stuff back then, not today, lost interest in it.
I didn't say I only saw Corelli at the Met. Of course I saw tons of other performances with numerous other tenors. I was just pointing out that because Franco was my favorite I went to see most of his performances. I said I saw most, not all the famous tenors of the past 60 years. Thus, I missed Del Monaco because his last performance was the year before I started going to the Met and Wunderlich because he never made it to the Met. But, I did see DiStefano, Tagliavini, Tucker, Bergonzi, Gedda, Vickers, Konya, Labo, Prevedi (just to name a few from my first decade), but none of those hundreds of times. Plus lots of other tenors at other venues. Yes, I would love to have pirated recordings of those hundreds of performances I saw with Corelli, but in the pre-cassette 1960's, the only tape recorder with decent sound small enough to sneak into the Met was a $400 Uher, way above my price range. But, I was trading tapes in those days and did manage to obtain a fair number of in-house pirates of Corelli and others. Indeed, more recently I have been able to augment this with pirates that have been posted on various sites on the internet (unfortunately most no longer around), but a number of people have recently been posting pirates right here on You Tube. @@shicoff1398
@@leslieepstein4700 I might be just a couple of years older then you are, as I am in my early 80's, but you are the only woman, (just going by your name ) that is into old time tenors, that posts on you tube, few, if any older women do, anyhow did you see Bjoerling and Schipa? for me Opera started in 1957, you say pre 1960's, yes, even in 1962 they didn't then have any cassettes I knew of, In 1962 I bought a reel to reel portable small tape recorder at Sears and they where cheap, no cassette I knew of was around, if so costly surly, so FC only started singing at the Met. in 1961, but was that his USA debut? Not being ever a huge Corelli fan I don't know, I saw him in Chicago a few times and in 1973 at the Met. and I taped that one and still have it on cassette. So you didn't see Bjoerling I take it, since he last sang there in 1959 that I know of, I saw him in 1958 in Chicago and find his fans and the film star Mario Lanza fans among the most avoid and also fanatical, perhaps for two reasons, one is that a lot of Lanza fans know zero about opera, not that he did not have a great voice, ( it was a great instrument) and two, most Bjoerling fans never saw the man in house, he died in 1960, so they assume and say he had had a large voice, but it wasn't really, it was adequate in most of his roles. Lanza had the potential but went another way to fame.
@@leslieepstein4700 Your amazing as far as the way you write, you write like a younger person and being a woman, and a senior on you tube is unusual, why I don't know? it seems so few women with experience as yours post in you tube.
This is what happens when a younger person puts together a greatest tenor list. Jussi being Swedish and passing away in 1960, means he has not gotten the exposure and airplay of many other tenors, so tends to be overlooked. He was voted the favorite worldwide male operatic singer in the 20 th century, which the author of this video is wholly unaware of.
Corelli is unsurpassed Calaf ! As if maestro Puccini, havi g travelled in a" time machinine ", happened to hear Corelli sing, which fact imspired him to composing Turandot, the one and only Calaf.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I am the son of professional opera/classical singers and have listened at length to all the singers you mentioned. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on one's musical preferences as to who one's favorites would end up being. Just like Picasso is different than Van Gogh, most singers are trying to paint a picture with their voice that is unique within the music of their choosing.
I totally agree with you, but you see, you can't name the 5 greatest painters of the world without mentioning Van Gogh; as well you can't name the 5 greatest opera tenors without mentioning Jussi Björling. This guy, the "tenor" who is making the statements doesn't say that these 5 are his favourites, he means that they are the greatest and he even puts Corelli as one of them, that is really stupid because Corelli is not a first class tenor, this is for sure.
Here's the way I see it: if one were to rank tenors exclusively on the basis of BEAUTY of voice, my top three picks would be Jussi Björling, Fritz Wunderlich, and Giacomo Aragall (interestingly enough, not one of them was/is Italian). However, I don't necessarily regard these men as the greatest tenors per se. There is more to being a *great* tenor than simply having a naturally beautiful instrument. Consider sopranos: nobody really thinks of Maria Callas as having possessed an exceptionally beautiful voice (indeed, even she didn't especially like her own voice). Plenty of sopranos had/have more beautiful voices than she; yet, Callas clearly wins the battle hands down as THE greatest soprano of all time.
My neighbor is a tenor, he sounds mostly like a strangled cat. A shame Wunderlich died so very young. He would have been the best. My favorite for sure.
Wunderlich was a Miracle, unfortunately he had an unhappy childhood and a terrible tragic death by an accident at a very young age. Had he lived longer, the face of the Opera World would have looked different. Huge, huge talent! RIP Fritz Wunderlich!
Excellent video. I agree with (most 😁) of yours. I just now discovered you with this video. I subscribed and I look forward to watching many more. Thank you, good health and much happiness to you and yours.
Love that you included Corelli. Such an interesting man. Very nervous, suffered greatly from stage fright, which led to his earlier-then-necessary retirement -- so I understand. I"m also a fan of Roberto Alagna in opera roles (not outside of opera). He is a wonderful but understated actor.
He didnt retired early because of stage fright,he over came his fear by constantly practicing ,remember he starting singing at 33,you are absolutly right about Roberto
@@raulc398 i don’t think he ever overcame his performance fear issues but you’re right it wasn’t garden variety stage fright. It wasn’t fear of the audience. It was anxiety that his performance wouldn’t be 100 percent of what he expected of himself and know he was capable of. And although he did retire earlier than people expected him to, (age 55) it was prompted by his own concerns about his vocal decline and in fact he did experience some discernible decline within a few years. So, my comment was off the mark.
@@epona9166 I don't think it is that simple. The stage fright grew over the years, and I think that effected his vocal performances. His vocal performances was still better then most, he could easily have continued, he did not lose any range and never sang with a wobble in the voice. His breath control. one of his strongest attributes were affected. He sang a few recitals at the age of 60 and his voice sounded better then ever, the time away from the constant pressure of the opera stage seemed to cause added stress that effected his voice.
Agree, he is one of my first three; Mozart is my favourite composer, maybe it make sense, but Wunderlich sings the most beautiful Granada too and other amazing things.
No list is complete without Giuseppe Di Stefano. The warmth of the voice, impeccable diction and those exquisite high pianissimo supported from his chest made him unique.
No question he was outstanding. La Scala recently honored Caruso, Corelli, and Di Stefano. Interesting they omitted Pavarotti, who remains my personal preference. I do agree with TheBrandon425. Well said!
I agree 100% and as an ancient grandma ( back in my Salad Days ) was a student member of Covent Garden Opera House . I have been fortunate enough to see and hear the very best . Giuseppe Di Stefano , Pavarotti , Carrera , Domingo , Caruso and that much loved British comedian and devout Christian Tenor Harry Secombe (spelling prob ) . I have a little stack of Theatre Programmes from those beautiful few years when my career in London was at its peak and my house mates , best friends and lovers are as clear as yesterday . In my mind they are forever young . ack in my salad days ,
I could nor agree with your assessment of Pavarotti's place on your list (and why) more. There are obviously other opinions and I understand them and don't dismiss them, or necessarily disagree with their reasons in their particular contexts. But, in the context of you so very well presented , I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree. The Pav deserves the place at #1. Thank you!
What? All that beauty and then a mask for crying in a bucket! Seriously, first time to your channel and was thoroughly entertained and impressed with your knowledge and content!
Even Pavarotti stated clearly that he looked to recordings of Bjorling as his guidepost to sing a roll. The good news here is this poster caused an outpouring of profound appreciation for Bjorling.
I saw / heard Cura as Samson and he gave a stellar performance, born for the role perhaps. Cura unfortunately was an inconsistent performer and music directors began to shy away from hiring him. Here on UA-cam one can see his sensitive but powerful Turridu (with W. Meier).
@@phil2u48 Have you seen the 2000 live “La Traviata” with Cura? There were some rough spots, but I loved it - very cinematic (even tho the plot is pretty ridiculous).
@@rawvision6701 Loved Cura's first recording, saw him in London at the Festival Hall and he was great, but then he lost his touch somewhere along the way. Bit like Jonas Kaufman - wonderful at first, now I have to turn off the radio if he's singing.
Your list is exactly the same as mine! I was lucky enough to sing with the great Pavarotti and also the marvelous Plácido. I almost (!) sang with Corelli when a soprano got taken ill in a Carmen performance in Miami (Micaela), but I was 7 months pregnant at the time and it wouldn’t look exactly good on Micaela! What frustration… but I did get to stand backstage and watch him perform up close. I chose that rare opportunity rather than first row tickets… What a thrill!
A list without Bjorling and Tucker is incomplete in my opinion.
All good....thank you for your programme....my favourites are Caruso, di Stefano, Gigli and Bjorling
I enjoyed your listing, although I might understandably have a few others. But I loved what you said about Corelli. I got to know him later in his life, and got to share some fun times with him and his wife Loretta. A very quick Corelli memory I have. When we would get together, often at Jerome Hines home, I would bring an early phonograph and records. One time we were listening to Caruso. Suddenly Franco started singing along with Caruso. It was a surreal moment. As I knew him after his retirement. A lovely man, and a friend. BTW I certainly enjoy your lyric tenor voice. All good wishes.
That must have been a great experience!
Thank you. My mother died one week ago, and listening to the tenors is just like heaving a very small, but defined look into heaven.
I'm very sorry for your loss! Opera music helps.
@@marinellabakken7491 Thank you ❤️
Jussi Bjorling is the only tenor that came close to having a Stradivarius in his throat. He was phenomenal.
I heard a collection of tenors render Nessun Dorma. Bjorling stood out as the one with the best vocal line. No one else came close.
Remove Placido, and then add Jussi!
Completely agree Jussi was the greatest
Absolutely RIGHT ON
And he put him in the honorable mentions while mediocre Domingo is in the list. Some people I cannot understand.
JUSSI BJORLING SHOULD BE IN THAT LIST! ONE OF THE FREATEST VOICES AND ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MUSICIANS AND THEREFORE FOM THE BEST SINGERS EVER PAST THROUGH LIFE !!!!! AND TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOUND BEEN SO FAR FAR BEHIND THEN! HE WAS A TRUE "T R O V A T O R E" ! (Trovador) "ONE OF A KIND" HE HAD THE "ITALIAN HEART"
Giacomo Lauri Volpi was the Trovatore, he had a real heroic voice.
What about Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor? Best tenor in my opinion. The famous duet from the Pearl Fishers he sang with Robert Merrill from America was breathtakingly beautiful.....
I’m searching for a modern pairing for the Pearl Fishers duet that compares. Nothing yet.
Best none Italian tenor. But most of the greatest tenors have been Latino / Hispanic.
@@stephenalderson6279 who are most of the Greatest tenors that have been Latino, Hispanic?
@@dellonman How about David Bryne and Rufus Wainwright....old school
@@johnroberts4078 not for me, way too thin. Lacks richness of tone in both voices.
Thank you for a great program. These Tenors are beyond amazing!
And what about Bjoerling, Lauri Volpi. Pertile, Gigli, Tagliavini....... the list goes on?
True
Let's not forget Mario Del Monaco and Giuseppe Di Stefano
A great example of legendary tenors to reach higher notes every time. Thank you so much for revealing these secrets and helping me improve my tenor voice!
Quite a few other names could justifiably be included, two being Alfredo Kraus and Nicolai Gedda. And two others: Jussi Björling and Jerry Hadley.
Carlos Bergonzi
I am thrilled to hear Fritz Wonderlich was second on your list. He is first on mine. When I was a kid in the 50s we had an album of hard plastic 78s of his. When he died my mother held it and wept. It wasn't until the advent of the Internet I was able to hear again that beloved voice and truly appreciate what he meant to my parents.
He died in 1966. Wunderlich recorded on LPs. Maybe you're thinking of Richard Tauber? He was also a fabulous tenor.
@@ducadimantua Yes, Wunderlich never recorded on 78's as that ended by the late 1940s completely and Wunderlich was born in Sept . 1930, so in 1949 he was still in his teens.
Thank you for interesting and charming information. But.......where was Jussi Björling???
I enjoyed your video I am 85yo. Living in NJ I have had the greatest pleasure and enjoyment in seeing some of your choice mostly at a tv program called voice of Firestone. Yes Franco was my favorite too. Thank you again I hope we meet face to face soon to discuss our favorite.
Chuck in NJ
A top 5 list without Björling is like a car without an engine. Björling was considered the leading tenor for a period called the Golden era of tenors. The end of the 30's to a bit into the 60's. Here you will find most of the great classical tenors.
And what about the great tenors from before the thirties???
@@carlosmonzo4102 Just fine!
Bjorling great, Volpi Great, Coreli Great, Martineli, Tauber great Caruso great but I think the greatest tenor was Francesco Tamagno
@@carlosmonzo4102 Correct, Gigli, Lauri Volpi, Martinelli, Jadlowker, etc.
@@shicoff1398 ...und alle vergessen immer George Thill...
I just loved your video
Thank you so mucg. Please do more of the same.
Thanks, Anthony, for a very listenable commentary!
What a beautiful break down what a beautiful tribute. You introduced me to one new tenor whom I had never heard of ....your first
I heard Pavarotti sing twice live in the late 70s and early 80s at the height of his power and I remember thinking that I cannot believe this voice is coming out of a human being.....and of course I’m a fan of Corelli as well. For you to magnanimously allow Pavarotti to take the single spot at the top for what he did for the opera, even though you prefer Corelli’s voice...that is a true sign of hubris and generosity and for that I say “Bravo” to you brother
I have a dear friend, 87, who heard all of the greats. She heard Pavarotti live 5 times. Without a doubt, the very finest voice. His voice, heard live in the opera house and in concert halls, far surpassed his recordings. She counts these performances as the highlights of her life. It is a good thing to remind ourselves that we listen to opera singers under a variety of circumstances: recent recordings, older recordings; in this opera house, or that opera house; on a good day, on a poor day; at the height of a career, in the twilight of a career; studio recordings, opera house recordings, concert hall recordings, stadium recordings; a challenging aria, a simple aria, and so forth. It's almost impossible to compare two singers under the same circumstances. All things will never be equal.
This is beautiful! I love Pavarotti but to hear these tenors side by side is just amazing! It is an education. Your comments are perfect. You provided just enough information and all of it was interesting. Thank you.
Thanks so much-That is fantastic! I look forward to watching more of your work! :-)
A vote to add the Great American lirico-spinto tenor, Maria Lanza to your future consideration!
Just watched this for the second time, really interesting and informative. Thanks for putting this together🤗
meine liste der besten Caruso, Aureliano Pertile, Tito schippat.jussi Björling and Richard Tucker
You may also enjoy young British Tenor Jonathan Antoine singing "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" as a tribute to his dear friend Helga. Also, Jonathan singing "Io Si/Seen" per Grammy award winning Diane Warren's request! He sings the harmonies too. BEAUTIFUL!!! It debuted at #1 on itunes Classical Chart.
My list would have to include Jussi Björling.
YES!!!!!
Of course!!
@@sugarbist I know it's not my fucking list. I didn't say it was my list.
@@andrewblackmore9705 Nice!
@@sugarbist Correct, no Tucker etc. but it's his list and picks, no big deal.
Nice video. Enjoyed it. What about Jussi?
Shame on you not to have added Jussi Bjorling, of whom, when Pavarotti was asked what he thought about him, he replayed: 'I am only human'
Yes, indeed!!
Dang. Sorry I never got to know that dude.😮😢
And Mario DelMonaco? Not on this list? How about Jussi Bjorling?
Thank you for this wonderful video. I look forward to your next production.
Difficult to narrow it down to the top five, but here it goes (in no particular order): Bjorling, Caruso, Corelli, Del Monaco, and Giuseppe di Stefano.
I agree!!!! Love your list!!!
Agree only with the first two; not Corelli and di Stefano for me, but Fritz Wunderlich it's a must, he died so young and he was already on the very top, had he lived longer, then we would have been much richer.
You can’t have a top five of tenors
But…these are my top several
Jussi Bjorling* (voice)
Mario del Monaco* (drama)
Franco Corelli* (pathos/dedication)
Giuseppe do Stefano* (truth of sound and acting)
Enrico Caruso* (enough said)
Mario Lanza* (verisimilitude/evolution of voice)
Luciano Pavarotti* (versatility)
Giacomo Lauri Volpi
Cesare Valletti
Kurt Böhme
Mario Fillipeschi
And the list could keep going but theses are just a few
Thank you so much for this interesting review. Fabulous 💞
I totally agree with your favorite, Franco Corelli. I was so fortunate to hear him live at the New York State Theater at a concert performance with the NY Philharmonic in 1966. It remains an unforgettable highlight of my classical music and opera enjoyment. I love Pavarotti, too, but the qualities of Corelli's voice and technique are unbeatable in my view. Thanks for your list!
Fritz Wunderlich, couldn't agree more! LOVE Franco!!! I'm also constantly impressed with Rolando Villazon. Thank you for all of this wonderful color and all that you do!
When did you last hear Villazon sing anything? His voice is trashed and he was impossible to watch.
And: DI STEFANO, BJOERLING, GIGLI, KRAUS, SCHIPA, MELCHIOR, BONISOLLI, VINAY, VICKERS AND MANY OTHERS?
Thank you, very much, for sharing your insight and passion. Well done!
The only difference of opinion is switching Domingo with Björling.
The extremely short life of Fritz Wunderlich and his impact on today’s tenors who claim his technique as their ideal is still amazing
Great list, Franco Corelli is my favourite as well. Massively powerful voice, but his voice also had a great beauty. He sang with incredible passion.
Thanks for this. I got here right after watching Pavarotti and James Brown performing together.
Love this video! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sé que es cuestión de gustos pero no pueden dejar afuera a Di Stefano.
Gracias.
I know bupkes about opera except for Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma but I LOVE your passion and found this very interesting. You have inspired me to delve! Thank you! ❤️👍
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. You are so very generous to share your educated opinions, valuable insight and as you put it "fun facts." The performance clips backed you up. Clearly, you put a lot into the production of this video- so entertaining and presented with love for the music and graciousness (if that is even a word!) towards your audience. Bravo!
So many great voices! Thanks for putting this together. I’m enjoying your well done video’s and to spend some time with your heart
Thank you Danny! I'm so glad you've liked them and have been watching! Much love!
Thank you for the most enjoyable and FUN video sharing your favorite tenors. You are so gifted.
Pavarotti was the top tenor for all time no one ever reached the notes he did so please put him on TOP !!!!
Franco Corelli is my favorite operatic tenor, i.e. performed at the Met. Mario Lanza is my favorite Hollywood tenor who may have been able to perform at the Met, had he not died so young at the age of 38 in 1959 in Rome. Lanza cut off his ties to Hollywood and intended to pursue Grand Opera. He was so great that Caruso's own son stated that only Lanza could play his father in the movie The Great Caruso. Lanza had an enormous impact on such tenors as Jose Carreras who did a Tribute to Mario Lanza at Radio City Music Hall which I attended. That being said, my favorite operatic tenor, Franco Corelli owned Nessun Dorma,
which became Pavarotti's signature song. Pavarotti stated that Corelli had vocal cords of steel and would have been as popular as the Three Tenors if there was available TV coverage at that time.
Mario Lanza was wonderful. Never been anybody like him since.
Surprised to hear Lanza in the role of Caruso. His son was probably persuaded by the $ on that score.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Enrico Caruso, Jr, stated in 1991 that " I can think of no other tenor, before or since Mario Lanza, who could have risen, with comparable success, to the challenge of playing Caruso in a screen biography". The film was made in 1951. I don't think Caruso's son was pursuaded by the money 40 years later. Also, in 1951, there were very few, if any Tenor/actors who could have successfully played Caruso. Lanza held his own throughout the film as he performed with Metropolitan Opera stars on screen. The film was a great success for MGM and many opera stars credit Lanza and the film as the inspiration for them to become opera singers, Carreras and Domingo especially. Lanza also looked the part since he and Caruso were similar in height and build. Lanza's voice was as extraordinary as Caruso's.
You should see the movie. It is great.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Why were you surprised that Lanza played the part of Caruso? I saw the film in 1951 over and over again. I was only 13 and I was mesmerised. He had a superb voice and there has never been anyone like him before or since.
@@maryleone2023 The movie was a hit in when it came out in 1951 and the recordings Lanza made for it in 1950 are available and still popular today.
Thank you! This was great! Well done- well organized and good information-
gigli and bjorling surely belong on the list
Gigli and Bjorling may belong on your list. The poster did say,'' you may not agree'', but it’s “his top 5” not anyone else’s. Why can’t you and others on this page understand this?
@@sugarbist its fun, silly
@@johnroberts4078 Yes it is
This is his list but I had a very old vinyl record of Il Trovatore with Amelia Gallicurci and Gilgi, I cried every time I listened to it.
A reasonable list. The one tenor missing who has to be included somehow is Bjoerling. Otherwise you did well and some of the tenors mention by other commentators are very misguided (e.g- Shicoff)
Great video!!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 bravo!
I AGREE WITH YOUR CHOICES BUT WOULD ADD # 6, BJOERLING
Highly enjoyable and enlightening plus beautifil English! Thanks!
As I was watching your video, I was thinking Jussi Björling but he is in the top ten. That was a wonderful video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Of them all, Pavarotti makes me tear up for some reason. I've subscribed to your channel to discover more music.
As a person, Pavarotti was a jerk. I know because I met him. Big time jerk.
I don't understand the tearing up because for the most part, Pav lacked passion.
@@Mikep487 I know. But there is a quality to his voice that gets to me.
No, Björling is the very best. He was Pavarottis idol and he tried to sing like him.
@@6828tom Many divas, opera singers, are... 😅 I grew up with a grandfather who played the piano and used to play with opera singers.
Thks for this video ! We really missed the big man!
Sorry mate, without Bjorling you cannot be taken seriously!!!
Where is Bjorling?! Come on,
Your list demonstrates your youth and inexperience -- firsthand -- of the people who made it into your "honourable mentions." Neither Domingo nor Pavarotti measure up to most of them. But if you'd not heard them in person and been bombarded all your life with "the three tenors" well -- it shows.
The greatest of them all - The most beautiful of voices - JUST SIT DOWN AND LISTEN... JUSSI BJOERLING
1 Bjoerling
2 Corelli
3 Caruso
4 Wonderlich
5 Gigli
I think your choices were spot on for the reasons you gave. And it is a pleasure listening to your beautiful, spectacular voice as well.
Jussi Björling, according to Pavarotti, called Jussi thee best Bel Canto Tenor
A marvelous narrative 9Anthony Leon, I agree with your selections. Yes. more videos, please?
who was his idol, jussi björling
Caruso, Bjorling, Di Stefano, Gigli, Corelli
I pulled out the Klemperer/Wunderlich
/Ludwig Mahler 'erde' today after hearing of the passing of Christa Ludwig... No tenor I have heard even comes close to it in that amazing work.
Bravo, I absolutely agree with you. I have the CD. Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada
Opera is like Art to me - I don't know much about it, but I know what I like. And I agree with your list, with Franco Corelli right up there. I'm Swedish and I put Jussi Bjorling in the same slot as you. (Too much vibrato for my personal listening. I even have his Pearl Fishers Duet on CD.)
It would be interesting for you to comment on the greatest contemporary tenors, and here are my votes.
I think Jonathan Tetelman the next Franco Corelli - tone, precision, dynamics, passion (and good looks - I can say that cuz I'm a Granny). The video of him singing Nessun Dorma in the tea shop showed up in my Facebook somehow, and my jaw dropped. I played it over and over and over and over ... Emailed it to everyone I knew who knew what it was. And went and bought the only 2 CDs I could find online at the time. When I saw they were Deutsche Grammophon I knew they would be excellent, and they are.
My other vote is Jonas Kaufman. I remember the first time I heard him on the radio singing La Boheme several years ago. I was, as usual doing housework. I stopped in my tracks and stared at the radio, breathless, until the aria was over.
Teleman has some of that same elegance as Corelli, so I can see the comparison. But the recordings of today is deceptive. Teleman and Kaufman have voices that is about 5 times smaller than Corelli voice. They are lyric tenors who makes their voices darker on purpose. They don't have the ring and brightness (squillo) that Corelli had, the balance in the voice.
I'm from Brazil, thank you for talk slowly, makes it very understandable.
Franco Corelli is not only your personal favorite. It’s everyone’s😂
Where is Jussi Björling???
I'm glad that you've indicated these are your favorites. Like you I have my favorites and like you I think mine are slightly more right than yours. My four favorite operatic tenors are Gigli, Bjorling, Corelli and for Wagner, Melchior. So we agree about at least one. But, I don't understand how you can put Pavarotti over Corelli, while admitting you prefer Corelli's voice. You say Pavarotti is the most famous opera singer in the world and therefore must go on top. I perhaps have to grudgingly admit to Pavarotti's fame, which I think may partly be due to Herb Breslin, London/Decca records and his exposure on PBS (none of which my favorite tenors had going for them). Also, because of his fame, he probably did introduce a lot of people to opera, which is a good thing. But, I thought your video was about the greatest tenors, not the most famous tenors or the tenors who introduced more people to opera. (Admittedly, I just don't particularly care for the sound of Pavarotti's voice).
Indeed, in the first two decades of the twentieth century Caruso was clearly the most famous opera singer in the world and he probably introduced as many, if not more, people to opera than Pavarotti. The reason he is not on my list is because I don't think I can adequately judge the timbre of his voice from those acoustic recordings. I was introduced to opera by Mario Lanza, who also may have introduced more people to opera than Pavarotti. He is not on my list because I specified operatic tenors and as Lanza didn't make his career in opera he can't be on that list. But, he holds a special place in my heart as the greatest tenor who left us a legacy of unsurpassed recordings of songs in English. Perhaps if Samuel Goldwyn hadn't discovered him at that Hollywood Bowl Concert he would be on my list, but then again, without the Lanza of Hollywood fame, would I have discovered opera to even have a list!
Now to what we agree on: Franco Corelli. To me he had one of the most gorgeous and phenomenal tenor voices ever. I gather, like me, you are not a purist, for if you were you probably cringe at some of the liberties he takes in the Parma "Tosca". My position is, if you can do something beautiful that no one else can, do it. In other words, "if you have it, flaunt it". And flaunt it Corelli did in so many performances. Corelli is the only one of my favorite opera tenors I saw in person. I think I'll make you a little jealous here because judging from your video you weren't even born when he retired. I first saw Corelli at the Met in 1962 ("Tosca" and "Gioconda"). By 1964 I was going to virtually every performance he sang at the Met (except broadcasts, which I stayed home and taped). I have not done a count, but I'm pretty sure I saw him in something between 200 and 300 performances and in every role he performed at the Met. No other tenor I've seen, and I've seen most of the famous tenors of the last 60 years, comes close.
I've been going to opera for over 63 years now, well into in my 80's -- and because of Lanza, when I was a kid I got hooked on opera, saw them all also, FC is not a great favorite of mine , but that also depends on the role, I do like Tucker and early GDS a lot in many roles as a singer, RT is not listed here, but so what, no big deal, the guy may not like him -- but that tenor I am fund of and is my preference- I don't care who likes or dislikes anyone, I saw most of them and in house is a better test then a rec. as you know-- but in a role like Calaf , well Corelli of course is my fav, on records in a studio JB's is great, not a role live for him --- I don't berate anyone for loving ML's voice, I saw Jussi B. also-- and Tagliavini , Schipa, etc. Lanza had a great voice and sound itself , but he chose another path to fame. Opera is a hard life, not cut out for everyone! so enjoy, (I hate fanatics) those saying "so and so is best" well it depends on who you like best, so that singer is then best for you!
what do you mean ? Corelli is the only Person you saw at the Met? you said you saw them all? Who else did you see as far as tenors? or did you only go to see Corelli? i would think you would see many more as I did as well ---- FC yes, he sang over 300 times at the Met. I taped him in my seat back in 1973 on cassette, in Cav. at the Met. and in Chicago and many more singers on cassette in house, snuck it in. I have many singers on tape, not just brdcsts. yes, pirate stuff back then, not today, lost interest in it.
I didn't say I only saw Corelli at the Met. Of course I saw tons of other performances with numerous other tenors. I was just pointing out that because Franco was my favorite I went to see most of his performances. I said I saw most, not all the famous tenors of the past 60 years. Thus, I missed Del Monaco because his last performance was the year before I started going to the Met and Wunderlich because he never made it to the Met. But, I did see DiStefano, Tagliavini, Tucker, Bergonzi, Gedda, Vickers, Konya, Labo, Prevedi (just to name a few from my first decade), but none of those hundreds of times. Plus lots of other tenors at other venues.
Yes, I would love to have pirated recordings of those hundreds of performances I saw with Corelli, but in the pre-cassette 1960's, the only tape recorder with decent sound small enough to sneak into the Met was a $400 Uher, way above my price range. But, I was trading tapes in those days and did manage to obtain a fair number of in-house pirates of Corelli and others. Indeed, more recently I have been able to augment this with pirates that have been posted on various sites on the internet (unfortunately most no longer around), but a number of people have recently been posting pirates right here on You Tube.
@@shicoff1398
@@leslieepstein4700 I might be just a couple of years older then you are, as I am in my early 80's, but you are the only woman, (just going by your name ) that is into old time tenors, that posts on you tube, few, if any older women do, anyhow did you see Bjoerling and Schipa? for me Opera started in 1957, you say pre 1960's, yes, even in 1962 they didn't then have any cassettes I knew of, In 1962 I bought a reel to reel portable small tape recorder at Sears and they where cheap, no cassette I knew of was around, if so costly surly, so FC only started singing at the Met. in 1961, but was that his USA debut? Not being ever a huge Corelli fan I don't know, I saw him in Chicago a few times and in 1973 at the Met. and I taped that one and still have it on cassette. So you didn't see Bjoerling I take it, since he last sang there in 1959 that I know of, I saw him in 1958 in Chicago and find his fans and the film star Mario Lanza fans among the most avoid and also fanatical, perhaps for two reasons, one is that a lot of Lanza fans know zero about opera, not that he did not have a great voice, ( it was a great instrument) and two, most Bjoerling fans never saw the man in house, he died in 1960, so they assume and say he had had a large voice, but it wasn't really, it was adequate in most of his roles. Lanza had the potential but went another way to fame.
@@leslieepstein4700 Your amazing as far as the way you write, you write like a younger person and being a woman, and a senior on you tube is unusual, why I don't know? it seems so few women with experience as yours post in you tube.
Such amazing content, Anthony! I get excited weekly for your video to come out! Can’t wait for next week 🤩 thank you!!
Yay! Thank you friend!
Jussi Björling is the greatest imo. Listen to his interpretation of Nessun Dorma and O Holy Night
And "Il trovatore", "Rigoletto" (for me the best Duca di Mantova ever, although I also like Alfredo Kraus).
This is what happens when a younger person puts together a greatest tenor list. Jussi being Swedish and passing away in 1960, means he has not gotten the exposure and airplay of many other tenors, so tends to be overlooked. He was voted the favorite worldwide male operatic singer in the 20 th century, which the author of this video is wholly unaware of.
Of course, bjoerling is a greatest of all times ....
There are many other tenors who sings Nessun Dorma better.
Corelli is unsurpassed Calaf ! As if maestro Puccini, havi g travelled in a" time machinine ", happened to hear Corelli sing, which fact imspired him to composing Turandot, the one and only Calaf.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I am the son of professional opera/classical singers and have listened at length to all the singers you mentioned. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on one's musical preferences as to who one's favorites would end up being. Just like Picasso is different than Van Gogh, most singers are trying to paint a picture with their voice that is unique within the music of their choosing.
A beautiful informative statement
@@sugarbist Yes--- he is spot on!
Excellent comment !
I totally agree with you, but you see, you can't name the 5 greatest painters of the world without mentioning Van Gogh; as well you can't name the 5 greatest opera tenors without mentioning Jussi Björling. This guy, the "tenor" who is making the statements doesn't say that these 5 are his favourites, he means that they are the greatest and he even puts Corelli as one of them, that is really stupid because Corelli is not a first class tenor, this is for sure.
@@marinellabakken7491 My dad loved Bjorling the most, and saw him a few times in recital.
I see he added Bjoerling to the opening -- after complaints he hadn’t been included?
Great idea to feature these amazing tenors! Your lively and convincing presentation makes me look forward to the next one! Thank you, Anthony!💖👏🙋♀️
My pleasure!
I agree. Corelli is beauty itself.
Here's the way I see it: if one were to rank tenors exclusively on the basis of BEAUTY of voice, my top three picks would be Jussi Björling, Fritz Wunderlich, and Giacomo Aragall (interestingly enough, not one of them was/is Italian). However, I don't necessarily regard these men as the greatest tenors per se. There is more to being a *great* tenor than simply having a naturally beautiful instrument. Consider sopranos: nobody really thinks of Maria Callas as having possessed an exceptionally beautiful voice (indeed, even she didn't especially like her own voice). Plenty of sopranos had/have more beautiful voices than she; yet, Callas clearly wins the battle hands down as THE greatest soprano of all time.
I like a lot Maria Callas's voice. She was a complete artist.
@SnFanForever There exists a recording of Maria Callas in rehearsal: titled, "Callas Dallas." To my ears it is remarkable!
No way was Callas the greatest, her Visi D'arte is absolutely beautiful but a really good soprano needs to have more than one string to her bow.
@@helenakeane2449 Callas did sing as a coloratura, mezzo, soprano and dramatic soprano. That's a lot of bows.
@@sugarbist Along with extreme weight loss, added to her early decline
Thank you Anthony, great! Learned a lot.
Franco Corelli - no doubt the best in dramatic Italian opera!
Thank you for your post
My neighbor is a tenor, he sounds mostly like a strangled cat.
A shame Wunderlich died so very young. He would have been the best. My favorite for sure.
Hahaha sounds like a strangled cat! Sooo funny!!
Wunderlich was a Miracle, unfortunately he had an unhappy childhood and a terrible tragic death by an accident at a very young age. Had he lived longer, the face of the Opera World would have looked different. Huge, huge talent!
RIP Fritz Wunderlich!
If Fritz had lived to the age of 45, you would have never, ever heard of Pavarotti.
If the cat was strangled wouldn't it be silent as in ex-cat?
Thanks for the video!
Completely agree with you, Franco also my favorite, and Luciano also on my list for the best
Excellent video. I agree with (most 😁) of yours. I just now discovered you with this video. I subscribed and I look forward to watching many more. Thank you, good health and much happiness to you and yours.
Love that you included Corelli. Such an interesting man. Very nervous, suffered greatly from stage fright, which led to his earlier-then-necessary retirement -- so I understand. I"m also a fan of Roberto Alagna in opera roles (not outside of opera). He is a wonderful but understated actor.
He didnt retired early because of stage fright,he over came his fear by constantly practicing ,remember he starting singing at 33,you are absolutly right about Roberto
@@raulc398 i don’t think he ever overcame his performance fear issues but you’re right it wasn’t garden variety stage fright. It wasn’t fear of the audience. It was anxiety that his performance wouldn’t be 100 percent of what he expected of himself and know he was capable of. And although he did retire earlier than people expected him to, (age 55) it was prompted by his own concerns about his vocal decline and in fact he did experience some discernible decline within a few years. So, my comment was off the mark.
@@epona9166 I don't think it is that simple. The stage fright grew over the years, and I think that effected his vocal performances. His vocal performances was still better then most, he could easily have continued, he did not lose any range and never sang with a wobble in the voice. His breath control. one of his strongest attributes were affected. He sang a few recitals at the age of 60 and his voice sounded better then ever, the time away from the constant pressure of the opera stage seemed to cause added stress that effected his voice.
Very enjoyable! Thank you.
Wunderlich will always be my favorite tenor.
Agree, he is one of my first three; Mozart is my favourite composer, maybe it make sense, but Wunderlich sings the most beautiful Granada too and other amazing things.
@@marinellabakken7491
I absolutely agree with you.
His Granada is out of this world.
Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada
How am I just seeing this now? This is awesome!
No list is complete without Giuseppe Di Stefano. The warmth of the voice, impeccable diction and those exquisite high pianissimo supported from his chest made him unique.
No question he was outstanding. La Scala recently honored Caruso, Corelli, and Di Stefano. Interesting they omitted Pavarotti, who remains my personal preference. I do agree with TheBrandon425. Well said!
I agree 100% and as an ancient grandma ( back in my Salad Days ) was a student member of Covent Garden Opera House . I have been fortunate enough to see and hear the very best . Giuseppe Di Stefano , Pavarotti , Carrera , Domingo , Caruso and that much loved British comedian and devout Christian Tenor Harry Secombe (spelling prob ) . I have a little stack of Theatre Programmes from those beautiful few years when my career in London was at its peak and my house mates , best friends and lovers are as clear as yesterday . In my mind they are forever young .
ack in my salad days ,
I will say this. Nobody had better vocal control than Di Stefano, who could go from fortissimo to pianissimo seamlessly.
@@cynthiavalasin6199 I can't understand why Pav would be a personal preference. He lacks both the size and emotion to be the best.
Hi John. He was. Di Stefano sang for my uncle and his friends in 1944. My uncle was an ambulance driver.
Thankyou from germany. Your words are so friendly for all this Tenors. Very Good at this time, we can hear all this very good voices. 🥰
Jussi Bjorling and Giuseppe Di Stafano would be on my list.
I could nor agree with your assessment of Pavarotti's place on your list (and why) more. There are obviously other opinions and I understand them and don't dismiss them, or necessarily disagree with their reasons in their particular contexts. But, in the context of you so very well presented , I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree. The Pav deserves the place at #1. Thank you!
All preferences are subjective. My list Bjorling Bergonzi Shicoff Florez.
YES. Another Shicoff fan!!
@@thesilvershining me too!
Agreed, not Florez but add others .
Wonderful video. Would you consider doing a similar video on the greatest basso's?
Jussi Bjorling and Fritz Wunderlich.
What? All that beauty and then a mask for crying in a bucket! Seriously, first time to your channel and was thoroughly entertained and impressed with your knowledge and content!
Got to love UA-cam. It is where I learned to love Opera.
Just found you loved your video. X
Even Pavarotti stated clearly that he looked to recordings of Bjorling as his guidepost to sing a roll. The good news here is this poster caused an outpouring of profound appreciation for Bjorling.
I was so pleased and thrilled to see Luciano Pavarotti preform in St. Louis , Mo
Jussi Bjorling, Placido Domingo, and Neil Shicoff are my favorites ♥️
interesting, I saw all 3 of them, JB first in 1958.
@@shicoff1398
You were so lucky! I would have liked so much to see Björling, but had no chance at all, should have been born earlier.
@@marinellabakken7491 well, yes I have my memories and still the interest in opera!
Any list not beginning and finishing with Bjorling is not listening. Silly stuff here.
Bjorling! I also loved Cura, but no one else seems to have heard of him.
I saw / heard Cura as Samson and he gave a stellar performance, born for the role perhaps. Cura unfortunately was an inconsistent performer and music directors began to shy away from hiring him. Here on UA-cam one can see his sensitive but powerful Turridu (with W. Meier).
@@phil2u48 Have you seen the 2000 live “La Traviata” with Cura? There were some rough spots, but I loved it - very cinematic (even tho the plot is pretty ridiculous).
Cura's career was short-lived, so he didn't leave much of a legacy.
@@rawvision6701 Loved Cura's first recording, saw him in London at the Festival Hall and he was great, but then he lost his touch somewhere along the way. Bit like Jonas Kaufman - wonderful at first, now I have to turn off the radio if he's singing.
@@phil2u48 Saw him sing Samson long ago in Chicago, not really greatly impressed, he was OK though.
Your list is exactly the same as mine! I was lucky enough to sing with the great Pavarotti and also the marvelous Plácido. I almost (!) sang with Corelli when a soprano got taken ill in a Carmen performance in Miami (Micaela), but I was 7 months pregnant at the time and it wouldn’t look exactly good on Micaela! What frustration… but I did get to stand backstage and watch him perform up close. I chose that rare opportunity rather than first row tickets… What a thrill!
You are so right about Corelli. I would add some other tenors but then it would be a top 10 list ;-)