I had the privilege of singing with this fine tenor years ago when he was just starting out in NYC. He had to hold back to sing a Handel duet with me - a lot! I knew he would make it big. Funny and nice as well!
Also, my apologies to any of you geniune Opera fans out there, I realise that this isn't the right type of forum to be arguing over what is a beautiful art, or over the ticket prices of a young singer who has had and is having a wonderful career. Bravo to you Simon -- you and other talented young opera singers from Godzone and elsewhere deserve a great deal of praise for competing at such a high level in what is a very challenging art-form. Dr. Paul (Otago)
Click to visit the London Symphony Orchestra’s channel and watch Simon O’Neill tell the synopsis of Verdi’s Otello for his new recording singing the title role alongside Gerald Finley and Anne Schwanewilms.
We should keep in mind that more often than not, the great composers were in fact writing the lines for specific singers who would be performing that part and thus wrote in the key best suited to that singer, with the highs, lows and tessitura of that singer specifically in mind. In an opera it simply makes sense to keep it that way, but for recitals I don't think it's sacrilegious to change.
@12harby Can anyone spot the man with a chip on his shoulder...? :) Obviously New Zealand as an Opera destination, is right up there with Zimbabwe....i.e. It's a country dominated by rugby and sports, however it has produced some stunning musicians and Opera singers... I think that for a 71 year old man from New Zealand you sure do have some issues. Good luck with being grumpy and negative, old man. lol
Isn't it to hard to speak of a bariton version. It is just half a note lower. Last note is a Bflat instead of a B. Ok, may he should have sung an A at the end.
I wonder why he sang it with transposed key. Seeing that I have seen him doing the same before, I guess he has some technical issues with A and B4 natural.
Each to their own opinion...but it's very hard to say that a singer has not made it when they're singing at THE MET, COVENT GARDEN, THE SALBURG FESTIVAL, and are in demand all over the United States and Europe. But anyway, obviously he's not the best yet, (he's only 39 for heaven's sake!), but the fact that many put him in the top 4 heldentenors in the world - as well as being understudy to Placido Domingo, and studying under Pavorottii - shows that he's obviously right up there, doesn't it?
al principio en el primer verso suena un color parecido al de Domingo, pero creo que oscurece la voz innecesariamente. el timbre es bello sin necesidad de llevar la resonancia atrás...
@12harby Each to their own opinion...but it's very hard to say that a singer has not made it when they're singing at THE MET, COVENT GARDEN, THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL, and are in demand all over the US and Europe. But anyway, obviously he's not the best yet, (he's only 39 for heaven's sake!), but the fact that many put him in the top 4 heldentenors in the world - as well as being understudy to Placido Domingo, and studying under Pavorottii - shows that he's obviously right up there, doesn't it?
The man is a magical singer with incredible charisma and a streak of simplicity which is so very endearing. Titanium balls.
I had the privilege of singing with this fine tenor years ago when he was just starting out in NYC. He had to hold back to sing a Handel duet with me - a lot! I knew he would make it big. Funny and nice as well!
What a voice.
Simon O'Neill is the man. The best! Bravo tenore!
Live performance very enjoyable 🤗
wow i sang with this guy in a Choir at Ashburton College NZ. Absolutely amazing!!!
Debbie Tinomana (nee Austin)
I get to sing this with him! I'm so excited!
mine too Bridie! haha and he's awesome!
Muy bien.... Excelente... Un verdadero Calaf.
Also, my apologies to any of you geniune Opera fans out there, I realise that this isn't the right type of forum to be arguing over what is a beautiful art, or over the ticket prices of a young singer who has had and is having a wonderful career. Bravo to you Simon -- you and other talented young opera singers from Godzone and elsewhere deserve a great deal of praise for competing at such a high level in what is a very challenging art-form. Dr. Paul (Otago)
Click to visit the London Symphony Orchestra’s channel and watch Simon O’Neill tell the synopsis of Verdi’s Otello for his new recording singing the title role alongside Gerald Finley and Anne Schwanewilms.
We should keep in mind that more often than not, the great composers were in fact writing the lines for specific singers who would be performing that part and thus wrote in the key best suited to that singer, with the highs, lows and tessitura of that singer specifically in mind. In an opera it simply makes sense to keep it that way, but for recitals I don't think it's sacrilegious to change.
Puccini wrote for the italian language as well!!!
This is a beautiful voice!!! Bravo!!!
thats my maths teacher's brother lol
what year was this?
Thats my cousin :)
Clan Pride is lovely to see !
I think this was 2007 or 8
TBO's brother up in there
@12harby Can anyone spot the man with a chip on his shoulder...? :)
Obviously New Zealand as an Opera destination, is right up there with Zimbabwe....i.e. It's a country dominated by rugby and sports, however it has produced some stunning musicians and Opera singers... I think that for a 71 year old man from New Zealand you sure do have some issues. Good luck with being grumpy and negative, old man. lol
Isn't it to hard to speak of a bariton version. It is just half a note lower. Last note is a Bflat instead of a B. Ok, may he should have sung an A at the end.
I wonder why he sang it with transposed key. Seeing that I have seen him doing the same before, I guess he has some technical issues with A and B4 natural.
He has sung the entire role in the original key including the high C's. Its a concert he can do what he likes.
Each to their own opinion...but it's very hard to say that a singer has not made it when they're singing at THE MET, COVENT GARDEN, THE SALBURG FESTIVAL, and are in demand all over the United States and Europe. But anyway, obviously he's not the best yet, (he's only 39 for heaven's sake!), but the fact that many put him in the top 4 heldentenors in the world - as well as being understudy to Placido Domingo, and studying under Pavorottii - shows that he's obviously right up there, doesn't it?
al principio en el primer verso suena un color parecido al de Domingo, pero creo que oscurece la voz innecesariamente. el timbre es bello sin necesidad de llevar la resonancia atrás...
@12harby haha - that's not what the critics say... you should probably do your homework mate.
@12harby Each to their own opinion...but it's very hard to say that a singer has not made it when they're singing at THE MET, COVENT GARDEN, THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL, and are in demand all over the US and Europe. But anyway, obviously he's not the best yet, (he's only 39 for heaven's sake!), but the fact that many put him in the top 4 heldentenors in the world - as well as being understudy to Placido Domingo, and studying under Pavorottii - shows that he's obviously right up there, doesn't it?
Transposed downward.
Overall, a nice sounding voice. But the transposition was wrong and unnecessary. The composer is always right!