Samuel Ramey - "Se vuol ballare..." / Mozart, "Le nozze di Figaro" /Video/ (English subs (CC) / 1982

"I think it’s one of my best parts. It’s always been a lucky opera for me," said Samuel Ramey in an interview with the "LA Times." This role was also his triumphant debut at La Scala and Covent Garden. As you must have guessed, it’s his charming and radiant Figaro in Mozart’s "Le nozze di Figaro."
Premiered in Vienna on May 1, 1786, with Mozart himself conducting (what would you give just to be there, right?), "Le nozze..." marked his first collaboration with the talented Lorenzo Da Ponte-Catholic priest turned poet and librettist-"Don Giovanni" and "Così fan tutte" would come later. Da Ponte claimed it was his idea to adapt Beaumarchais's play into an opera, recognizing that the story’s complexity was perfectly suited to Mozart’s genius: his ability to give characters extraordinary psychological depth through music. In turn, Mozart believed the text should guide the music-a philosophy that shines in this masterpiece, where music and narrative blend seamlessly.
Samuel Ramey’s Figaro and his aria, “Se vuol ballare,” will always hold a very special place in my heart. It was while listening to it for the very first time that I caught myself thinking, “That VOICE!” 😲 I still feel the same way every time I listen to it. What's your very first favorite?
This performance is during the 1982 La Scala production of "Le nozze di Figaro."

[@giulianataramella1192]

Favoloso! Attila e' stato il primo togliermi il fiato!

[@TheAmazingSamuelRamey]

Attila è meraviglioso! Ogni interpretazione di Samuel Ramey è stata una scoperta incredibile ❤ 😍

[@siriolsen1204]

This is incredible. I especially love the way he's just about to strike Almaviva's coat again when the bell rings and he hurriedly throws the stick aside to run to serve the man he's just declared war on; it's a great comedic beat. I'd say my very first favourite of Ramey's was the finale/Il Commendatore-scene from Don Giovanni. No matter how many versions of Don Giovanni I see, in my opinion, no one has ever done that part with as much singing skill, devilish charm and charisma as Ramey.

[@TheAmazingSamuelRamey]

Yes, the stick throwing is one of my favourite moments, too! Don Giovanni was also one of the first operas I watched with Samuel Ramey and one of my absolute favourites. I will definitely be posting fragments here, including the final scene. Totally agreed, he is the best Don Giovanni ever, so handsome, seductive, and devilish at the same time. I am not even going to mention the singing and those crisp recitatives! 😍🥰