Tenor Rockwell Blake sings POUR MON ÂME, of LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT, Donizetti. Recital. Aix en Provence. 1983. Rockwell Blake · Tenor Lawrence Skrobacs · Piano
Heard him first when he was a teen-ager and I was maybe 8; he sang "Every Valley" from the Messiah at a Christmas concert (we grew up in the same town). Was lucky enough as a young adult to then accompany him for several weeks in the summer as he prepared for this concert tour of Europe. What an experience to be in a small practice room with that voice. He was, furthermore, a very nice guy, very down to earth, and very gracious to a young pianist who was not in his league.
Can't tell you how happy I am that you posted this. Don't understand what the **** people are talking about when they say that he never had a beautiful voice.
I didn't think this one of his greatest performances until he hit the D and then oh, my. He was only 32 when he sang this so you can understand his virtuosity. But I don't discount his later work. His aria from Marin Faliero (on UA-cam)ia a master class in Bel Canto, and was performed (and available on DVD) circa 2002 or 2003. The brightness of the voice has faded, but not that glorious techinique and his incredible breath control.
Well, considering how long he has been doing it and continues to do it at the same high level, I don't think the voice will be destroyed. I myself sing very high, and know what I'm talking about.
hi Francesco!, I like JDFlorez as Tonio, I saw him with Ciofi, and Dessay (DVD) and I think he is fantastic. but I like veeery much the different renditions that Blake has sung. La Fille's Blake's ones are my favorites. For me, Blake is a being from another world, he is so amazing and fascinating to me.. I would like to be able to see the complete opera with Rockwell, it would be a dream, even on DVD. : )
Very robust and heroic, certainly different from most other interpretations. That's what I love about Rocky, he never gives you the same thing twice. His voice sounds quite rich here, is this from the same recital as Spirto Gentil? His voice sounded quite dramatic for that too.
@flaze3 Not just top Cs....he went up to a D, and then did a little ornament C to D again, before returning to the 'top' C and finishing the aria. Just in case anyone was in any doubt about his tremendous ease in altissimo!
My word - he sure has a set of pipes on him and his high stuff is pretty well unparalleled, I would say. That's not to say I really LIKE it all that much, though. A bit too OTT and show off (and yes, I know it's opera). Phenomenal voice, though - I'm just talking personal taste here...
I've listened to some of his later performances and have heard signs of wear: raspiness and some stiffness. Its not 'bad' technique, but it's the result of pounding away so exuberantly in the top range. As a soprano--if u r that--the case may be different, but for tenors, if one wants a smooth and beautiful voice into one's late career, he must thin out on the higher notes. Neither Blake nor Domingo do, and as a result their voices have become thicker and heavier.
Heard him first when he was a teen-ager and I was maybe 8; he sang "Every Valley" from the Messiah at a Christmas concert (we grew up in the same town). Was lucky enough as a young adult to then accompany him for several weeks in the summer as he prepared for this concert tour of Europe. What an experience to be in a small practice room with that voice. He was, furthermore, a very nice guy, very down to earth, and very gracious to a young pianist who was not in his league.
lthough Blake isn't one of my favourite singers, those top Cs are impressive, no question.
Wow I didn't expect that high D at the end. Beautiful!
Rocky is Amazing!
😎😎😎
the best tenor of ever, he is incredible, the king of belcanto
Can't tell you how happy I am that you posted this. Don't understand what the **** people are talking about when they say that he never had a beautiful voice.
Rocky at his best!!!
I didn't think this one of his greatest performances until he hit the D and then oh, my. He was only 32 when he sang this so you can understand his virtuosity. But I don't discount his later work. His aria from Marin Faliero (on UA-cam)ia a master class in Bel Canto, and was performed (and available on DVD) circa 2002 or 2003. The brightness of the voice has faded, but not that glorious techinique and his incredible breath control.
Just amazing!!!
Fantastico!
Marvellous singing and nice video.Thanks for posting.
BRAVISSIMO!!!!
INCREDIBLE ***** BRAVO!!! :)
NON E' DI QUESTO MONDO, GIUSTO....
Es una maravilla!!
Well, considering how long he has been doing it and continues to do it at the same high level, I don't think the voice will be destroyed. I myself sing very high, and know what I'm talking about.
Original interpretação especialmente no final.Uma voz fora de série.
Grazie Maria! Your clips are always wonderfully done. Rocky is delightful here: a true masterclass for all belcanto singers!
E' sempre un piacere ascoltarti Bravo!!!
¡Todos eso en directo! El público delira, claro está...
hi Francesco!, I like JDFlorez as Tonio, I saw him with Ciofi, and Dessay (DVD) and I think he is fantastic. but I like veeery much the different renditions that Blake has sung. La Fille's Blake's ones are my favorites. For me, Blake is a being from another world, he is so amazing and fascinating to me.. I would like to be able to see the complete opera with Rockwell, it would be a dream, even on DVD.
: )
Bravo, Maria!! Tus videos son maravillosos, y éste en particular, sensacional!
Very robust and heroic, certainly different from most other interpretations. That's what I love about Rocky, he never gives you the same thing twice. His voice sounds quite rich here, is this from the same recital as Spirto Gentil? His voice sounded quite dramatic for that too.
@flaze3 Not just top Cs....he went up to a D, and then did a little ornament C to D again, before returning to the 'top' C and finishing the aria. Just in case anyone was in any doubt about his tremendous ease in altissimo!
Awesome!!
IMPRESIONANTE
GENIO
Bravo Maestro!
muchísimas gracias Ed, me alegro mucho de q te haya gustado : )
@corellilover ROCKY BLAKE HAS PERFORMED THIS ARIA LIVE ALWAYS IN TONE MANY-MANY TIMES.
Agreed. Rocky has had a pretty lengthy career.
buenisimo, la cago!
Grazie Antonio : )
My word - he sure has a set of pipes on him and his high stuff is pretty well unparalleled, I would say. That's not to say I really LIKE it all that much, though. A bit too OTT and show off (and yes, I know it's opera). Phenomenal voice, though - I'm just talking personal taste here...
Bel Canto style expects - requires - "personalization" and Over the Top effects. ....that is, when it's done correctly
😎
oh no, gracias a tí, eres muy amable, gracias por tus comentarios : )
I'm very interested to know how you measured your overtones? I've never heard anyone mention that before. And I agree - Rocky is awesome!
@barymoto que bien
@flaze3 there are also 2high D NATURAL!
sí, claro, sólo tengo ese editor, q lo tenía estropeado, ya sabes : )
The Besr
I've listened to some of his later performances and have heard signs of wear: raspiness and some stiffness. Its not 'bad' technique, but it's the result of pounding away so exuberantly in the top range. As a soprano--if u r that--the case may be different, but for tenors, if one wants a smooth and beautiful voice into one's late career, he must thin out on the higher notes. Neither Blake nor Domingo do, and as a result their voices have become thicker and heavier.
Di quella pira?
tenere cosa centra il trovatore con Blacke
@flaze3
... and its worth it! its called maturing
@mcmulj00 It's only 'worth it' if you like listening to strain.
Which you aren't
He is going to destroy his voice singing so loud up there though! The human voice can only withstand so much.
Untrue
it's gross