I was at this performance in Newark's Symphony Hall that day (April 25, 1981) and it was wonderful to see Corelli again (he is one of my four all time favorite tenors and I had seen him in over 200 performances at the Met) and in such good voice considering his age, nearly 60, and the fact he hadn't sung in public in over six years. This was to be his next to last public singing engagement (his last performance was that July at the Garden State Arts Festival, which I regrettable did not attend). Ferruccio Tagliavini was also a favorite of mine, mostly before my time, though I did see him twice at the Met in his farewell season (L'Elisir and Boheme in 1962). At 68 he had to strain for the top notes, yet still retained the much of the honeyed sweetness in his voice that made many compare him to Gigli. And he sang three opera arias (also Una Furtiva Lagrima, not included on this video) while Corelli played it safer with Neapolitan songs. I remember after the concert, being in the crowded lobby, seeing Tagliavini walk out alone, virtually unnoticed. It was sad to see one of the most popular tenors of the 40s and 50s being ignored by a throng of fans waiting to see Corelli. For the record the other singers performing at this concert, but not included in this clip, were Klara Barlow and Jerome Hines. The conductor was Alfredo Silipigni, who also accompanied Franco at the piano in his encores.
Tagliavini, the prima lyric, and Corelli, the prima spinto. Tagliavini... the sweetness, and Corelli... the darkness. What an amazing gift to have seen both of these icons, and at the same concert.
Wow! I’ve not seen this concert. Amazing to see the great technique in full force at this age:My favourite tenor. I thank you so much for sharing. Blessings from Canada!
I was at this performance in Newark's Symphony Hall that day (April 25, 1981) and it was wonderful to see Corelli again (he is one of my four all time favorite tenors and I had seen him in over 200 performances at the Met) and in such good voice considering his age, nearly 60, and the fact he hadn't sung in public in over six years. This was to be his next to last public singing engagement (his last performance was that July at the Garden State Arts Festival, which I regrettable did not attend).
Ferruccio Tagliavini was also a favorite of mine, mostly before my time, though I did see him twice at the Met in his farewell season (L'Elisir and Boheme in 1962). At 68 he had to strain for the top notes, yet still retained the much of the honeyed sweetness in his voice that made many compare him to Gigli. And he sang three opera arias (also Una Furtiva Lagrima, not included on this video) while Corelli played it safer with Neapolitan songs. I remember after the concert, being in the crowded lobby, seeing Tagliavini walk out alone, virtually unnoticed. It was sad to see one of the most popular tenors of the 40s and 50s being ignored by a throng of fans waiting to see Corelli.
For the record the other singers performing at this concert, but not included in this clip, were Klara Barlow and Jerome Hines. The conductor was Alfredo Silipigni, who also accompanied Franco at the piano in his encores.
Tagliavini, the prima lyric, and Corelli, the prima spinto.
Tagliavini... the sweetness, and Corelli... the darkness.
What an amazing gift to have seen both of these icons, and at the same concert.
Wow! I’ve not seen this concert. Amazing to see the great technique in full force at this age:My favourite tenor.
I thank you so much for sharing. Blessings from Canada!
What about the Niun mi tema???????????