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Opera Reviews | |
Here in the Opera corner, I placed my reviews of live performances, CD and
DVD reviews and my CD collection.
The subject this week is the answer to the question: Who will be the next
great tenor ? With Pavarotti retired, Domingo soon to retire (in 3-4 years),
Carreras already retired, the field is open for new contestants. Here are a few
names:
 | Roberto Alagna: In terms of recording he is way ahead of the others, he is
supported by his record company (EMI) and has the publicity stunt of being
married to a famous soprano. Live he has performed well sometimes, not very
good at other times, but so far seems to be on track. The biggest problem is
that he is renouncing his true fach (lyric french tenor) and insists on
being hailed as a tenore drammatico, he has even scheduled Otello for 2004
which made Ben Heppner (a far better musician) suffer in the last year.
Remains to be seen. |
| Jose Cura: Highly inconsistent performer and poor technique. I don't know
why people insist on proclaiming him as an animal of the stage. He is a ham!
His best roles so far are Otello, Alvaro (in La Forza). Never heard him live
so don't know how he truly sounds. On records and on live recordings, he can
be awful. |
| Marcelo Alvarez: A good lyric tenor. He is staying true to his Fach and
shows a lot of style. His Rigoletto is one of the best ever. He has support
from his record company but unlike Alagna he seems more of a musician than a
superstar and I praise him for that. |
| Ramón Vargas: Another good lyric tenor. He is also tackling heavier roles
but he is far more musical than Alagna and is tackling the heavier roles he
can because his voice has matured. Live he is a bit disappointing, the voice
is small in size although projects well. |
| Salvatore Licitra: Another lyric tenor. On records he sounds like a
second-rate tenor. The voice has ping and projects well, but I find the
basic sound "pushed" and some strain on the high notes. Never
heard him live which could change my opinion. |
I guess that's it. What do you think? Are there more tenors vying for the
"Fourth Tenor" title? Please no Bocelli ....
Feel free to reply back with your comments: mailto:sergiohm@yahoo.com. |
