Tag Archives: bass
Ildar Abdrazakov – Verdi Arias
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 16th January 2020Ildar Abdrazakov (b 1976) has been one of the world’s leading basses since making his Met debut in 2004 as Masetto in Don Giovanni. These days he sings the title role with the company. The Russian singer has a varied repertoire which includes many Verdi’s roles. Deutsche Grammophon recently released a recital disc by Abdrazakov simply…
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Michael Spyres High Notes and as a Bass
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 10th February 2019First a YouTube compilation of tenor Michael Spyres singing high notes – some of which can only be heard by dogs. Spyres has mastered mixing, without a noticeable break, all the registers that a tenor can use. His highest notes from operas written before tenors sang high Cs and above from the chest employ voix…
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Boris Christoff
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 31st August 2016Boris Christoff (1914-93) was one of the greatest dramatic basses since the start of the recording age. His unique sound and searing intensity brooks only one comparison – to Feodor Chaliapin. Christoff sang at all of the world’s great opera houses, save one. The Bulgarian bass was engaged by Rudolf Bing to sing King Philip II in…
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Ella Giammai M’amò
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 16th April 2015‘Ella giammai m’amò’ (from Don Carlo) is the most moving and poignant aria that Verdi, or for that matter anyone except perhaps Mussorgsky, ever wrote for a bass. King Philip controls half the world, but his family and his church defy him. He’s made one of life’s greater mistakes – he’s married a much younger woman….
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Ecco Il Mondo
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 11th July 2014‘Ecco il mondo’ is sung by Mefistofele in Act 2 Scene 2 of Boito’s opera. Last March I presented 11 recordings of basses singing the same character’s first act aria – ‘Son lo spirito che nega’. Below are 11 versions of ‘Ecco il mondo’. The words in Italian and an English translation are presented at…
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Son Lo Spirito Che Nega
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 9th March 2014This aria, from the 1st act of Boito’s Mefistofele, captures the essence of Goethe’s Mephisto. Of course, the opera is one of many musical works based on Goethe’s monumental play. Mefistofele is the spirit that denies. The words to ‘Son lo spirito che nega’ are below in Italian and English. Every great bass (or a…
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Cesare Siepi 1923-2010
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 7th July 2010The great bass died in Atlanta on July 5. He came to prominence in the US at the age of 27 when he appeared in Rudolf Bing’s first production as General manager of the Met. He portrayed Phillip II in Verdi’s Don Carlo. This performance (November 6, 1950) opened the season and was telecast. His…
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