From Naxos, a Fidelio that levels the field
The San Diego Opera, and Bryn Terfel, bass-baritone
Dear Dr. Jahn, I am a 29-year -old singer in my third year of voice studies. I will be taking part in a physician-supervised diet at a hospital. I currently
This immature voice might need some guidance to save it from ruin.
Bergonzi attempts Otello at age 75. This tragic event will not be forgotten any time soon. Classical Singer was there at the most discussed operatic event of the season.
Which is better: following tradition or forging new ground in the production? And which score to use?
For longevity and quality, very few singers can match the career of Maestro Carlo Bergonzi. He's one of the old-style singers. It's all about the voice and everything else takes a backseat. We all sat together: the famous tenor, his translator, and me with my trusty tape recorder. I'd like to say that my Italian is great, but instead I caught as many words as I could from the Maestro and waited for the translator to fill me in on the words I missed. Bergonzi's intent was easy to decipher. In true Italian style, he waved his arms about in descriptions of sound. He commended me on my English, "with you… your speaking, I understand." Having one's diction complimented by one of the world's great singers feels pretty good.
