Leonard Warren sings Prologue from Pagliacci (vaimusic.com)

[rovingeye5]

You feel all the pain from life in this aria as well as the beauty-Leonard Warren puts all of his soul and artistry into this rendition-an absolute masterpiece by the composer, librettist, the performer and orchestra! Heartfelt!

[rosieyposie7]

JUST AS INCREDIBLE AS

the opera JOLSON sings@ myCHANNEL too!!!

thanks4posting!

Rosiey

[btevoxboy6835]

gorgeous.

[rogerpenna]

I always remember this Opera from the movie The Untouchables... the "soft hearted" Al Cappone has tears in his eyes while listening to this piece at the Opera House.

[gallantentry]

@rogerpenna crocodile tears no doubt, LOL

[rogerpenna]

@gallantentry

nah,,, it only shows the duality of human nature, specially strong in people like Al Capone... capable of getting all emotional for the misfortunes of a clown, but also able to complete block his emotions and empathies and kill in cold blood an enemy just a few minutes later.

[gallantentry]

@rogerpenna good analogy

[Baritanist]

The best example of free sound without constriction and beautiful chiaroscuro and balance of registers. Bravo!

[Erdrick345]

Warren was a great baritone, but it is very subjective and rather difficult to name one as "The Greatest!" Other great baritones in the same category are Tita Rufo, Ettore Bastianini, Robert Merrill, and Titto Gobbi. If you listen to their interpretations of this very aria I believe that you will conclude that they are also "great!"

[opera888able]

While we are delving into great baritones of the past and this" tour de force" for

the baritone voice. John Charles Thomas could make a pretty good job of this too.

Not detracting from any of the above. but he was certainly in the same league.

[billsav57]

And I'm referring strictly to baritones of course.

[billsav57]

I never like to say any singer was "the best" because we never heard so many of them properly. But from what's available, I haven't heard anyone better than Warren in terms of richness of voice.

[billsav57]

I don't think anyone has done this better since Warren. He was outstanding ... Hard to work with, supposedly, but certainly among at least the 5 best of all time.

[gallantentry]

@billsav57 He was among the top 1 of all time. Warren has never been surpassed as a tenor...and it is likely he will never be.

[samueljamescollins]

@gallantentry as a tenor?

[gallantentry]

@samueljamescollins lol thanks for pointing that out. I meant of course 'baritone'. :P

[SHICOFF1]

ONLY IF HEARD IN HOUSE CAN YOU REALLY TELL WHICH VOICE IS BIGGER ADD MAC NEIL BESIDES WARREN HAD A VERY BIG VOICE, EVEN LIVE ON RECORDING IT'S NOT AS ACCURATE FOR VOICE SIZE AS ACTUALLY HEARING THEM IN HOUSE. WARREN HAD A VERY BIG VOICE BY ALL ACCOUNTS FROM THOSE WHO HEARD HIM.

[SHICOFF1]

Great singing from Warren and afterwards I see him go up to Jan Peerce as he walked off stage.

[gallantentry]

Warren, the greatest of them all.

My father knew him and he was among the most respected voices in the Met. Is there any wonder as to why? Just listen to the master perform the masterpiece.

Perfection, power, disciplined and elegantly restrained and timbre.

Forte in Verdi but this area belonged to Warren.

[redgrapeskins]

@gallantentry your father knew of what he spoke -All the old timers [I hate to use that phrase] admired this man and his voice so much -- Probably not a singer [professional and non] during his time [and after] that didn't appreciate the artistry of Mr Warren

[gallantentry]

@redgrapeskins My father spoke of Leonard Warren with great admiration and awe. He said he was the greatest.

On a side note,my father was a professional singer. One of the best baritones I have ever heard.

[gallantentry]

@redgrapeskins Sorry Sir/Madame but your remark makes absolutely no sense. My father was an opera singer. He limited himself and his poor health eventually dictated his destiny. It is a shame I no longer have any of his recordings, but his voice would bring goosebumps. I remember as a child hearing him sing. After he fell sick he sang in churches and weddings. Never heard anyone deny his ability as a performer. So, you assumption Sir is ludicrous to say the very least. You didn't know him!

[redgrapeskins]

@gallantentry I don't understand the comment [unless it was meant for another]- I said your father obviously knew his music if he was a Warren admirer - I never knew your father;; that is for sure - I never knew he was singer so how would have I commented on his ability or voice?-- Please read my original comment again and you will see this - Take care --Please tell me what I said that made no sense?

[Richiesutherland]

Glorious! What's Jan Peerce doing in there?

[DonPaolissimo]

Warren will never be equalled in this aria! He remains the greatest!

[hiyadroogs]

@DonPaolissimo I've heard both Gobbi in recording, & Afro Polli live, sing it better. I also prefer Merrill. But it would be a boring world if we all agreed!

[DonPaolissimo]

@hiyadroogs I cannot imagine Gobbi (whom I adore, by the way), or Afro Poli, both of whom could not approach Warren in power ot upper register, getting through this piece, let alone singing it better!

[hiyadroogs]

@DonPaolissimo The live version of Poli is, to me, unquestionably more powerful of voice throughout. On viewing both versions, there is no doubt in my mind. I'll try & send it to you. You may not agree, but it is well worth watching.

[hiyadroogs]

@DonPaolissimo Sorry! What an idiot! I meant Aldo Protti. Doh!

[theropodia]

@DonPaolissimo I prefer Warren here, but Gobbi sang a great version as well. (It was a role that helped establish him as a superstar).

[faustoreinhart]

what a perfect singer!!!!

[norisv]

A scary looking clown... but love his voice in this aria!

[datubani]

au es vin yopila...sascauli

[funwithFred]

There is no other for this part. He is the best!

[gayopera1]

Leonard Warren was one of the greatest baritones I have ever heard. What a pity he died so young aged only 49 while performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in Verdi's Le forza del Destino. His voice was rich and powerful and he posessed a thrilling upper register. His singing of the Prologue from Leoncavallo's Pagliacci was just "Heavenly".

[eleanoreann]

Thank you so much for posting this; I have played the recording almost to death but this is the first time I have been able to see him. From the 2:59 moment in this aria, until the ending, he has no vocal equal. Again, my thanks.

[darkrevel]

Wow! Warren sings the definitive Pagliacci prologue

[DonPaolissimo]

It does not get any better than the great god, Leonard Warren! Perfection!

[BDSCalgary]

Who is Schrott? Do you mean Erwin Schrott? He was born a long while after Leonard Warren died. Warren died in 1960 and Schrott wasn't born until 1972. If he learned anything from Warren, it was only through trying to imitate his recordings. I have nothing against Schrott's singing, there are flaws, but what value is a comment like this? The two singers aren't even in the same league, time period, or anything. Each performed to the tastes of his times.

[halavey]

Who is Schrott anyhow?

[gratecourt]

Thanks so much

[halavey]

I agree with Texon here.

[halavey]

the great Warren, fantastic voice. the greatest #1

[lpvcrcd]

Warren Merrill Tibbet All great voices to be enjoyed .. They each have their followers and that is a tribute to their greatness.. We will never see the likes of them again

[TS57ovr4]

@lpvcrcd Just like those before it, this generation has those who would give as much dedication and love to the art, but they need the support of their contemporaries like Warren, Merrill, and Tibbet all had.

[madmusicianmax]

yeah! he definitly nailed it! the high ab is just perfect!!! true beauty!

[serenade00007]

Erwin Schrott can nail it better! Leonard should get tips from Erwin.

[ilbacioditosca]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJA did you heard Schrott?

nice voice but technically is poor.

[ShawDAMAN]

LOLOL!!! Leonard get tips from Erwin Schrott?!?!?! On attracting attractive women maybe, but certainly not on singing ;P

[Elgranbajo]

@serenade00007

hahhahahahaahahahahahahahahaha­hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahah­ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah­ah!

that´s the funniest thing I´ve ever heard...I mean even Schrott would be laughing at you!!!

[parzifal39]

Beautiful voice. The melody of this piece is sheer magic and beauty. Simply beautiful.

[leadoffeohippus]

I think this is arguably the best Warren recording on youtube.

[girardje70]

le plus grand barython du met opera ,il pouvait chanter des airs de ténors

[stevetexon]

The most vocally PERFECT rendition of the Prologue ever!! While there have been more opulent and lush sounds, Warren's true baritonal top has NEVER been surpassed!! He was a paragon for the ages!!

Steve Texon.

[ipmoic]

He knew what he was singing about--excellent Italian diction from one of America's shiningest stars. What a pleasure. He died, unfortunately, in his prime.

[btsg]

great singer---the Caruso/Gigli of baritones. And London was a bass--Scarpia is a baritone role. Warren's voice is too light? i guess all those legendary conductors of the 50's --70's miscast him in all those heavy roles. Let's leave the F$@^ etc. to the other posts, we who enjoy this kind of music and talent are into thoughtful expression based on

taste, and there is no need to see F#^& under Leonard Warren's name, ever. respect the artist and his work.

[countceprano]

George London was not a bass. Rather a bass/baritone. Or a Heldenbaritone if you prefer. Wotan, Dutchman, Scarpia, Hans Sachs and other roles for which he was well known are NOT bass roles.

[sludgedozer]

Who the fuck are you to say what my preferances are? Do you even know what Catrati is?

[sludgedozer]

Finally some American Tenor legends!!!!

In English too!!!!

[swordofisis]

I think you prefer the castrati guys better!

[cernacerna]

great performance, but I actually prefer the version of Tito Gobbi

[Operaddict]

What the heck does "covered" mean? His tone is totally open, Rich, full, manly and honest. He has the perfect mix of head and chest tone, unlike most baritones since. He knew how to keep it balanced so that he could soar up to the high notes with such power and resonance. He worked his entire life to keep things balanced, verticle and facile. Never too chesty and bright, and never too heady and dark. This is the secret to being a great baritone. Milnes had it..lost it..Merrill had it...kept it.

[countceprano]

addict: People use the word cover to describe just what you say regarding a mix of head and chest tone. Warren did slightly lower, at E-flat a lot, compared with other high baritones, who cover at E natural. Above middle C I mean. In Hines' book "Great Singers on Great Singing" almost every male talks about the passagio area and most do use the word "cover". But it's simply modifying the vowel at the passagio to allow the head voice to mix easily with the chest. Can be a confusing term.

[primobaritono77]

The problem with Merrill is he always sounds mechanical in every aria and he doesn't have that tenorish ring in the upper voice like Warren. For me, Warren is the TRUE Verdi baritone in keeping with Ruffo, Stracciari and the younger Milnes.

[countceprano]

"The problem with Merrill is...."

Any post that begins that way is a problem in itself! The problem with Merrill is that he's not around now and we have to settle for what we have. I'd love to hear a baritone sing "Di Provenza" with all the mechanical problems of Merrill!

[primobaritono77]

Sorry if i offended your sensibilities toward Merrill, but let's face facts hear. Merrill was good but no Warren particularly in the Verdi repertoire. I hate to sound cold, but Merrill's career actually took off with the untimely death of Warren. As for the aria Di Provenza, we part company on sound and technique. Warren's version suits my ears more than Merrill.

[countceprano]

Oh, you didn't offend my sensibilities. And Merrill's career was firmly in place before Leonard's tragic death. Warren is probably my favorite baritone overall, but to say that Merrill had any problems in sound or ring is simply silly. Agree his voice was not as well suited to some Verdi as Warren's as Warren could sustain a higher tessitura. However, in Forza, Aida, Don Carlos and Traviata, the Merrill sound was second to none. Ballo, Rigoletto, Trovatore, Ernani, go to Warren.

[primobaritono77]

As a Verdi baritone I've always leaned more toward Warren's sound and approach to the interpretation of a role than Merrill.

The shading and pianissimo of Warren's voice is what I strive for whenever I sing a Verdi role. And Warren could summon more histrionics with his range than Merrill. Just listen to his Scarpia and tell me if he doesn't resemble the devil incarnate. But again everyone has their personal favorites and I've learned from posting on this site some people can get very peeved

[countceprano]

Scarpia? Nah, Warren's voice is too high and beautiful in timbre to sound very menacing. George London is the man for Scarpia. Bastianini would have been a fine one too. Giancarlo Guelfi was outstanding. Give him a listen.

How old are you and what Verdi do you sing? You would be wise to use your own shading and forget Warren's voice. Listen to Milnes after 1975. That's what happens when someone tries to imitate Warren's sound.

[countceprano]

Oh, I see you're 53. Never mind!

[primobaritono77]

Are you a singer too? Now, I only do comprimario roles, but in my heyday I sang Amonasro, Germont pere, Valentin, Rodrigo among others. My teacher was from Julliard and several times mentioned I had a very Warrenesque timbre to my voice.

[countceprano]

Yes, baritone. Full lyric. Marcello, Enrico, Germont, Count Almaviva, Ford, Silvio, Belcore, Figaro (Rossini) etc. Several Brahms Requiems coming up which I love.

[primobaritono77]

Just noticed your host name. Count Ceprano was my first comprimario role before I finally sang Rigoletto.

[beefnotfish]

obviously a glorious baritone...but for me, he sounds a bit covered. I prefer Milnes and the always amazing Robert merrill!

[Cavaradossi1981]

there is something true on that what you are syaing...for example i prefer the Renato of Merrill than that of Warren, it is covered indeed...but i have not that impression on this video! you also have to hear Warrens Scarpia with Tebaldi, Tucker and Mitropoulos from the MET ,live! best Scarpia ever!!!

[Iareto]

I have to agree except that I find his voice much less covered that Milnes' voice. Milnes was pretty much a tenor with a nice covering.

[JackOperaMan]

I would like to hear his "Si puo, Si puo." Why cut it? Also I love everyone arguing over who is the best, makes me laugh.

[VinylToVideo]

Does Jan Peerce sing Canio arias later in this broadcast?

[operaboy1924]

This is really fantastic! I think he's definitely one of the best out there. But i prefer Milnes' recording of this aria.

[dynomax101]

Why so much argument over who was best? My favorite in this aria is MacNeil, but I damned sure am going to love Warren's version, as well as Titta Ruffo. Haven't heard Pavel in this, but he was also a great baritone. My favorite baritone is Ruffo, but Warren, Tibbet, MacNeil on up to Benjamin Luxon and Terfel also are favorites, each for different reasons. Why must so many people like only one kind of voice or singing? Enough of the ranting...if you haven't heard Stracciari, give him a try.

[stevetexon]

With this wonderful philosophy, how can you possibly leave out MERRILL in this mix? Yes, I believe Warren was the greatest Baritone of the 20th Century, with Merrill first in line behind for sheer tonal beauty. Follow him with Cappuccilli all the way to Ruffo, down the line.

Steve Texon.

[Belcore14]

Don't forget Tibbett!

[stevetexon]

Yes, Tibbet surely is up there with great virility and massive sound. My point was that Warren had the perfectly technical instrument, with highest polish and lazer projection.

[j72050]

..I give it to Warren....Lisitsian is also great, a formidable artist...but I like the warm resonance of Warren....Toscanini did too.....singing in Russian does, shall we say...kill the idiom when singing Italian opera...yet the Russian is a great artist, not the best, in my view

[operalament]

i had seen part of this on public t.v. delighted to see it in full. if you everget a chance to see tibbett sing this in the final scene of the film metropolitan, you simply will not believe it. it will never be surpassed

[pearlmuth3]

Unless you heard them both in the house you really cannot completely tell, tech. yes but overtones no and believe me voice size no! Warren I never heard in the house and in Rigoletto he owned the role in the 50's and most Verdi roles other then Trav where Merrill was a sensation but Pavel was very fine in Pag. but of course from those who heard both they say Warren had more Heft, for me wonderful but I never heard him live, Mac Nneil in his prime was another big rich voice, him I heard!

[greenstboy]

I always felt Leonard Warren sang this aria best. But recently, on youtube, I heard the Russian baritone Pavel Lisitsian do it. Now I'm not sure who's better. Hope some of you hear them both and give your opinion. For the record, I now give my vote to Pavel.

[bellatrix58]

His voice is not as metalic and brilliant as the italian baritones such as aldo Protti,

Victor Maurel or Titta Ruffo. He sings more like an Ämerican¨bariton. However, by combining chest and head tones , a perfect technic, marvelous acting and very beautiful

acute notes he is one of the best baritones

this world has given.

Congratulations Maestro!!

[Mariosergio61]

You are absolutely right. Warren is the man. This piece, and his 'Il Balen', of Trovatore, are examples of great singing and acting, talent and tecnique.

[Operaddict]

Leonard Warren had the perfect blend of chest and head tone...chest for masculinity, and head for richness, power and height. His expression and legato is unparalleled. He was the best, and the standard to which all baritones are held.

[Samurai9]

Warren had a remarkable voice but I prefer the sound of Bastianini, Merrill, and Hvorostovski.

[Iareto]

I agree outside of Hvorostovsky. Warren (and the other two for that matter) could sing "Dima" into the ground.

[lavendicata]

was jan peerce we saw at the backstage???????as canio

[1813verdi]

yes, indeed, it was jan peerce!

[pearlmuth3]

yes greatest verdi baritone of them all imo. he would sing high C's at parties! I like his voice with Tucker live in Forza 56' and like Merrill with Bjoerling for a lyric blend, Tucker with a heavier voice goes well with Warren's power. Bjoerling and Merrill duets super, pearl fishers etc. Warren , great tech.

[operacaster]

leonard warren was a tad overweight, but basically he died unfortunately from uncontrolled high blood pressure

[Agorante]

My guess is that his overweight lead to high blood pressure which lead to heart failure. Heart failure just means that you have a low low ejection fraction. With today's drugs millions live with heart failure and few consequences- e.g. Dick Cheny. Warren probably had atrial fibrillation which converted on stage to ventricular fibrillation. Bjorling's heart failure was from heart enlargement. The good news is that modern drugs probably gave us ten extra years of Pavarotti.

[macciboma]

Warren molto espressivo nel canto aggraziato

dolce timbro vocale leggero,bravo ma mi piace

molto Herlea per la sua voce meravigliosa,

e grande interprete del prologo mio preferito.

[Giovannifabuloso]

Flawless singing. He was one of the greatest dramatic baritones of all time. His vocal line is seamless from the bottom to the top of the voice.His infused lots of emotion in all of his singing. We will never hear this today in the theater.

[billyguns2]

The greatest operatic baritone of all time, in his glorious prime!

[greenstboy]

Without doubt, the Bjoerling/De Los Angeles? Warren, Merrill PAGLIACCI is the difinitive recording to have. All were at their greatest and one can listen without end to the recording. By the way, by chance my first visit to the old Met (as a college freshman in NY) incredibly saw Tosca, with Bjoerling, Warren, and Zinka MIlanov! 1959. Memory with me forever.

[bearitone50]

he died on stage! what better way to go for us opera singers, right?!!

[charlie8943]

I agree Jim the best ever. to bad he left us to soon along with bjoreling the same year i think

[JIMBIS61]

Warren was the Corelli of baritones, the best to ever sing!!!

[revallen]

Calling Warren the "Corelli of Baritones" is not a compliment. Better to compare him to Jussi Bjoerling! Warren was the greatest baritone of the 20th century. He died of a massive cerebral hemhorrage due to his weight. Bjoerling died because of heart complications. Warren may not have been the greatest of actors. I sang with many of his colleagues. He had a high "C" that made the tenors cringe.

[JIMBIS61]

It is actually a compliment; while Bjorling may have had a similar medical history and an artistry like we haven't heard since his untimely demise, I was referring to a similar instrument that has incomparable power and magnetism.

[revallen]

The vocal instruments were far from similar. I have seen spectral analases of both. Corelli's was an animal, in the gut, voice. Warren's was smooth with an ability to fill the Met with only a pianissimo.

[alandelane]

... or the Bjoerling. But you are right. He was one the best (and my personal favorite) bariton.

[mire2007]

ahhh by the way... I enjoy the opera because my dad was a singer of the Teatro Municipal de Santiago de Chile on 19548 - 1953...his Teacher was Benamino Gigli...

[aguacun]

This is a REAL bariton. Not as nowdays... Great bariton who knew how to cover and to pass the voice...mixture... as Maestro SHore know this too. GREAT, GREAT... Bastianini too!

[greenstboy]

Beautiful singing! Pagliacci with Warren, Bjorling and de los Angeles is my favorite recording. Every note from each is a pure joy. Too bad Leonard left us so soon......

[mire2007]

For me, Leonard Warren is the best bariton of all yhe times (I don't know if I wrote this good, I'm learning english by now), and I have I Pagliacci with Bjoerling (my favorite tenor), Warren, De Los Angeles and Merril...it's amazing!!!!!!

[operomanogeorge]

Realmente hablar u opinar de Leonard Warren faltarian palabras para elogiar tan hermosa voz.

[orestesavalos]

esta opera me encanta warren es un buen tonio

[mire2007]

Realmente me encanta ver que queda gente que guste de la opera como yo =)

[jayboytheplayboy]

What an amazing voice! Thanks so much for posting this.