I mean really,, this is un-f-----gbelievable,, been listening to these guyz forever,, and they are always AMAZING!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE POST,, MADE MY AFTERNOON, AND IT'S FRIDAY!!
Depends what kind of sport you refer to.With wrestling and lifting weights you will not have great succes on stage i garatee you that:).To be generally a sport person helps singing i think .This i outstanding video.I deply admire them both.
Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 and still sounded like Gods!!!!! Merrill's "finalmente" at 3:36 is one of the best sounds I've ever heard in my life.
This is clearly the sound of the thyroid manipulation Tucker learned when studying with Stanley. And Merrill's wonderful open throat sound - a great, great combination. Tucker's spinto qualities were the result of muscle exercises under the guidance of maestro Douglas Stanley. A singer is like an athlete, if you have weak muscles, you cannot deliver.
@0Gioacchino LOL You do not know what you're talking about! Read NILSSON's book. Even she compares singing to sports. Will you now tell me that Nilsson wrote rubbish??? ROFL, how pathetic.
@Baritanist Yes because it is wrong for young singers to think that singing is like a sport! It isn't! When you have excellent technique like Birgit Nilsson it helps to explain because singers need much practice. But singing is not like sport because sport involves forcing, and forcing ruins voices! If you do not believe me, consult interviews with Franco Corelli.
@Baritanist And what does Mario del Monaco have to do with this? Mario del Monaco never forced his voice, but always used a comfortable method. In his book, "My Life and My Successes" he talks about a technique an early teacher tried to make him use, which did not work for him: his voice did not carry in the role of Alfredo Germont with that technique. The Melocchi technique, however, was appropriate for his voice and successful.
@0Gioacchino in sport its the athleate that has the strongest muscles under the most skilled control as the singers have the same except its the muscles we cannot easily relate to cause we cannot SEE them in action as in the athleat.Its the great singers who are the great athleate of the voice,MAIN difference and most challengening difference is the value is HEARD with almost none of it SEEN. No value in hearing a great athleate perform.
@0Gioacchino Opposite? I imagine it's a coincidence that a bunch of singers share a history of athletics? Pavorotti soccer, Caballe swimming, Robeson football, Corelli boxing. Oh yeah...Merrill was almost a professional baseball player.
this is better acting in that singing than i have seen on any opera stage. merrill's open E natural at 3.37 is the best sung by any baritone ever in that role. simply glorious. agree with you turkishdelight.
I remember cursing at the TV when Robert Merrills' face came up cause I knew they were going to say that he died. Hehehehe, baseballs' loss was our gain. At least he died watching a baseball game.
Merrill at 3:35 - Jesus, the man sounds like a jet engine! That's the most powerful and beautiful thing I've ever heard out of any baritone's mouth!!!
While I have never been a Tucker fan, there is no denying he had a fabulous technique. He and Merrill were otten on stage together. Actually, Tucker and Merrill were on tour together when Tucker had his fatal heart attack.
Also when he was 43 years old 3/17/1956 he sang it live at the met with Warren and Zinka and it is Fantastic, not on Video but perhaps on you tube . Comparisons need to be at close ages so if you compare this to be fair check the age and year of the show. This is great singing at any age, the fact is Tucker owned the role at the met in the 50's with Warren. I like Del Monaco in the role and Corelli but prefer Tucker's, and we all have a right to an opinion, so as sugarbism says ---enjoy!
HAVE U EVER HEARD FRANCO CORELLI &ETTORE BASTIANINI OR MDM&BASTIANINI DO IT? VOCALLY GOOD BUT TUCKERS DICTION NOT GOOD I FIND THE VOICE A LITTLE IRRATATING SORRY BUT ENJY
Glorious singing by two students of Stanley. Tucker went to see Stanley after he lost his top, and even Merrill went for lessons. It is a well kept secret. The Stanley method produces big, open voices without constriction. Contact me if you want to learn more.
YES, this is a classical example of how VERDI should be sung; Merrill and Tucker don't fall into any histrionics simply because they don't need them; the reason for not needing them is very simple: they both have VOICE and technique. And I totally agree with Marcellny on the points made in his/her comments.
@doktorlustig I saw Mr Tucker when he toured - sang canio and turiddu the same nght around 70-71 Fabulous -- I saw Merrill in Rigoletto around that period - both had large voices
I still think that Merrill's one word, "Finalmente!" at 3:37 is among the most glorious sounds I have ever heard. Ever. Tucker oversells a bit, as always, but it is still a great, great sound and his commitment is total.
i can't care less what directors want. there is much more drama in these two singers, than any of the new singers juggling around on stage without a voice. the 'finalmente' of merrill's is anthological for any baritone. i sooo miss such singing. someone posted pavarotti... what the f... he doesn't belong in this league. send him back to the minors, wherever he is.
I grew up hearing these two great singers - together and separately - sing the enitre Italian repertory. They were always this good. I never heard either of them have a bad evening. We don't have this kind of singing nowadays.
Tucker and Merrill were fantastic in this duet as in everything. The RCA recording of the opera is even better if that's possible and in 1973 they sang the hell out of at Carnegie Hall during the fantastic joint recital they gave. In November of 1974 they sang the more difficult duet "Sleale" from the third act of Forza with Tucker singing a stentorian top B in the climax.
I have other singers I prefer but I always come back to this for the sheer thrill. Magnificent! I heard Tucker live & will not forget it. Neither singer has yet to replaced.
Note how RM is taken aback at 3:29 by RT's dramatic singing but is only stirred to come back & match his intensity. Talk about vocal fireworks!!!
This is so powerful that words are difficult to find. The music is immense and so are the voices. They are enjoying it too...more than an orgasm if one is allowed to compare!
You are ignorant. The actual dialogue in this scene (and throughout the opera) is ridiculous. The "essence" of this duet is two spectacular singers going balls out and thrilling the pants off anyone with two ears open. One has to assume that doesn't include you. Perhaps you prefer one of today's "singers" rendition, as long as they are skinny right?
As is early career Kathleen Battle, I can't believe you're musically astute enough to recognize this and not see the magic of early career Battle. You're intense.
The more i view and listen to this Masterpiece the more awed i am of how truly great Tucker&Merrill really were. There will never be a Tenor/Baritone duo like them. I noticed Tucker was so hyped up he stole a custom move from Franco Bonisolli and skipped off stage. I didn't notice that before . So was Tucker 'El Pazzo " also? I think not ...he was just having fun as did Bonisolli when he gave a great performance of which he gave many. Best Tenor/Baritone duet ever . Bravo Tucker & Merrill .
I find this so deeply moving I cry every time I watch it. Fashions and times change but talent and commitment like these two passionate artists never goes out of style. A joy and a privelige to watch.
This is what opera is about...the voice!!! Primarily. I hate the fact that directors these days are trying to turn opera into something it isn't...I'm sorry, but it's more exciting to see these two guys just stand in one spot and sing their guts out, letting out more emotion than crazy movement these days which takes away from the singers ability to sing this music the way it was intended.
Exactly. I think there is a way to allow opera to be what it is while attracting new audiences.. allowing them to see traditional but very exciting performances of the more accessible operas.
@turkishdelight6983 To be completely honest… considering Tuckers age and known health problems at this time… namely heart trouble. Well, to sing with this power, without microphone, and dominate the Metropolitan over an orchestra that is performing full strength is nothing short of a serious health risk and a musical miracle. Merrill seems slight concerned to me… 2:41
What a bloody performance… it will be remembered for hundreds of years from now.
Dear Turridu, get the hell out of there. Schools do not currently develop classical singers to their full potential. You need to find a decent voice teacher OUTSIDE the academy.
And there are a few: David Jones in New York City, Michael Mayer in Minneapolis, Tom Blaylock in Portland, Katherine Kaufman Posner in North Carolina, Conrad L. Osborne in NYC. By reputation, each has done very well re. helping voices and singers develop their full potential --
Great stuff. Major-league Verdi singing (big, resonant, well-used voices), which now seems all but extinct. I love Tucker's little skip just before the video ends:) --
Tucker è un tenore fantastico(amazing tenor.. asbolutely )ma..... che parrucca ha su???????( what bout the toupet?????????????????).. scherzi a parte..... oggi come oggi nessuno ha questa tecnica.. tanto di cappello. ( anyway... chapeau for tecnical merit and voice itself.... there's no tenor like him nowadays
@dulcamara66 Non credo che sia parrucca. Era l'estilo dell'anni 70 avere cappelli cosi lunghi/larghi. Sono d'accordo che nessuno ha questa tecnica oggi. Era l'eta d'oro secondo molte personne
OMG! I NEVER fail to sit in complete and total amazement at such singing. To even attempt to make a comparison between this singing of the gods to the singing of mere mortals of the last 25 years is without sense.
No, they never got this far. Warren had just finished his big aria "urna fatale" and was about to launch into the cabaletta when he had his massive stroke.
This still makes me laugh incredulously when I hear it and I've listened to it a hundred times probably. It's just so great and these guys weren't young either!
Oh My Word !! Tucker was just absolutely stunning here... he truly was a fantastic Tenor. I dont think i've ever heard him sound this good . This was the best baritone/tenor duet i've ever heard. Bravo Tucker/Merill 5 stars
SDaman; I give credit were credit is due and Tucker and Merill did this just incredibly good. True , I am not a Tucker fanatic and i dont Idolize the man as some others do but i've always said Tucker was a truly great tenor i just dont think he was the greatest tenor ever. In this Duet though he was. I dont think any-one could top his performance here.
Agreed, I don't think he was the best ever but then who was? How could you say. There are too many variables. The term "tenor" encompasses too much repertoire and too many different voices to pick one winner in my opinion.
Though a very good alternative is the De Luca/Martinelli on Joseph Shore's channel. They're both so...Italianate? Much lighter and more elegant without being undramatic. It's like a singing lesson.
This is probably the most convinsing consert version ever. And Tucker always surprise me in live moments! His voice did not always recorded well in studio. But here i just bow down...
I have the whole thing including the applause and judging from audience reactions, Nilsson got the biggest reaction. I think it was Tucker/Merrill after that... and possibly Sutherland/Pavarotti who got a roaring standing ovation as well.
The version of this duet i think that is the most powerfull, dramatico, peacefull for any other version with any singer!!! these two friends was very nice!!! this video is amazing!!!
I enjoy so much this duet. Do you the anecdote that Jerome Hines wrote in his book about the tragic night when Renata Tebaldi sung with such success that Mr Tucker and Warren went back to Hines camerino damming the public and the italian, then Warren sung louder his aria MORIR TREMENDA COSA and we know the result. Envy is a good thing.
Tebaldi was not just beautifull sound was a huge sound.
I have had the record of the Bing Gala for over 27 years and this has always been my favorite duet EVER!! To finally see the video is amazing!!!! I read Tuckers autobio years ago and he talks about that night. He was so excited and kept walking into Merrills dressing room yelling " we gotta hit home runs tonight Merrill, nothing but home runs!!! " My God did they ever hit a grand slam!!! They are both sorely missed.
What a beautiful anecdote...what great men they both were...it always deeply saddens me that I never heard Mr. Tucker live. If only dear Mr. Tucker hadn't passed away so soon, he could have had at least another 5 or 6 sensational seasons with the Met...well, all the greats leave so soon. No singer will ever reach the level of Mr. Merrill and Tucker.
sarebbe bello se si potessero ascoltare insieme e confrontare i più grandi tenori in " a me un brando, un brando.....uscite" Penso che Tucker ne uscirebbe vincitore.
The golden age at the Met ended after Tucker...59 years old here and still singing like he was in his prime...name one other tenor who could sound this good at 59.
As for Merrill, in terms of quality I don't think baritones can get any better. Tucker himself considered Bob Merrill the greatest American singing voice of all time.
Merrill ... 3:33 ... this is a real operatic baritone...
VoiceClassical 2 months ago
MARAVILLOSOS, QUE GRANDES CANTANTES HABIA EN OTROD TIEMPOS !!! NO COMO LOS DE HOY DIA.....
Maripudelmonaco 3 months ago
Final-MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENTE!
goldenthroat86 3 months ago
get me whatever they were on that night! Especially Tucker...WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
GeneralRenz 5 months ago
I mean really,, this is un-f-----gbelievable,, been listening to these guyz forever,, and they are always AMAZING!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE POST,, MADE MY AFTERNOON, AND IT'S FRIDAY!!
robertwbecker 5 months ago
Depends what kind of sport you refer to.With wrestling and lifting weights you will not have great succes on stage i garatee you that:).To be generally a sport person helps singing i think .This i outstanding video.I deply admire them both.
vladupe 6 months ago
3:07 - 3:44 !!!!
GFlowerBari 7 months ago
HOLY CRAP!!!! THIS IS SOOOOOO GREAAATTT!!!!
fabiantenor 7 months ago
Tucker was 59 and Merrill was 55 and still sounded like Gods!!!!! Merrill's "finalmente" at 3:36 is one of the best sounds I've ever heard in my life.
boricuamuzik 8 months ago
un brando! UNN BRAAAAANDOOOOOOOOOOO! :)
KlassischerTheo 8 months ago
Wonderful chiaroscuro!
Baritanist 9 months ago
this is such an experience I truly enjoyed this!
vivaverdi8 9 months ago
A trumpet (Tucker) and trombone (Merrill). Although neither was young, both remained pure gold:).
stevevandien 10 months ago
Per Tucker -- No singles-just home runs! They had a lot of practice on stage for this.
CK18238 10 months ago
This is clearly the sound of the thyroid manipulation Tucker learned when studying with Stanley. And Merrill's wonderful open throat sound - a great, great combination. Tucker's spinto qualities were the result of muscle exercises under the guidance of maestro Douglas Stanley. A singer is like an athlete, if you have weak muscles, you cannot deliver.
Baritanist 10 months ago
@Baritanist What utter rubbish! Singing is the very opposite of sport!
0Gioacchino 7 months ago
@0Gioacchino LOL You do not know what you're talking about! Read NILSSON's book. Even she compares singing to sports. Will you now tell me that Nilsson wrote rubbish??? ROFL, how pathetic.
Baritanist 7 months ago
@Baritanist Yes because it is wrong for young singers to think that singing is like a sport! It isn't! When you have excellent technique like Birgit Nilsson it helps to explain because singers need much practice. But singing is not like sport because sport involves forcing, and forcing ruins voices! If you do not believe me, consult interviews with Franco Corelli.
0Gioacchino 7 months ago
@0Gioacchino Then you go and listene to MDM.
Baritanist 7 months ago
@Baritanist And what does Mario del Monaco have to do with this? Mario del Monaco never forced his voice, but always used a comfortable method. In his book, "My Life and My Successes" he talks about a technique an early teacher tried to make him use, which did not work for him: his voice did not carry in the role of Alfredo Germont with that technique. The Melocchi technique, however, was appropriate for his voice and successful.
wallfall 6 months ago
@wallfall And who said that MDM was forcing? His method was not comfortable, it was purely muscular.
Baritanist 6 months ago
@0Gioacchino in sport its the athleate that has the strongest muscles under the most skilled control as the singers have the same except its the muscles we cannot easily relate to cause we cannot SEE them in action as in the athleat.Its the great singers who are the great athleate of the voice,MAIN difference and most challengening difference is the value is HEARD with almost none of it SEEN. No value in hearing a great athleate perform.
topmeat69 3 months ago
@0Gioacchino Opposite? I imagine it's a coincidence that a bunch of singers share a history of athletics? Pavorotti soccer, Caballe swimming, Robeson football, Corelli boxing. Oh yeah...Merrill was almost a professional baseball player.
ajkbaritone 2 months ago
This is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bigman240 10 months ago
this is better acting in that singing than i have seen on any opera stage. merrill's open E natural at 3.37 is the best sung by any baritone ever in that role. simply glorious. agree with you turkishdelight.
marcellny 11 months ago
What great artists they were.
Thanks for sharing
Pierre Heldentenor
opera1232010 11 months ago 4
I remember cursing at the TV when Robert Merrills' face came up cause I knew they were going to say that he died. Hehehehe, baseballs' loss was our gain. At least he died watching a baseball game.
madisonelectronic 11 months ago
Merrill at 3:35 - Jesus, the man sounds like a jet engine! That's the most powerful and beautiful thing I've ever heard out of any baritone's mouth!!!
ChrisStockslager 1 year ago
UNREAL. I love it when Merrill is a bit taken aback at 3:28!
selassiejt 1 year ago
OH. MY. GOD.
I now want to look for every recording Tucker and Merrill ever made. EVER. WOW!!!
Liwah 1 year ago
But why is Tucker wearing a helmet?
BirdArvid 1 year ago
8 people would rather hear this butchered by Mingo and Milnes.
VinylToVideo 1 year ago
While I have never been a Tucker fan, there is no denying he had a fabulous technique. He and Merrill were otten on stage together. Actually, Tucker and Merrill were on tour together when Tucker had his fatal heart attack.
Houndentenor1998 1 year ago
I can't stop watching this. This is a singing lesson and I wish we all would take some example on how to bring life to our singing.
gustavonyc 1 year ago
MERAVIGLIOSI !!! Grazie !
31122051 1 year ago
Also when he was 43 years old 3/17/1956 he sang it live at the met with Warren and Zinka and it is Fantastic, not on Video but perhaps on you tube . Comparisons need to be at close ages so if you compare this to be fair check the age and year of the show. This is great singing at any age, the fact is Tucker owned the role at the met in the 50's with Warren. I like Del Monaco in the role and Corelli but prefer Tucker's, and we all have a right to an opinion, so as sugarbism says ---enjoy!
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
Comment removed
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
One of the finest duets I have ever heard. First heard this in college and here many years later it is still as exciting.
richbari 1 year ago
HAVE U EVER HEARD FRANCO CORELLI &ETTORE BASTIANINI OR MDM&BASTIANINI DO IT? VOCALLY GOOD BUT TUCKERS DICTION NOT GOOD I FIND THE VOICE A LITTLE IRRATATING SORRY BUT ENJY
sugarbism 1 year ago
Glorious singing by two students of Stanley. Tucker went to see Stanley after he lost his top, and even Merrill went for lessons. It is a well kept secret. The Stanley method produces big, open voices without constriction. Contact me if you want to learn more.
Baritanist 1 year ago
Boy, what a singing, there is nobody like this theses days...
MrAmadeus60 1 year ago
YES, this is a classical example of how VERDI should be sung; Merrill and Tucker don't fall into any histrionics simply because they don't need them; the reason for not needing them is very simple: they both have VOICE and technique. And I totally agree with Marcellny on the points made in his/her comments.
MCSQUARED31 1 year ago
This heroic master class in can belto makes me happier than it should.
achselhaar 1 year ago
@doktorlustig I saw Mr Tucker when he toured - sang canio and turiddu the same nght around 70-71 Fabulous -- I saw Merrill in Rigoletto around that period - both had large voices
roselandalvin 1 year ago
They were simply the best at this duet - strong, powerful and filled with fire!!! THE BEST!!!
bladezone1 1 year ago
I still think that Merrill's one word, "Finalmente!" at 3:37 is among the most glorious sounds I have ever heard. Ever. Tucker oversells a bit, as always, but it is still a great, great sound and his commitment is total.
Richiesutherland 1 year ago
holy crap....I think I can die now...happily
TheCatcherkid 1 year ago
As of 7/29/10 this video is rated 278/6. This proves that at least 6 people think thumbs-down means "awesome." :)
jontew 1 year ago 2
Oksat pois! Merill/ Tucker! Taas kerran, mutta niin posketon duetto...
IrjaHelena 1 year ago
it's better than sex!!!
xarissof 1 year ago 9
Comment removed
31122051 1 year ago
i can't care less what directors want. there is much more drama in these two singers, than any of the new singers juggling around on stage without a voice. the 'finalmente' of merrill's is anthological for any baritone. i sooo miss such singing. someone posted pavarotti... what the f... he doesn't belong in this league. send him back to the minors, wherever he is.
marcellny 1 year ago
@marcellny If you had the misfortune of sitting through the new LA Opera Ring, you would have even less respect for opera directors.
iriisblue 1 year ago
Absolutely. The directors these days are trying to destroy the opera copletely.
Judasist 1 year ago
I grew up hearing these two great singers - together and separately - sing the enitre Italian repertory. They were always this good. I never heard either of them have a bad evening. We don't have this kind of singing nowadays.
assindiastignani 1 year ago
jeeeeeeeeeeesus i think i just found my new favorite opera
it's like the fore that burns through raw steel
bravo to both of them
sadly i just found about them, but i intend to listen to everything they ever publish on youtube
xarissof 1 year ago
f-ing awsome!
jerrya1979 1 year ago
3:36 = the definition of manliness.
spitface33 1 year ago
if someday youtube made an advertisement.....THIS IS THE VIDEO
chichilu15 2 years ago
Tucker and Merrill were fantastic in this duet as in everything. The RCA recording of the opera is even better if that's possible and in 1973 they sang the hell out of at Carnegie Hall during the fantastic joint recital they gave. In November of 1974 they sang the more difficult duet "Sleale" from the third act of Forza with Tucker singing a stentorian top B in the climax.
gaytenor 2 years ago
@gaytenor Is that Sleale duet on youtube?
siglino 1 year ago
I have other singers I prefer but I always come back to this for the sheer thrill. Magnificent! I heard Tucker live & will not forget it. Neither singer has yet to replaced.
Note how RM is taken aback at 3:29 by RT's dramatic singing but is only stirred to come back & match his intensity. Talk about vocal fireworks!!!
Lovelytenor1 2 years ago 2
due mostri sacri
AleBro83 2 years ago
One myst have heard Tucker at the old met in this role. A tsunami of voice .
monpitt500 2 years ago
due artisti immensi
Amicofritz889 2 years ago
Che cantanti straordinari!!! Trovatene due uguali ora........... un saluto
federic017 2 years ago
Cant stop trembling! Unbelieveble!
TheDolcissimo 2 years ago 3
rimango incantato da questi due artisti....in grado di cantare dal vivo in modo così sublime...
L'età non più verde, pare non essere influente, anzi, amplia il valore della prestazione.....
ciupotto 2 years ago
I am not a big Tucker fan but show me a tenor that sounded better at 59 years of age.
tdeane34 2 years ago 20
@tdeane34 AMEN!!!!
percymartinez 1 year ago
@tdeane34
Show me a Spinto/Dramatic tenor today who at any age sounds anywhere near as good as this.
jmahlon 1 year ago
@jmahlon are there any spinto/dramatic tenors today?
tdeane34 1 year ago
@tdeane34 Holla!
jmahlon 1 year ago
This is so powerful that words are difficult to find. The music is immense and so are the voices. They are enjoying it too...more than an orgasm if one is allowed to compare!
Yitzhakhazak 2 years ago 3
Balls to the wall singing! I love it!
leadingbyxample 2 years ago 2
Tucker seems Robin Williams in Bicentennial man ... but he was a very great singer in Verdi and Puccini...
...the golden Age for the music the art and the culture...
now ..........
mongemark 2 years ago
Yes.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
You are ignorant. The actual dialogue in this scene (and throughout the opera) is ridiculous. The "essence" of this duet is two spectacular singers going balls out and thrilling the pants off anyone with two ears open. One has to assume that doesn't include you. Perhaps you prefer one of today's "singers" rendition, as long as they are skinny right?
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago 5
::ahem:: You are 100% correct.
Chiliarches 2 years ago
Now THIS is great singing!
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
As is early career Kathleen Battle, I can't believe you're musically astute enough to recognize this and not see the magic of early career Battle. You're intense.
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I don't feel they capture the essence of this duet very well, but it must have been SO thrilling to hear the ring that those voices had live.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
The more i view and listen to this Masterpiece the more awed i am of how truly great Tucker&Merrill really were. There will never be a Tenor/Baritone duo like them. I noticed Tucker was so hyped up he stole a custom move from Franco Bonisolli and skipped off stage. I didn't notice that before . So was Tucker 'El Pazzo " also? I think not ...he was just having fun as did Bonisolli when he gave a great performance of which he gave many. Best Tenor/Baritone duet ever . Bravo Tucker & Merrill .
Etnalleb 2 years ago 3
I find this so deeply moving I cry every time I watch it. Fashions and times change but talent and commitment like these two passionate artists never goes out of style. A joy and a privelige to watch.
junefun55 2 years ago 3
can anyone tell me from wht opera is this duet ??and wht name does it have ??
s3par3knumalas 2 years ago
It is called "Invano Alvaro." The opera is "La forza del destino" by Giuseppe Verdi.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
This is so great that words fail me. Ears were made for this.
sjw18930 2 years ago 2
This is what opera is about...the voice!!! Primarily. I hate the fact that directors these days are trying to turn opera into something it isn't...I'm sorry, but it's more exciting to see these two guys just stand in one spot and sing their guts out, letting out more emotion than crazy movement these days which takes away from the singers ability to sing this music the way it was intended.
turkishdelight6983 2 years ago 41
Exactly. I think there is a way to allow opera to be what it is while attracting new audiences.. allowing them to see traditional but very exciting performances of the more accessible operas.
Pawelp 2 years ago
I also agree 100%
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
You said it all!
blakemooney 1 year ago
@turkishdelight6983 It astounds me the number of people who, like me, agree with you, yet these 'directors' don't seem to get it!
Joeleole 1 year ago
@turkishdelight6983 To be completely honest… considering Tuckers age and known health problems at this time… namely heart trouble. Well, to sing with this power, without microphone, and dominate the Metropolitan over an orchestra that is performing full strength is nothing short of a serious health risk and a musical miracle. Merrill seems slight concerned to me… 2:41
What a bloody performance… it will be remembered for hundreds of years from now.
TheWisemonkey8 1 year ago
@turkishdelight6983
I couldnt agree more with you! Well said!!!!
andron16 10 months ago
@turkishdelight6983 Thank you for saying it all!!! I can't agree with you more. Is the world ready for great singing again? I AM!!!
DianaJacklin 9 months ago
Comment removed
turkishdelight6983 2 years ago
Wonderfull!! Great duet. Great Verdi. Great singers.
LordMgls 2 years ago
Dear Turridu, get the hell out of there. Schools do not currently develop classical singers to their full potential. You need to find a decent voice teacher OUTSIDE the academy.
And there are a few: David Jones in New York City, Michael Mayer in Minneapolis, Tom Blaylock in Portland, Katherine Kaufman Posner in North Carolina, Conrad L. Osborne in NYC. By reputation, each has done very well re. helping voices and singers develop their full potential --
stevevandien 2 years ago
Great stuff. Major-league Verdi singing (big, resonant, well-used voices), which now seems all but extinct. I love Tucker's little skip just before the video ends:) --
stevevandien 2 years ago 2
holy crap this was amazing. I cant believe how powerful Richard Tucker's voice is. Merill does not fall behind in power. Both have beautiful voices.
Latinpapi574 2 years ago 2
Probably not in all our lifetimes will we hear this sung better.
Lovelytenor1 2 years ago
Weltklasse habs noch nie besser gehört
pappawuzz 2 years ago
Great and magnific, two super voices.
Masters.
Gotthard38 2 years ago
Tucker è un tenore fantastico(amazing tenor.. asbolutely )ma..... che parrucca ha su???????( what bout the toupet?????????????????).. scherzi a parte..... oggi come oggi nessuno ha questa tecnica.. tanto di cappello. ( anyway... chapeau for tecnical merit and voice itself.... there's no tenor like him nowadays
dulcamara66 2 years ago
@dulcamara66 Non credo che sia parrucca. Era l'estilo dell'anni 70 avere cappelli cosi lunghi/larghi. Sono d'accordo che nessuno ha questa tecnica oggi. Era l'eta d'oro secondo molte personne
siglino 1 year ago
Bravi!!!!.
xjavierss 2 years ago
OMG! I NEVER fail to sit in complete and total amazement at such singing. To even attempt to make a comparison between this singing of the gods to the singing of mere mortals of the last 25 years is without sense.
RickChristman 2 years ago 3
mere amateurs if you ask me
redsox2213 2 years ago
snicker
RickChristman 2 years ago
Richard Tucker is the man!! Hands Down!!
Tenortone21 2 years ago 2
stellar singing!
OettingerCroat 2 years ago
Ed ERA SOLO TRENTA ANNO FA !!!!!!!! DOVE SIETE GRANDI CANTANTI !!!!
circearte 2 years ago
the hairpiece is very bad
tauromaniac 2 years ago
"This may have been the scene they were doing"
No, they never got this far. Warren had just finished his big aria "urna fatale" and was about to launch into the cabaletta when he had his massive stroke.
countceprano 2 years ago
This is fabulous singing.. I love Warren and Bjorling.. too.
kgarmaker123 2 years ago
this blows me away every time i watch it
FacePaster 2 years ago 3
Sorprende la presencia de Merrill al decir Finalmeeeeeeeeeenteeeee! Fenomenal!
pabloricciardi 2 years ago 4
Wish I could have been in that room
JackOperaMan 2 years ago
My god! Does it get any better than this?
goldenthroat86 2 years ago 3
Un BRANDO! Uscite! FinalMENTE!!
goldenthroat86 2 years ago
No much to add to the other comments. Definitely the best rendition I have heard of this duet!! Both great but Tucker incredible!!! Bravo!!
Torquemada0 2 years ago 3
Merrill was 55 and Tucker 59 in this recording - listen to the eveness of the vibratos. This is a great testimony to their techniques.
todwfish 2 years ago 2
Part of what makes this performance so great is the emotion, drama, and passion both RT and RM brought to the stage.
I have yet to see anything live that has has been as riveting as this video
bluechazzan 2 years ago 2
This still makes me laugh incredulously when I hear it and I've listened to it a hundred times probably. It's just so great and these guys weren't young either!
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Oh My Word !! Tucker was just absolutely stunning here... he truly was a fantastic Tenor. I dont think i've ever heard him sound this good . This was the best baritone/tenor duet i've ever heard. Bravo Tucker/Merill 5 stars
Etnalleb 2 years ago 4
Fantastic indeed, for some reason though I thought you weren't really a fan of Tucker?
This is definitely the best rendition of this duet I've ever seen.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
SDaman; I give credit were credit is due and Tucker and Merill did this just incredibly good. True , I am not a Tucker fanatic and i dont Idolize the man as some others do but i've always said Tucker was a truly great tenor i just dont think he was the greatest tenor ever. In this Duet though he was. I dont think any-one could top his performance here.
Etnalleb 2 years ago 2
Agreed, I don't think he was the best ever but then who was? How could you say. There are too many variables. The term "tenor" encompasses too much repertoire and too many different voices to pick one winner in my opinion.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago 3
Of course if I had heard some of the greats live perhaps I'd feel more strongly about one in particular, but alas I was born too late. =P
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Again this is great.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Wow. Tucker is absolutely fabulous. Thanks for posting.
vanzofaust 2 years ago
Tucker is amazing, the greatest American-born, American-trained tenor of the post-World War Two era.
ahmad123987 2 years ago 4
Meravigliosi e preparatissimi entrambi, soprattutto Tucker ( a mio giudizio uno dei migliori tenori della sua epoca ).
31122051 2 years ago
Bravissimo! They don't make 'em like this anymore.
sjw18930 2 years ago 2
just great!!!!!! thx :-)
IrjaHelena 2 years ago
This is the greatest video on YouTube ever!
amadeus1791 3 years ago 4
I agree! It's almost to hot to handle. :D
jelyse07 3 years ago 2
THE BALLS !!!
primobaritono 3 years ago 2
Geberoso, appassionato e ispiratissino. Chi mai oggi?
tenoriximo 3 years ago 2
3:37 = glorious, fierce, pulsating roar!
joepass87 3 years ago
I have watched this video about 50 times and each time I am blown away. Who's better than these guys?!
kdkevs 3 years ago 5
Nobody, man...nobody.
Though a very good alternative is the De Luca/Martinelli on Joseph Shore's channel. They're both so...Italianate? Much lighter and more elegant without being undramatic. It's like a singing lesson.
Chiliarches 3 years ago
Nobody in Forza and probably no one on this duet.
ShawDAMAN 3 years ago
This is probably the most convinsing consert version ever. And Tucker always surprise me in live moments! His voice did not always recorded well in studio. But here i just bow down...
bloydaage 3 years ago 3
Oh to have heard those two doing that live. Bravissimo!
matteohickey 3 years ago
Just amazing!!!
poupounakis 3 years ago
Genial.
cavaradossi01 3 years ago
3:28 Tucker is gives so loud a shout that Merrill is taken aback
cornificius22vain 3 years ago 2
awesome, awesome,....funny how tucker slaps merrill in the back to cut the last high note together, and merrill looks at him like, "what the fuck?"
simonesimone2 3 years ago
Doesn't get any better. :D
ShawDAMAN 3 years ago 3
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dalmata1961 3 years ago
OH BOY!!! AND in COLOR!! What a pair!
Chasson0318 3 years ago
Straordinari .... un duetto stupendo cantato meravigliosamnete
atonio0007 3 years ago
This duet by the way, was the hit of the entire evening.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago
I have the whole thing including the applause and judging from audience reactions, Nilsson got the biggest reaction. I think it was Tucker/Merrill after that... and possibly Sutherland/Pavarotti who got a roaring standing ovation as well.
Mooorhe 3 years ago
Is this concert available on DVD?
phantom4087 3 years ago
ogni volta che gli ascolto mi rendo conto di quanto siano immensi .....
AleBro83 3 years ago
formidabili
ilconte1963 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
im angry
uhh wow this video has 2 be one of the Silliest and sexiest vids online. just like me! 2T
brushpicks 3 years ago
WOW!!!! Two voices from the Golden Era of Opera!!!! What voices! What emotion!!
StuEppy 3 years ago
due leoni.....immensi....
AleBro83 3 years ago
The version of this duet i think that is the most powerfull, dramatico, peacefull for any other version with any singer!!! these two friends was very nice!!! this video is amazing!!!
poupounakis 3 years ago 2
I enjoy so much this duet. Do you the anecdote that Jerome Hines wrote in his book about the tragic night when Renata Tebaldi sung with such success that Mr Tucker and Warren went back to Hines camerino damming the public and the italian, then Warren sung louder his aria MORIR TREMENDA COSA and we know the result. Envy is a good thing.
Tebaldi was not just beautifull sound was a huge sound.
ilbacioditosca 3 years ago
I have had the record of the Bing Gala for over 27 years and this has always been my favorite duet EVER!! To finally see the video is amazing!!!! I read Tuckers autobio years ago and he talks about that night. He was so excited and kept walking into Merrills dressing room yelling " we gotta hit home runs tonight Merrill, nothing but home runs!!! " My God did they ever hit a grand slam!!! They are both sorely missed.
Seatrumpet 3 years ago 4
What a beautiful anecdote...what great men they both were...it always deeply saddens me that I never heard Mr. Tucker live. If only dear Mr. Tucker hadn't passed away so soon, he could have had at least another 5 or 6 sensational seasons with the Met...well, all the greats leave so soon. No singer will ever reach the level of Mr. Merrill and Tucker.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 2
No one sings like this anymore. Fantastic.
mhoeler 3 years ago 3
Any one that likes Bocelli over Pav or Gigli would also like Elvis over Del Monaco.
antfreire 3 years ago 2
Can't get enough of Tucker scaring Merril at the end!
fabrizzzio48 3 years ago 3
sarebbe bello se si potessero ascoltare insieme e confrontare i più grandi tenori in " a me un brando, un brando.....uscite" Penso che Tucker ne uscirebbe vincitore.
malamutet 3 years ago
The golden age at the Met ended after Tucker...59 years old here and still singing like he was in his prime...name one other tenor who could sound this good at 59.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 4
As for Merrill, in terms of quality I don't think baritones can get any better. Tucker himself considered Bob Merrill the greatest American singing voice of all time.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 3