No one can compare to Pavarotti, and I like Watson, but this is pretty damn dismal. Why guys with voices like this try this aria is beyond me. And he cant sustain the note.
Beyond a joke, he is so awful it is unbelievable. Mediocre voice, zero technique, zero artistry, he obviously knows neither music nor Italian and sings phonetically. They should throw him in the garbage with other trash "singers" like Paul Potts, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Katherine Jenkins, Filippa Giordano, Charlotte Church and that little girl "prodigy" Jackie Evancho.
Quote, Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself, that is why some people with mediocre talent ,but with inner drive,go much further than people with vastly superior talent.
Good grief, he'll never make an opera singer while he's a hole in his a**e. If you want to hear the definitive version of this aria, or any other tenor piece, try Roberto Alagna, a real opera singer
Mrs. Pissaroni, I can only imagine how long it took you to come up with such an incredible reply. 6 months is a long time to finally understand that libraries include books to help you with such large words.
@schweppes069 Couple of points. Firstly, don't live and die on YouTube so only read your reply a week ago when checking my account. Secondly don't need a library to get large words from-already know them, thirdly obviously rattled your cage as you still seem unable to spell my name. Could tell you where to shove your replies but think that resorting to foul language to a complete stranger is both cowardly and shallow. Ciao!
@MrsPisaroni lol... you fail... also i don't care what you put down for a reply if you even reply... but ya your a forknocking izletash pumpos cow that should really learn to shut up
@nyc1rob i don't agree. pavarotti sounds like he's straining and his face turns red. this guy's voice remains rich and smooth as if he could easily crank it up another notch if he wanted to. he's a sing machine that leaves me breathless.
I think the pompous twits with their phony superiority need to include their web sites with pictures of them singing to huge applauding crowds. I will continue to enjoy Montserrat Caballe and Sarah Brightman and Pavarotti and this man equally. To me its like a symphomy and a chamber orchestra, both are to be enjoyed.
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The fact that he is singing the aria transposed down is testament to the fact that he should not be allowed to ruin this wonderful music. Terrible technique, meaningless arm movements and not singing the notes correctly pretty much singles this out as the worst performance of Nessun Dorma since that "counter tenor" on BGT a few years ago!
@brandonichero yes I can sing ... better then some ....... confidence to do that in public............ that is something else .......so I continue in my own space ............ I admire them so much
@brandonichero I don't think it's too pompous to ask a Tenor to sing this aria in it's proper key. His Italian is terrible and he can't stop moving his bloody arms either!
It is interesting to read comments by people who know nothing about singing and less about opera. This tenor's timbre was a little different than most of the lyric tenors that sing this aria. He is not a Florez but my guess is he will not be singing Puccini professionally and will be in musical theater.
I like this and the backstory also. This is not an easy song to sing and once at the Grammys Pavarotti was a no show and Aretha Franklin, yes the Queen of Soul herself stepped up to the plate and saved the day. So easy for some people to be critical. What creative genius have you lent to society lately?
Anyone trying to sing opera professionally should train as a professional. Watson should stick to undemanding music that does not demand a trained voice.
@Gameman45 hmm, no, really, listen to a range of tenors sing this aria, and you will start to hear what I am talking about. There is a closed, 'hooty' sound to the way he sings operatic/classical. For the ultimate contrast, listen to Corelli or Mario del Monaco, for lyric tenors, listen to Bjorling and Pavarotti. They have overtones/formants (ring) in the voice that are not generated by manipulation of the back of the vocal tract like Watson is doing. He's not the only one, but it is very obv.
This is my favorite opera work of music so believe me ive heard all of them sing. Their all good! By far my favorite is Mario Lanza. But Russell Watson does an excellent job at this song as well. I appreciate him because he can change his voice to sing SO many varieties and genres of music. So say what yoy will but he does an excellent job performing this song.
Why is everyone acting like this is some boyband kid singing? I think we need to stop creating barriers between genres and just enjoy well sung music!
Miss Pissaroni, lets hear you sing. Do you have a clip of you singing that we can critique? I didn't think so. On the off chance that you do, until then, shut the fuck up!
@schweppes069 Many critics are not performers themselves, in fact most of them aren't. You don't have to be a performer to know enough about opera to critique opera and opera singers. Calling someone jealous or telling them to show that they can do better tnan the person they're critiquing isn't valid. Each persoin is entitled to his or her opinion.
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@MrsPisaroni Thank you. Sometimes I think I'm all alone in trying to get pop fans to see that Watson (and Bocelli, Potts, Church, Brightman) are pop singers who sing opera arias, not real opera singers. They aren't talentless, they just belong in the pop genre. We're not slamming the "popera" singers, just trying to say that they couldn't be opera singers. I wouldn't pay to hear Sills sing pop music either.
@MrsPisaroni can't help but think that for someone you dislike, you've wasted an awful lot of energy coming here to 'critique' him.....and while I'm certainly no expert on classical music, I know that his singing is far better than any karaoke I've ever heard, so maybe 'Karaoke King' is a bit over dramatic?
This isn't real Puccini!!! It IS better than the truly disgraceful Bolton(that is unbelievable -Puccini made into trailer trash) but it's still watered down popera.Far better Nessuns from Calleja,Del Monaco,Corelli,Illincai,..er..Pavarotti,Aragall.
marshiam said:''he has something special in his singing that all the 'perfect' opera singers combined can't touch! That's total nonsense.I am a Classical accompanist for singers+can tell u that many are famous NOT only for technical reasons but also because theyre very expressive/individual.See my videos of Matthias Goerne(do An Silvia),Florez, Pape,Alagna,Calleja,Heppner.All very individual.
He sang it a key lower than the original so that the highest note was Bb instead of a B that Pavarotti, Carrera, Domingo and Paul Potts sang, that's all. Russell has a great voice.
Please listen to Jussi Bjorling (world best tenor ever ) singing Nessun Dorma(remixed version, 60 years old) and prepare to be stunned. Jussi was and is second to noone in the world.
Don't be such a SNOB! He HAS done better versions of this,& yes, it is in a lower than usual key, but hey- YOU TRY & DO BETTER! All Music is Ffor EVERYONE!!!! This is HIS interpretation of the song THATS ALL!! If you dont like it, don't listen! (& for the record,I think Russell Watson is a bit of a Tw*t!,I just love his Classical voice,NOT the ballads,& pop stuff!)
I find "you try to do better" comments so hypocritical as if the author haven't ever criticized anything that he cannot do better himself e.g. a boring book (can you write one?). No, I can't sing better, but as I am an engineer singing better than I can isn't enough. As an opera fan I can compare this version to those by real opera singers and find it lacking.
As to what "classical voice" is - please watch "The Audition" on PBS when it's rebroadcast in your area then you'll understand.
Ask yourself do I believe this is the unknown Prince whom answered the Empress of China's three riddles correctly only to learn he was tricked and will not marry him making him Emperor of China? He is telling her should his name not be found by sunrise his country will slaughter every citizen of Peking, on the stage should be carnage the spiked heads of
other Princes whom failed to answer the riddles correctly.
Ask yourself do I believe this is the unknown Prince whom just answered three riddles correctly and has learned that the Empress tricked him and is not going to marry him and make him Emperor of China? He is telling her that if she does not tell him his name by sunrise his country will slaughter everyone in Peking. Therefore NO ONE SLEEPS in PEKING that night. All around are the heads of other Princes on spikes that failed to answer the three riddles. This performance is not believable.
I love listening to Corelli, Pavarotti, Callas, Puccini, but I also love listening to Russell Watson, Donald Braswell & Anthony Warlow. That don't necessarly make me tone deaf. I prefer any of these singers to all the noise (so called pop stars & rap types) we are forced to listen to now days. I'll take Russell any day over that mess.
@JaneJ7 PLEASE don't mention Warlow in the same sentance as Russell Watson!!! Anthony Warlow is a pro of both music theatre and opera, Watson is not. Watson has a decent largely self trained voice, which he uses to imitate operatic style singing. Unfortunately, he takes the Domingo hooty sound and makes it even worse. Oh, and you don't 'listen' to Puccini sing....
And Russell Watson is GREAT on singing crossover material like you raise me up, for that piece I think he is one of the best Ive ever heard, and also pop, swing, musicals, etc. If you ask Pavarotti to sing those pieces he probably can't do as good.
But to be honest, this performance really wasn't that great, not talking about technique, to me he simply just singing the notes. This aria's "beauty limit" is WAY more than what he sings here, listen to Corelli to notice how this aria can be pushed to the maximum beauty. But I think it's fine to me that other ppl like this performance, as not all ppl think and feel the same way when they listen to the same piece and I respect that.
Why don't you get a life, jealousy only leads to a premature death of a Heart attack, you squeeze all the joy out of your life. I am an opera singer & can tell you that Pavo & callas were no saints they all forced their voices too.
It is a fact that Callas and pavarotti forced their voices, My singing teacher who is an opera singer at Paris Bastille & Garnier told me this . Callas & Pavarotti were truely remarkable & i as a singer respect them & love their passion for the art. But just leave Russell Watson alone, did he hurt you or abuse personally ?
If you are a true music lover then there are no barriers.
If he annoys you so much then i suggest you should stop punishing yourself by listening to him.
No, Russell has not hurt me or abused me personally: He has done a lot worse.
He and people like him hurt and abused the artistic output of masters such as Puccini, even going as far as adding notes, changing the lyrics and the melody to suit their limitations.
Ok I understand what type of person you are I shall not waste time replying to your remarks, You must be a very lonely & sad person in life & my heart goes out to you, i hope one day that you will truely find your own inner peace. take care fellow opera lover.
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Whatever you think...But try not to be a psychologist..It does not work!
I have loved opera all my life and I am not prepared to put up with these amateurs who believe they can sing anything they want, whichever way they like.
Are you aware of Adriana's aria: Io son l'umile ancella? That is what people like Watson should be: The humble servants of the creating genius and not the other way around.
One thing that we hold in common is our love for Opera.
Mr Watson is a singer to me & thats it, he sings opera like a popstar.
Never forget that true Opera greats will not be destroyed by his Music, When i want to hear Nessun Dorma I put on a CD of Pavarotti & when i want to read Norma i put on Callas.
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But he and others do hurt opera in a sense: they create wrong impression of what opera is like, people who don't know opera listen to this, think this is great opera, and aren't at all interested in listening to real opera greats - past and present - as they believe this is as good as it gets. Had these "popera" singers left opera arias to professionals, had the media not called them "opera stars", had their records weren't mislabelled "classical", no opera lover would object to them.
Well....that's sort of right. BUT do u REALLY think if "popera singers" do not exist, people would REALLY interested in listening to real opera greats like Corelli, Pavarotti, Domingo, etc.? I don't think so, people would just not interested in listening arias AT ALL. To me these "popera singers" at least make regular audiences a good start, then it is their choices to listen to the greats or not, so maybe there are still 1 or 2 out of 10 regular ppl would start listen to the greats.
You're very right, popera singers open doors to people, that would otherwise remain closed. If it weren't for Bocelli(Whom I have since grown to loath) I never would have fallen in love with the opera to begin with.
If you go to an opera house u may also see this scene: MOST of the audiences are late middle age to seniors. So maybe like 30 or 40 years later these audiences pass away...who would go to opera house? So I think in order to let opera continue, the world needs these "popera singers" for situation right now to get more audiences especially younger ones. Even though in this way opera may change a bit, but still it probably won't go to extinction.
That was pretty bad . . .his phrasing is not consistent . . there are fleeting moments that are good and then he switches to a different part of his voice, interrupting the phrase.
Russell is somewhat a wonderful pop songer equipped with voice power to sing opera songs. That's what I feel. I think this is his bonus cause tenor singers would suck big time if they had to sing with a pop style. Russell has no problem doing that.
WHAT russell opera singer? you really wrong,he cannt sing without micro and all staff who suported.even he dont have a real pronunciaton for opera,it ok lie pop sing thats all. opera.¡? he cannot fit a large audito0riuym with his small voice.
YES YES YES im a sure about what i say my cat sing better in the roof of my house,aria transpose dow even he cant fit the last note. i dont think is a opera singer is a pop singer. thats all
C'mon, I can HEAR that this guy isn't QUITE Met opera qualtiy..but so what..he is REALLY close...he comes thru and the last high notes were good, tone and control especially WAS there... I've been listening to and heard live many of the worlds great tenors fom the great Ben Hepner, (a Canadian and probably the greatest Wagnerian tenor of our time) to Pav, to Domingo, and this guy is pretty DARN close..
I'm sorry, but I must disagree. The main difference is his voice, without a microphone, will not carry over an orchestra. This makes him not nearly as skilled as the others who you have mentioned. He has vocal talent, but talent and skill are different. If he had the training of a Pavarotti, Domingo, Hepner, Florez and countless others, then and only then could you say he was darn close.
I went to listen to Alfie Boe version and he was not as good as Russell. His voice is not as wide and as deep as Russell's voice. May be you are right in your words that Alfie is the best but I think most people will give more credits to Russell.
here we go! Russell`s wonderfuland has a great voice and super popular.people love him classicial snobs get over it!. another great tenor look at Jon Christos he is glorious and yes before you start he does and has sang a lot of opera classically trained .......Alfie Boe er no ta and Ansell reminds me of a nanny goat and grates on me... different strokes for differentfolks and all that
jtaylorbaritone. He is absolutely NOT the British or anybody elses idea of a tenor! Don't be so insulting please. We do have some standards! Russell is a nice chap, but he wouldn't last 10 minutes on an operatic stage without that mic stuck down his throat! He doesn't have a big enough voice.
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Hiyadroogs - hows that insulting? he hasn't even had an opera voice lesson & he sounds all forced like he got something in his throat! somedays he sounds good and some days he sounds bad - its give & take with russell. Now Simon Cowell has got the british people thinking that Paul Potts is an Opera Tenor! We stink when he comes to Tenors! only decent people we haveis Tony Henry (Opera Tenor) & Jonathan from G4 (needs serious voice work) thats it
Artisticz, jtaylorbaritone was making a dig at the Brits, - that we acclaim people like Russell & paul as the benchmark for operatic tenors, when of course at absolute best they are simply crossover artists. They are NOT operatic tenors. They occasionally make a half assed stab at the odd aria, & catawaul their way through it. Worryingly, Russell HAS had prolonged tuition in voice production. He should sue his teacher! - We do produce superb operatic tenors. Alfie Boe has a sensational voice.
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Totally agree. Russell & Paul are nice chaps - working class guys made good but operatic tenors they are not. I despair that a background story is now important that outstanding talent.
Jonathan can't be compared to these guys. Firstly he has basic training but importantly he is still only a 'teenager' in terms of his voice. He says his voice is 'work in progess' for years to come. With that attitude he just might become a British tenor of merit. Florez is his inspiration.
me encanta sarah brightman y me gustaria q vieran el video de TURANDOT YESENIA en el you tube y mne dierais vuestra opinion y si podeis lo paseis a vuestros amigos un saludo.
I like video with lyric, i could sing along, like Karaoke. with this translation - perfecto! We can't compare him with Pavarotti, different style and perception, and music appreciation. I'd learn to apprectiate all appreciation. this is music, music is life... music is your emotion. . . . agree?
No, I totally agree. There is work, and lots of it, for lyric baritones who stretch to sing to soccer moms/passionate everymen who tug at your heartstrings, but they are not to be confused with real singers.
uh... you're a musician? I think not. fer serious you guys, I don't know about his other stuff, but this is disgraceful. He's not finishing the duration of the pitches because he can't handle this piece.
God, this is awful. Anyone who has heard an actual artist sing this song will know. Why do amateurs butcher Puccini like this. Leave it to the pros, Watson... PLEASE!!!
P.S. What in the world is he doing with his arms during the performance? Doing forms for martial arts or something?
absolutely ridiculous. Very bad. A mix of pop and amateur classics.
tdi11 1 day ago
VERY MEDIOCRE
cccorsetti 6 days ago
HE IS THE BEST !!!
kAkAeV 1 month ago
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gregtube88 1 month ago
Anyone pay for listen this?
BERNARDOANUK 2 months ago
You are not being very kind to a person who has had brain surgery and still sings like an angel....shame on you....
MrSammyscroll 7 months ago
class act
toastandbutter68 8 months ago
@ Philipc67 your obviously an idiot and you don't know anything about music just cuz u can't do it
TheLittlelewis1999 9 months ago
No one can compare to Pavarotti, and I like Watson, but this is pretty damn dismal. Why guys with voices like this try this aria is beyond me. And he cant sustain the note.
ericscam2 10 months ago
What the fuck is he doing with his arms?
bananacreampuff 10 months ago
@bananacreampuff jejejejejejeje
BERNARDOANUK 2 months ago
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Beyond a joke, he is so awful it is unbelievable. Mediocre voice, zero technique, zero artistry, he obviously knows neither music nor Italian and sings phonetically. They should throw him in the garbage with other trash "singers" like Paul Potts, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Katherine Jenkins, Filippa Giordano, Charlotte Church and that little girl "prodigy" Jackie Evancho.
philipc67 1 year ago
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@philipc67 I think I like your comment more than any other comment I've ever seen on youtube :) Russel Watson fucking sucks!
MasterIsh91 10 months ago
Quote, Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself, that is why some people with mediocre talent ,but with inner drive,go much further than people with vastly superior talent.
281308ful 1 year ago
He sound like someone is throttling him. Truth is he's throttling himself by singing with his head down.
pushertug 1 year ago
@pushertug i know he should move his mic up :L:L
willjohn28 9 months ago
Wow, he's absolutely awful!
MasterIsh91 1 year ago
Good grief, he'll never make an opera singer while he's a hole in his a**e. If you want to hear the definitive version of this aria, or any other tenor piece, try Roberto Alagna, a real opera singer
pushertug 1 year ago
Mrs. Pissaroni, I can only imagine how long it took you to come up with such an incredible reply. 6 months is a long time to finally understand that libraries include books to help you with such large words.
schweppes069 1 year ago
@schweppes069 Couple of points. Firstly, don't live and die on YouTube so only read your reply a week ago when checking my account. Secondly don't need a library to get large words from-already know them, thirdly obviously rattled your cage as you still seem unable to spell my name. Could tell you where to shove your replies but think that resorting to foul language to a complete stranger is both cowardly and shallow. Ciao!
MrsPisaroni 1 year ago
@MrsPisaroni lol... you fail... also i don't care what you put down for a reply if you even reply... but ya your a forknocking izletash pumpos cow that should really learn to shut up
SonBoogzy 1 year ago
a very bad job.....really bad
mdechirico 1 year ago
WOW knicker wetting stuff
budgemagoo 1 year ago
@budgemagoo
HELLO better change them then ha ha
TheSquawlady 1 year ago
I think he's just fabulous!
nicolakj 1 year ago
what a beautiful instrument. nice voice too.
eldrama2 1 year ago
Bless you russ..
kalpal123 1 year ago
Great voice, but not the best delivery. I didn't like the hand movements...er...what? (As in, what was he doing?)
Also, what was that last note?
musicwind95 1 year ago
with all due respect to Russell....and i love him.......this will be, and always be...pavarotti's song....nobody else nails it like him.
nyc1rob 1 year ago
@nyc1rob Seconded. RIP Maestro!
musicwind95 1 year ago
@nyc1rob i don't agree. pavarotti sounds like he's straining and his face turns red. this guy's voice remains rich and smooth as if he could easily crank it up another notch if he wanted to. he's a sing machine that leaves me breathless.
eldrama2 1 year ago
I think the pompous twits with their phony superiority need to include their web sites with pictures of them singing to huge applauding crowds. I will continue to enjoy Montserrat Caballe and Sarah Brightman and Pavarotti and this man equally. To me its like a symphomy and a chamber orchestra, both are to be enjoyed.
brandonichero 1 year ago 13
@brandonichero Hear Hear, There's WAAAAAY too much snobbery occurring here! ; )
memphistube 1 year ago
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The fact that he is singing the aria transposed down is testament to the fact that he should not be allowed to ruin this wonderful music. Terrible technique, meaningless arm movements and not singing the notes correctly pretty much singles this out as the worst performance of Nessun Dorma since that "counter tenor" on BGT a few years ago!
MasterIsh91 1 year ago
@brandonichero yes I can sing ... better then some ....... confidence to do that in public............ that is something else .......so I continue in my own space ............ I admire them so much
indah007 10 months ago
@brandonichero Well said mate, He is equal to every other singer of this genre. I listen to him more then the others infact
Synthetican 9 months ago
@brandonichero I don't think it's too pompous to ask a Tenor to sing this aria in it's proper key. His Italian is terrible and he can't stop moving his bloody arms either!
MasterIsh91 8 months ago
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gregtube88 1 month ago
having listened to Corelli and Mario and Lanza I prefer Russell. Never rated Pavarotti anyway. Russell has a clarity the others dont have.
lintym 1 year ago
heck! I like Russell Watson, hoot or not, but will have a listen to those mentioned and will decide........
lintym 1 year ago
It is interesting to read comments by people who know nothing about singing and less about opera. This tenor's timbre was a little different than most of the lyric tenors that sing this aria. He is not a Florez but my guess is he will not be singing Puccini professionally and will be in musical theater.
jkilmon 1 year ago
I like this and the backstory also. This is not an easy song to sing and once at the Grammys Pavarotti was a no show and Aretha Franklin, yes the Queen of Soul herself stepped up to the plate and saved the day. So easy for some people to be critical. What creative genius have you lent to society lately?
marshadeanwalker 1 year ago
Anyone trying to sing opera professionally should train as a professional. Watson should stick to undemanding music that does not demand a trained voice.
royalcourtier 1 year ago
okay he's not pavarotti, but he can sing. I like this
antisaurus 1 year ago
I'd like to know why people trash talk him so much. He has such a beautiful voice!
Gameman45 1 year ago
@Gameman45 Because he sounds like Kermit the Frog when he sings opera, perhaps?
colino72 1 year ago
@colino72 hmm kermit must have a good voice then.
Gameman45 1 year ago
@Gameman45 hmm, no, really, listen to a range of tenors sing this aria, and you will start to hear what I am talking about. There is a closed, 'hooty' sound to the way he sings operatic/classical. For the ultimate contrast, listen to Corelli or Mario del Monaco, for lyric tenors, listen to Bjorling and Pavarotti. They have overtones/formants (ring) in the voice that are not generated by manipulation of the back of the vocal tract like Watson is doing. He's not the only one, but it is very obv.
colino72 1 year ago
@colino72
This is my favorite opera work of music so believe me ive heard all of them sing. Their all good! By far my favorite is Mario Lanza. But Russell Watson does an excellent job at this song as well. I appreciate him because he can change his voice to sing SO many varieties and genres of music. So say what yoy will but he does an excellent job performing this song.
Gameman45 1 year ago
Why is everyone acting like this is some boyband kid singing? I think we need to stop creating barriers between genres and just enjoy well sung music!
kirstenrubberducky 1 year ago
Miss Pissaroni, lets hear you sing. Do you have a clip of you singing that we can critique? I didn't think so. On the off chance that you do, until then, shut the fuck up!
schweppes069 1 year ago 8
@schweppes069 definitely the best reply I've seen on youtube in a long while! There are so many music snob critics on here!
kirstenrubberducky 1 year ago
@schweppes069 Many critics are not performers themselves, in fact most of them aren't. You don't have to be a performer to know enough about opera to critique opera and opera singers. Calling someone jealous or telling them to show that they can do better tnan the person they're critiquing isn't valid. Each persoin is entitled to his or her opinion.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
@schweppes069 Thank you for your wit and erudition.
MrsPisaroni 1 year ago
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MrsPisaroni 1 year ago
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@MrsPisaroni Thank you. Sometimes I think I'm all alone in trying to get pop fans to see that Watson (and Bocelli, Potts, Church, Brightman) are pop singers who sing opera arias, not real opera singers. They aren't talentless, they just belong in the pop genre. We're not slamming the "popera" singers, just trying to say that they couldn't be opera singers. I wouldn't pay to hear Sills sing pop music either.
bassfanne45 1 year ago
@MrsPisaroni can't help but think that for someone you dislike, you've wasted an awful lot of energy coming here to 'critique' him.....and while I'm certainly no expert on classical music, I know that his singing is far better than any karaoke I've ever heard, so maybe 'Karaoke King' is a bit over dramatic?
kirstenrubberducky 1 year ago
@MrsPisaroni - I do so agree with you. This clown should stick to pop music.
silverstartrucker 1 year ago
@MrsPisaroni dont talk shite
alanmcivor 1 year ago
@alanmcivor A well reasoned and intelligent reply. What a credit to a wonderful country you are. Grazie!
MrsPisaroni 1 year ago
His voice is beautiful. I love it & he's very cute.
Maweeha 1 year ago
This isn't real Puccini!!! It IS better than the truly disgraceful Bolton(that is unbelievable -Puccini made into trailer trash) but it's still watered down popera.Far better Nessuns from Calleja,Del Monaco,Corelli,Illincai,..er..Pavarotti,Aragall.
blueyedboy84 1 year ago
marshiam said:''he has something special in his singing that all the 'perfect' opera singers combined can't touch! That's total nonsense.I am a Classical accompanist for singers+can tell u that many are famous NOT only for technical reasons but also because theyre very expressive/individual.See my videos of Matthias Goerne(do An Silvia),Florez, Pape,Alagna,Calleja,Heppner.All very individual.
blueyedboy84 1 year ago
He sang it a key lower than the original so that the highest note was Bb instead of a B that Pavarotti, Carrera, Domingo and Paul Potts sang, that's all. Russell has a great voice.
rst1113 1 year ago
Please listen to Jussi Bjorling (world best tenor ever ) singing Nessun Dorma(remixed version, 60 years old) and prepare to be stunned. Jussi was and is second to noone in the world.
GosuSan 2 years ago
he have special voice for anything.he is the voice
krajncrocky1 2 years ago
hahhahahahahahaha
MarcoCariatiOpera1 2 years ago
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Its Probably the worst version of this aria i have ever heard by a professional singer. I think he should apologize to the composer.
Mr Watson, stick to Ballads & pop songs,
leave the operatic arias to the opera trained tenors.
281308ful 2 years ago
Don't be such a SNOB! He HAS done better versions of this,& yes, it is in a lower than usual key, but hey- YOU TRY & DO BETTER! All Music is Ffor EVERYONE!!!! This is HIS interpretation of the song THATS ALL!! If you dont like it, don't listen! (& for the record,I think Russell Watson is a bit of a Tw*t!,I just love his Classical voice,NOT the ballads,& pop stuff!)
memphistube 2 years ago
I find "you try to do better" comments so hypocritical as if the author haven't ever criticized anything that he cannot do better himself e.g. a boring book (can you write one?). No, I can't sing better, but as I am an engineer singing better than I can isn't enough. As an opera fan I can compare this version to those by real opera singers and find it lacking.
As to what "classical voice" is - please watch "The Audition" on PBS when it's rebroadcast in your area then you'll understand.
jewelmarkess 2 years ago
Ask yourself do I believe this is the unknown Prince whom answered the Empress of China's three riddles correctly only to learn he was tricked and will not marry him making him Emperor of China? He is telling her should his name not be found by sunrise his country will slaughter every citizen of Peking, on the stage should be carnage the spiked heads of
other Princes whom failed to answer the riddles correctly.
N6NZE 2 years ago
N6NZE 2 years ago
oh my god... subtitles at this song :O ahahaha
benzzuk1 2 years ago
It's Japanese,they tend to do that with all their albums too,I have loads of Elvis vinyl from Japan,with Lyric sheets...Nice Touch! ;)
memphistube 2 years ago
He's not even singing this in it's correct key. He lowered the song. How disappointing.
VincentRicciardi 2 years ago
God almighty! Wasn't even at pitch.
Englishtenor2 2 years ago
Did not enjoy this at all. He's doing something funny to create a darker heavier tone to suit the song.
Not saying he's a bad singer, just think he could use some work.
tenor220 2 years ago
I love listening to Corelli, Pavarotti, Callas, Puccini, but I also love listening to Russell Watson, Donald Braswell & Anthony Warlow. That don't necessarly make me tone deaf. I prefer any of these singers to all the noise (so called pop stars & rap types) we are forced to listen to now days. I'll take Russell any day over that mess.
JaneJ7 2 years ago
@JaneJ7 PLEASE don't mention Warlow in the same sentance as Russell Watson!!! Anthony Warlow is a pro of both music theatre and opera, Watson is not. Watson has a decent largely self trained voice, which he uses to imitate operatic style singing. Unfortunately, he takes the Domingo hooty sound and makes it even worse. Oh, and you don't 'listen' to Puccini sing....
colino72 1 year ago
To billy1983yes, We're just thinking the same!!! :-))
Aeysatawat 2 years ago
And Russell Watson is GREAT on singing crossover material like you raise me up, for that piece I think he is one of the best Ive ever heard, and also pop, swing, musicals, etc. If you ask Pavarotti to sing those pieces he probably can't do as good.
billy1983yes 2 years ago 2
But to be honest, this performance really wasn't that great, not talking about technique, to me he simply just singing the notes. This aria's "beauty limit" is WAY more than what he sings here, listen to Corelli to notice how this aria can be pushed to the maximum beauty. But I think it's fine to me that other ppl like this performance, as not all ppl think and feel the same way when they listen to the same piece and I respect that.
billy1983yes 2 years ago
Dreadful, not even in the right key. I doubt this guy has a high B in him on his very best days. Forced, shouted, and ugly.
johnd200 2 years ago
he has one of the best high c.see ch e gelida manina.lol
krajncrocky1 2 years ago
dire
ashurstopera 2 years ago
You people are only jealous becasue you never got the chance to make the big time.
Maybe if you looked inside yourselves then maybe just maybe you will understand your infantile reactions.
Dalelinsey38 2 years ago
Que vergüenza !
jescreative 2 years ago
Let's hear you guys who are complaining so - DO BETTER! This guy can sing! Don't be so damn cruel!
Penscreen 2 years ago
Tererible !!! He is quite good in lighter things and songs A mouse tryng to swallow a mountain.
ViennaWaltz 2 years ago
Y esta basura de donde salio?
GAMMEOVER 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Christ, I have had enough of pop singer trying to sing, and instead are murdering opera!
Russel Watson, Paul Potts, Albano, Michael Bolton, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Boccelli, Aretha Franklin, Mina Mazzini...
WTF?
Apollogranforte 2 years ago
Why don't you get a life, jealousy only leads to a premature death of a Heart attack, you squeeze all the joy out of your life. I am an opera singer & can tell you that Pavo & callas were no saints they all forced their voices too.
Dalelinsey38 2 years ago
How dare you placing Watson in the same class as Callas? Or for that matter mentioning him in the same breath as Pavarotti?
Apollogranforte 2 years ago
It is a fact that Callas and pavarotti forced their voices, My singing teacher who is an opera singer at Paris Bastille & Garnier told me this . Callas & Pavarotti were truely remarkable & i as a singer respect them & love their passion for the art. But just leave Russell Watson alone, did he hurt you or abuse personally ?
If you are a true music lover then there are no barriers.
If he annoys you so much then i suggest you should stop punishing yourself by listening to him.
Dalelinsey38 2 years ago
No, Russell has not hurt me or abused me personally: He has done a lot worse.
He and people like him hurt and abused the artistic output of masters such as Puccini, even going as far as adding notes, changing the lyrics and the melody to suit their limitations.
Apollogranforte 2 years ago
Ok I understand what type of person you are I shall not waste time replying to your remarks, You must be a very lonely & sad person in life & my heart goes out to you, i hope one day that you will truely find your own inner peace. take care fellow opera lover.
Dalelinsey38 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Whatever you think...But try not to be a psychologist..It does not work!
I have loved opera all my life and I am not prepared to put up with these amateurs who believe they can sing anything they want, whichever way they like.
Are you aware of Adriana's aria: Io son l'umile ancella? That is what people like Watson should be: The humble servants of the creating genius and not the other way around.
Apollogranforte 2 years ago
One thing that we hold in common is our love for Opera.
Mr Watson is a singer to me & thats it, he sings opera like a popstar.
Never forget that true Opera greats will not be destroyed by his Music, When i want to hear Nessun Dorma I put on a CD of Pavarotti & when i want to read Norma i put on Callas.
Dalelinsey38 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
But he and others do hurt opera in a sense: they create wrong impression of what opera is like, people who don't know opera listen to this, think this is great opera, and aren't at all interested in listening to real opera greats - past and present - as they believe this is as good as it gets. Had these "popera" singers left opera arias to professionals, had the media not called them "opera stars", had their records weren't mislabelled "classical", no opera lover would object to them.
jewelmarkess 2 years ago
Well....that's sort of right. BUT do u REALLY think if "popera singers" do not exist, people would REALLY interested in listening to real opera greats like Corelli, Pavarotti, Domingo, etc.? I don't think so, people would just not interested in listening arias AT ALL. To me these "popera singers" at least make regular audiences a good start, then it is their choices to listen to the greats or not, so maybe there are still 1 or 2 out of 10 regular ppl would start listen to the greats.
billy1983yes 2 years ago
@billy1983yes
You're very right, popera singers open doors to people, that would otherwise remain closed. If it weren't for Bocelli(Whom I have since grown to loath) I never would have fallen in love with the opera to begin with.
tenor220 2 years ago
If you go to an opera house u may also see this scene: MOST of the audiences are late middle age to seniors. So maybe like 30 or 40 years later these audiences pass away...who would go to opera house? So I think in order to let opera continue, the world needs these "popera singers" for situation right now to get more audiences especially younger ones. Even though in this way opera may change a bit, but still it probably won't go to extinction.
billy1983yes 2 years ago 2
I agree-and he is coming from Australia and has nothing to show and more important "to say"!!!
medusaview 2 years ago
That was painful.
And transposed down.
0 stars.
revivaljesus 2 years ago
HORRIBLE
HORRIBLE
that's the worst version of nessun dorma i have ever listened to.
his voice is all at the back.
cpsfantasma 2 years ago
Calif practices TaiChi in the wait for the coming morn ... I don't seem to remember that in the libretto ...
ydracomagusy 2 years ago 3
That was pretty bad . . .his phrasing is not consistent . . there are fleeting moments that are good and then he switches to a different part of his voice, interrupting the phrase.
sievep 2 years ago
Actually Franco Corelli's version I think is the best.
Russell's best effort is Peligia's song from Captian Correlli's Mandolin
Ducard12 2 years ago
I cannot undersand the appeal of Russell Watson - he murders great opera - not even a gifted amatuer - He should have stuck to the club circuit.
thegodofdarkness1 2 years ago
one of the best version in the modern times?
pikachoi2007 2 years ago
still cant beat pavarotti, but a good try.
wriggly40 2 years ago
god, wash your ears out.
mrrk 2 years ago
ラッセルは一つ下げて歌うのが普通になってるようですね。
domidomicat 2 years ago
2:37 what a death stare :P
Starzerowarcraft 2 years ago
Russell is somewhat a wonderful pop songer equipped with voice power to sing opera songs. That's what I feel. I think this is his bonus cause tenor singers would suck big time if they had to sing with a pop style. Russell has no problem doing that.
samp987 2 years ago
WHAT russell opera singer? you really wrong,he cannt sing without micro and all staff who suported.even he dont have a real pronunciaton for opera,it ok lie pop sing thats all. opera.¡? he cannot fit a large audito0riuym with his small voice.
mediterraneo1000 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
marshiamx 2 years ago
YES YES YES im a sure about what i say my cat sing better in the roof of my house,aria transpose dow even he cant fit the last note. i dont think is a opera singer is a pop singer. thats all
mediterraneo1000 2 years ago
Comment removed
marshiamx 2 years ago
first at all buy a book to learn some music im not concern about you being rude.
mediterraneo1000 2 years ago
Not much!!!!
Apollogranforte 2 years ago
The rest of you say what you will.....I, for one, find Mr. Watson talented, passionate, and very easy on the eyes.
Lonestarry 2 years ago
He could have been quite good if he had ever gone through music school.
latraviata1853 2 years ago 2
C'mon, I can HEAR that this guy isn't QUITE Met opera qualtiy..but so what..he is REALLY close...he comes thru and the last high notes were good, tone and control especially WAS there... I've been listening to and heard live many of the worlds great tenors fom the great Ben Hepner, (a Canadian and probably the greatest Wagnerian tenor of our time) to Pav, to Domingo, and this guy is pretty DARN close..
SSGTA440 2 years ago
I'm sorry, but I must disagree. The main difference is his voice, without a microphone, will not carry over an orchestra. This makes him not nearly as skilled as the others who you have mentioned. He has vocal talent, but talent and skill are different. If he had the training of a Pavarotti, Domingo, Hepner, Florez and countless others, then and only then could you say he was darn close.
musiqmarquis 2 years ago
Brilliant range "The voice"
kirkwanglers32 2 years ago
Comment removed
nanagodzilla 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Oh dear. That is really grim. Sorry Russell but this is not opera & you know it.
For a masterclass in opera singing of the HIGHEST order it has to be Alfie Boe.
Check out his Nessun Dorma
rickenbugger 3 years ago
I went to listen to Alfie Boe version and he was not as good as Russell. His voice is not as wide and as deep as Russell's voice. May be you are right in your words that Alfie is the best but I think most people will give more credits to Russell.
samp987 3 years ago 2
here we go! Russell`s wonderfuland has a great voice and super popular.people love him classicial snobs get over it!. another great tenor look at Jon Christos he is glorious and yes before you start he does and has sang a lot of opera classically trained .......Alfie Boe er no ta and Ansell reminds me of a nanny goat and grates on me... different strokes for differentfolks and all that
redshoes3110 3 years ago
some people think they know it all,critize,thats all they know boo.
sexybumroberts 3 years ago 4
The British idea of a tenor.
Stick with baritones, y'all have no clue with high voice males.
jtaylorbaritone 3 years ago
jtaylorbaritone. He is absolutely NOT the British or anybody elses idea of a tenor! Don't be so insulting please. We do have some standards! Russell is a nice chap, but he wouldn't last 10 minutes on an operatic stage without that mic stuck down his throat! He doesn't have a big enough voice.
hiyadroogs 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hiyadroogs - hows that insulting? he hasn't even had an opera voice lesson & he sounds all forced like he got something in his throat! somedays he sounds good and some days he sounds bad - its give & take with russell. Now Simon Cowell has got the british people thinking that Paul Potts is an Opera Tenor! We stink when he comes to Tenors! only decent people we haveis Tony Henry (Opera Tenor) & Jonathan from G4 (needs serious voice work) thats it
Artisticz 3 years ago
Artisticz, jtaylorbaritone was making a dig at the Brits, - that we acclaim people like Russell & paul as the benchmark for operatic tenors, when of course at absolute best they are simply crossover artists. They are NOT operatic tenors. They occasionally make a half assed stab at the odd aria, & catawaul their way through it. Worryingly, Russell HAS had prolonged tuition in voice production. He should sue his teacher! - We do produce superb operatic tenors. Alfie Boe has a sensational voice.
hiyadroogs 3 years ago
that's why we have all heard of u! go on big mouth show us ur stuff
colinrowan 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Totally agree. Russell & Paul are nice chaps - working class guys made good but operatic tenors they are not. I despair that a background story is now important that outstanding talent.
Jonathan can't be compared to these guys. Firstly he has basic training but importantly he is still only a 'teenager' in terms of his voice. He says his voice is 'work in progess' for years to come. With that attitude he just might become a British tenor of merit. Florez is his inspiration.
Parkild 2 years ago
he is the best singer
krajncrocky 3 years ago
Oh dear - such bad singing - I don't know where to start - and what is he doing with his hands?
he's not singing it in the original key either.
ferniemilne 3 years ago
Gigli, Caruso and other great Operatic Tenor's must be turning in their graves at this travesty. Stick to Pop Russ :-(
silverstartrucker 3 years ago
Unfortunately it was Pavarotti who turned this beautiful aria into pop. but I agree, Watson hasn't got the voice for this.
gwaiguy 3 years ago
just like chazlilz it seems,. Russel has also got a great pair of lungs! :D
checkoutmyprofile 3 years ago
Russell Watson is a real gentleman, Myself & Oliver Dawson SAXON did a bit of work with him
& he was great. I know he has been very ill but he as bounced back. ROCK ON RUSS.
Wardi. :-)
wardi2002 3 years ago
WOW her tits are reALLY nice! just like mine!
22/f/single/cam! ne1 want to see? Ux
chazlilz123 3 years ago
me encanta sarah brightman y me gustaria q vieran el video de TURANDOT YESENIA en el you tube y mne dierais vuestra opinion y si podeis lo paseis a vuestros amigos un saludo.
MURCIELAGO1704 3 years ago
he looks different now. i mean he looks sooo much better... like a prince.... his face is clean and his hair is short and blonde.. =)
but this rendition is quite off.... i guess i just heard better. like paul potts's version...
rainskidoodle 3 years ago
Are you kidding me....Paul Potts and Russell Watson? Comparable?
samp987 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
They are comparable, samp987, they are both mediocre & can't sing opera.
hiyadroogs 3 years ago
oh dear... this should have NESSUN DOR- as a title... all endings are cut-short... oh well. sorry russ, i still love you but this version is awful!
gtgrajo 3 years ago
I love his voice. I have all of his CDs
ashmoore53 3 years ago
I like video with lyric, i could sing along, like Karaoke. with this translation - perfecto! We can't compare him with Pavarotti, different style and perception, and music appreciation. I'd learn to apprectiate all appreciation. this is music, music is life... music is your emotion. . . . agree?
jlmaylan 3 years ago
Ah he a bril singer been reading his autobiography nearly finished it it is a really good read
Cpt1Jack1 3 years ago
he is the best singer ever.he has the best b.i mean that he is better then pavarroti.
krajncrocky 3 years ago
this song is too big for his little voice
martinypato 3 years ago 2
This is wrong.
TheAleph74 3 years ago 3
Russell played Nathanel the priest i think in war or the worlds he was fantastic look on itunes and you will find it. Btw i love this version!!!
donnymad22 3 years ago
He sings like his decoration looks (i dont like both).
700 3 years ago 7
agreed
ILIKETOKILLSQUIRREL 3 years ago
listen franco corelli´s version
francorelli 3 years ago
Why does he keep doing that with his arms? Forced tone, no legato. I'll take Paul Potts any day over this!
trousermezzo 3 years ago 5
HAHAHAHAHA PAUL POTTS! You know, I might be inclined to agree with you.
caravaggio03 3 years ago 3
The point was they play in the same ball-park.
trousermezzo 3 years ago
No, I totally agree. There is work, and lots of it, for lyric baritones who stretch to sing to soccer moms/passionate everymen who tug at your heartstrings, but they are not to be confused with real singers.
caravaggio03 3 years ago 4
we love you rus!
amazing!
libedeo 3 years ago
He has a wonderful voice. I was pleased to see that he is recovering from his illness. I wish him well. He is the best!
clarrisina 3 years ago
Have you seen him in War of the Worlds? He acts brilliantly in that. He is brilliant! My role model, 'cos I'm a musician!
GoInAllWays 3 years ago
Where is he in War of the Worlds???
cybawatt 3 years ago
uh... you're a musician? I think not. fer serious you guys, I don't know about his other stuff, but this is disgraceful. He's not finishing the duration of the pitches because he can't handle this piece.
caravaggio03 3 years ago 11
great
glad to see BRITAIN actually HAS got TALENT
human778899 3 years ago
he is from Australia..
PacmanNobre 3 years ago
england actually :)
cheshire i think
jraaaf 3 years ago
Cheshire ha ha, he's from Irlam...a right shlt hole!!
stidge 3 years ago
oh :| i thought he was from hale.
always see him around where i live.
jraaaf 3 years ago
I think this is good. He sings this beautifully, especially for someone who did not studied voice like professional, this is excellent.
billy1983yes 3 years ago
I'm very glad that I can watch (& listen) this movie!
Thank you!
heartail 3 years ago
his voice is good he just doesnt have the power..
sturboy93 3 years ago
God, this is awful. Anyone who has heard an actual artist sing this song will know. Why do amateurs butcher Puccini like this. Leave it to the pros, Watson... PLEASE!!!
P.S. What in the world is he doing with his arms during the performance? Doing forms for martial arts or something?
jsphfrrll83 3 years ago 2