Nicolai Gedda sings Glinka- I remember a wonderful moment

[AulicExclusiva]

What an exquisite performance, full of simplicity and tenderness. Perfect style.

[nhcrama]

I have to say that I disagree with the characterization of Gedda's voice as lacking sweetness. I find that particularly in his softest voice, he tends to evoke a tone of breathtaking beauty, and yes, sweetness. Examples of this are 'Magische Tone' and 'Je Crois Entendre Encore'.

I do agree, however, that his voice took a turn for the worse in the 1970s. In his recordings of operas (perhaps related to their vocal weight) from this period do seem to possess a pressed and steely quality.

[Luthierano]

looks like Elvis! lol!

[oakroom48]

Expressive - wonderful. Thanks for posting!

[Katiuszkasanda]

Comme toujours un modèle de musicalité.Couleur typiquement slave,j'aime énormément!

[pianist527]

Thank you for the video of a excellent tenor. I agree with Sean, you write beautifully and with knowledgeable precious details. Congratulations for your comments.

[pylgrym]

Please post GEDDA as ELIJAH.

[Herur22]

Thank you for posting and thank you for the extensive commentary. I would add that this song is from the concert in Moscow in March 1980.

But regarding the "recorded excerpts of such roles as Radames and Riccardo..." - he had sung Riccardo fairly frequently on the stage.

[khankonchak]

Thank you for providing the recording data. The information that I have lists it as a concert performance from the early 1980's but gives no specific date or location.

Gedda did sing Riccardo on stage fairly regularly but was often taken to task by critics for being too "light" for the role. He also left no complete studio recording of the part. I do agree, however, that perhaps this was not the best example on my part.

[vstasov]

Thanks for the excellent and interesting essay. Agree that his vowels are lacking the dipthong (and palatalization?). A kind of tenor cousin of Fischer-Dieskau. I wish he were a little warmer and juicier, but he's an intelligent, classy artist. Very nice Glinka.

[ShawDAMAN]

Thanks for a fine recording of a fine artist, and, as usual, your insightful and well written comments. You should have a job somewhere in opera review. ;-)