The Light in the Piazza -- Il Mondo Era Vuoto - Aaron Lazar

[Judill]

This is gorgeous! Beautiful singing!

[synchronicityparkour]

@Ill Threat and @Chewy810

Shut the fuck up. Nobody cares. We're here to watch the performance, not bitch over whether it's harmful to the voice or not.

[gluedhand]

Can Ihave my own Fabrizio?Pretty Plase! Him and Katie were amaing and adorible

[IIIThreat]

Great job! Even though I'm in love with Matthew Morrison, this guy is just as good. I like the passion in his voice. His voice is a bit "bright" for my tastes, but I think it's just because he's singing Italian, and normally Italian is reserved for the classical realm. I'm a music minor and musical theatre major, so my ear is used to hearing Italian in a classical setting, and not so much in musical theatre. Anyway, end of lengthy reasoning...ugh. This guy sang his butt off!

[Warlowisnumberone]

He's amazing!!

[wainblatrobert]

another song that makes me wish so much harder that I was a tenor :((( just unfair

[IIIThreat]

@wainblatrobert: My first vocal coach told me I was a bass/baritone (this was about 10 years ago). Four years later I met a Speech Level Singing (or SLS) vocal coach; she had me vocalizing up to Eb5 in FULL VOICE.  With my old vocal coach (who was a classical vocal coach) I couldn't get past D4. Google "speech level singing" and go to the website. SLS works...you may be a tenor and not even know it!

[PK292TSM]

Mr.Lazar's singing in this musical was so much more passionate and moving because of the quality of his voice and his training. And for a character who's a young Italian man in love, that's a must. Matthew Morrison is a great performer for both singing and dancing but for my taste his singing and acting for this role was, I hate to say, lacking the passion and vulnerability that Aaron Lazar was able to bring.

[dandaman0001]

I'm actually working on becoming Fabrizio and let me just say that this song is TOUGH. The entire role is TOUGH even for accomplished actors and singers. To top it off for professional productions you are under a severe time constraint to learn the material. Matthew and Aaron are both amazing to even be able to do this role and pull it off. It's a role that will never be perfect unless you are Italian from Florence who is a trained singer and even at that people will still find flaws

[singforyoursupper]

One of my favorite songs ever. How the %&$# did Spamalot beat this show for best musical???

[vp1981ad]

A large part of what makes this performance great is that Lazar is so believable in his restless, unable-to-stand-still performance of a young man in love.

[witchstar1987]

I don't if its just me, But i would like to see Josh Groban sing this.

[witchstar1987]

Totally agree

[me148]

when I try to sing along with morrison, I find myself strained and throaty. With lazar, I feel much more comfortable and relaxed when I sing.

NOT that it's good to "imitate" singers, but singing along with them can reveal things about your own voice/issues.

[Elandra7]

Would someone be able to translate this for me?

I've tried an online translator, but it was choppy and didn't use logic.

[foxylady089]

there is a sub version of this song on youtube, i have it in my favorites =]

[uKooKu]

Well I might have said this before, but I believe that if Lazar had originated the role on Broadway, he'd have won the Tony. Nothing against Morrison, but he just didn't OWN the role.

[leadingladybug]

100% agree. Aaron Lazar and Kelli O'Hara would have made an AMAZING pairing on the original Broadway cast. Aaron's voice is spectacular and he's a perfect Fabrizio.

[uKooKu]

Hi there, leadingladybug! I just recently read your review of this on imdb. Right on; you and I are sympatico on this one.. but you'll be pleased to know that by the time this reached Chicago, Katie had greatly improved. Ironically, it was Fabrizio I found lacking! Oh, well, can't always have everything. A shame this will never be released on DVD. How unspeakably backward is that???

[leadingladybug]

That's great to hear! :) I think Katie was great for the part of Clara acting-wise, no complaints there - she made me cry a few times. I agree, it's very sad that this won't ever be on DVD - why why why?!

[tonybear82]

Interesting. I just don't hear it from Matthew Morrison. It's the unvoiced 's' in così. I didn't think that was an aspect of the Florentine dialect.

[tonybear82]

Really good performance.

Bad Italian.

[josiahgulden]

Florentine dialect, buddy. Director's choice, not Aaron's.

[fairlyducky]

As someone who recently lived in Florence, I'd say still bad Italian.

His vowels are too flat and broadway for it to be good italian even if all the consonants were on.

[LarisDamianos]

As someone who sings broadway musicals almost every day (college graduate in vocal performance), I'm only gonna say that it's impossible to sing true italian vowels on a high G or B (depending on which version you're singing). You have to forego true vowel shape to get a healthy, pure sound like he does all through this. Otherwise, it sounds horrible.

[LE3C]

That is completely false.

It is more than possible to sing pure vowels and say all words on every note in your voice, without exception, exactly as in speech. Those who sing in tense, artificial "positions", tone created with muscle, are incapable of having a relaxed, natural approach to recitar cantando. Tragically this is considered "good". Opera was born in Italy and based on the pure Italian language.

The Italian in this scene (sung & spoken) is embarrassing, as is the singing itself.

[IIIThreat]

@LarisDamianos: You are so right. This song is impossible to sing otherwise. You can manipulate the vowels, though, to sound like they are the pure vowels, but they really aren't. To me, he does a decent job of that here. Plus, this isn't Italian opera; it's musical theatre! It doesn't negate the fact that this guy can sing like nobody's business, and is a great actor as well.

[musicaluver99]

I think I just fell in love! lol

[blueundies]

can i buy this anywhere!??! or download??

[thelivesofme1]

you can find someone who taped it maybe, google it

[BigKCunningham]

@blueundies THIS version? Nowhere. Morrison's? iTunes

[musiq1281]

@BigKCunningham i felt like lazar's version is better and more passionate.....just saying

[hellojeremy]

i cant say anything bad about it! he's got a beautiful voice, awesome stage presence, the most charming laugh, the music's beautiful, the lyrics breathtaking. love it :]

[deepamaranth]

aaron has such a stage presence...he's just amazing great in les mis too

[seanieboi83]

his voice is much sexier though

[tiernan87]

hmmm. idk. his vocals just aren't as controlled as i would like. for me, matthew morrison does this much better.

[thelivesofme1]

personally, i 100% disagree... matthew morrison in my opinion had to "fake" his way through the songs in this show... as his voice isnt really classical... the way aaron sings the high G# in this piece is clearly more classical healthy singing and produces a better sound... matthew morrison really had to belt that note out, which didnt sound as good... i feel

[klmnumbers]

See i disagree. I actually DO prefer Morrison as a vocalist throughout this piece but prefer Lazar's Italian and acting.

Not that Lazar isn't amazing; I just take issues with the fluidity between areas of his range; a lot of times when he moves into certain passagio sections, it's really evident. It happens a lot on vowel changes too - like you can hear a glottal attack which is inappropriate in Italian.

Anyhoo - I just prefer Morrison on THIS song especially.

[battleoneliac]

Ah, but does Morrison have that nice ass? XD

Just kidding. I say this because I have absolutely no cares about the fluidty of his G. I can see that Aaron has heart in his stuff, that's all I need.

[IIIThreat]

@thelivesofme1: I started off being classically trained, and I can tell you from my personal experience that classical training did little for me other than learning to sing in other languages. Speech Level Singing is where it's at, and I will preach that until the day I die! Traditional classical training has so many limitations, and has been shown that it can actually harm the voice. Speech level singing is not only healthy, but rehabilitative, and applies to many different vocal styles.

[Chewy810]

@IIIThreat I'm curious to know where you learned about classical training having limitations and its harm to the voice. I understand your stance on SLS and yes this is very appropriate for musical theatre, but in no sense could I believe that classical singing is harmful to the voice. The Italian way is generally based on focus attached to free air stream. After watching this vid, there r spots where he demonstrates tension and no longer a free air stream. Another thing I noticed..

[Chewy810]

@IIIThreat He sings this song a very open sound for 95% of the time. Then when he goes up for the Ab towards the end, he attempts to go for a voce chuisa sound or "closed voice" and it clearly isn't in shape. The Ab and some other higher tessitura notes are too open and spread, giving a colorless sound. Good classical training a DOES NOT demonstrate this open sound. In contrast, I do like his openness and bright sound he uses in the lower register. The higher needs more voce chuisa to be colrful

[illbeastonishing16]

ahhh i just died a little <333

[renethel]

Aaron Lazar is just captivating! 5 stars for him!

[Mo1207]

This clip was nice...but the ONLY person who does justice to this song is the one and only DAVID BURNAHM....hands down!

He is by far the MOST SPECTACULAR.

Mo

[bellaluce]

No...not at all.

[sammydee12]

If there is anyone who is king enough and italian enough to send me an english translation of this song and the dialogue i would be forever grateful.

[Unchisan]

They are really good, but it's evident they aren't Italian. I'm Italian and I can't understand everything "Fabrizio" is singing.

[broadwaysweetie]

Yea. I'm learning to sing in Italian and I cannot understand everything. Just one or two words.

[klmnumbers]

lol I understand all his Italian, and even the spoken Italian follows the flow of spoken Italian fairly well.

It's just clear they're americans doing Italian accents. Nit picks here and there with fluidity and vowel placement and inconsistency of the 'r'

[HermioneWazlib91]

Agreed. But it's still quite a good accent!

[igottaflyonce]

singing in Italian is very different than speaking it. Words are pronounced differently, in order to make singing challenging pieces.

[jcmt88]

Matthew Morrison, who?

[broadwaysweetie]

He was the original Fabrizio. He was replaced by Aaron. They are both AMAZING! I think Matthew's Il Mondo was a little stronger than Aaron's but I love them both!

Thanks for posting this

-broadwaysweetie

[sntheticguitar]

Hm. Personally I didn't like the way Morrison belted his notes. Kind of did injustice to the Italian lyric, in my opinion.

Plus I have a man-crush on Aaron Lazar. So I bet that has something to do with it.

[gsolomonla]

I agree, Matthew was perfect.

[Johnny1113]

Dude whatever, Mathew Morrison rocks, you just wish he didn't hold a candle to this guy!! Boo, I give you a thumbs down for such a weak comment.

[yanagine]

WOW what a voice. I did not know broadway musicals sounded like this. I'd definetly be willing to see this one, but apparently its already done. Such a shame.

[elphclaudia]

It's touring the country :)

Also you should get the CD. Matthew Morrison, the original, is very good also. :)

[patebrisee]

*faints*

[sntheticguitar]

Wow. Just wow. Aaron Lazar is just incredible. Matthew Morrison doesn't even hold a candle to this guy.

[jmcprado]

thank you for this. i love this musical it is one that we will remember for years to come. bravo

[ladona2728]

Do you have the full show???

[npk5678]

he's H O T

[nybigi]

Aaron-you are the best of America! Best wishes for a long and successful career!

[Hoofer26]

perfection

[REBECCAtheSOPRANO]

that was AWESOME!!!

[xteffx]

i love the dad hes so funny

[Deborahyo]

I saw him in les mis too! He's so wonderful.

[silverypavement]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, Aaron Lazar! I have been a fan of his since I saw him as Enjolras in Les Mis, and he's just wonderful in this! And what a voice!

[matineeshowing]

Marry me, Mr. Lazar.

[phlamerz]

damn he's a massive singer, that was effortless

[cutietheatregirl555]

he is so wonderful. i ahve been a big fan of his since i saw him in this. my god, he s gorgouse!

[leahfran419]

i totally saw him in the revival cast of les mis!! SOOO AMAZING!

[derrickcrash]

this still gets me every time. great composition by guettel, and wonderful performance by lazar.

[arrowtograce]

I give it five for aaron. Fabrizio e frumos

[mila203]

he was enjolras in les miz

[redblackBROADWAY]

i love aaron he's amazing!!!! does anyone know if theres a video of this or the soundtrack??

[isnanesavant]

yo sporkgoddess!burninglight from bttleon forums here,love tha song,i kan appreciate good music!^_^

[ant0n1a]

Aaron Lazar WAS fabulous in Les Miz!!! One of the best there - i loved his voice and his acting!

[step527]

I agree with all my heart. The man is an image of perfection.

[highbelter]

I agree; just saw it and he was really great.  And he is amazing here. Beautiful voice.

[ExpReSsIoNthX]

i second her question. How about SAY IT SOMEHOW? It's my favorite song in Piazza

[osassy12]

Hey do you have more video's from the PBS showing that you could post? Like Say it somehow? Thanks! PS Lazar is fantastic in Les Mis. You should go see it.

[istillbelieve24601]

Aaron is amazing! He's hot, he's nice, he's striaght he can sing and he can act, often at the same time. I can't wait to see him in Les Mis!

[cpcongming]

i love Matthew Morrison's voice and i read he did do a lot of work for his role but i have to agree, Aaron has brought a strong sense of authenticity in his performance...if that makes any sense.

[coloratura42]

Awesome Fabrizio, superb Enjolras... is there anything this guy cannot do? He's really nice too, he signed my Les Miz program!

[JoshRC17]

Aaron Lazar was fabulous in NY. David Burnham is great too. Be sure to see him on the Piazza tour. You can see Aaron though, playing Enjoras in the Les Miserables revival on Broadway right now. He's great.

[broadwaynut]

Gosh, Aaron owns at life. And he's such a sweetheart.

[allycrombie33]

As much as I completely adore Matthew as Fabrizio...yeah. Aaron PWNS him.

[PsychChick02]

This guy is okay. David Burnham, currently in the touring cast, is soooo much better. A better actor, better italian, better singer, and hot! He is also a completely down to earth and nice guy. Go see the show as it travels the country. I saw it twice and plan on seeing it again in Costa Mesa, CA and in Sacramento, CA.

[PreciousEarthquakes]

I think Aaron is hotter. heehee.

[uKooKu]

Gotta say I disagree. I thought Burnham played it over the top. But to each his own!

[MmeJavert]

I am pretty much in love with Aaron. If he sang to me like that I think I would die of happiness.

[ncarr08]

I would marry him if same sex marriage were legal... and if he weren't straight... and if he weren't married to some Gorgeous bitch!

[madman5033]

ditto here!

[oldambrosia]

I have fallen in love with Aaron Lazar.

[toddh3284]

That was beautiful. Amazing voice...

[puchicanas]

Glorious!!!!!!!! I LOVE HIM!

[christprincess]

his acting is amazing. and can i just say... he's got a huge neck... that's a goood thing, very manly. ;)

[walkeg]

I have the song from the soundtrack. It is much better than how this guys sings it

[karahmelapple]

Matthew Morrison was totally miscast though, even if he does have a good voice.

[puchicanas]

Wrong.here is the reason why.Matthew has little urgency in his voice. Aaron has a moving urgency that brings tears to eyes.Matthew has only a little ring to his voice,pretty at moments,but pushed and a bit forced.Aaron has so much ring that his voice flies, and doesn't seem forced at all,just free and beautiful.Matthew can't do the italian dialect to save his life.Aaron has it down perfect.Matthew doesn't look the part.Aaron does.he is much better.conclusion: aaron wins!

[becky2shoes]

There is no soundtrack.

[bwaylvsong]

Walkeg meant cast recording. Most people don't know the difference.

[becky2shoes]

But they should.

[Bandaind4ABrknPlanet]

I'm in love with Fabrizio!

[wholian]

please keep uploading bits from this broadcast!! LITP is great!

[COOOOLkid]

Yay! This is probably my favorite song in the whole musical! The Light in the Piazza is just unbelieveably awesome!

[karenknits]

He's so unbelievably good!