Renata Tebaldi in Puccini's Tosca - Vissi d'arte

[Margaux3200]

I first saw Tibaldi as Tosca at LaScala when we lived in Italy. I've never forgotten her glamour, presence, and, of course, the voice. She's a great one, who'll live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to see her.

[dickshouse1]

I was very fortunate to be present at many of Renata's performances at many venues. Every performance was thrilling. Her voice never ceased to amaze me. I saw her first Butterfly at the Met and probably over 100 of her performances there. No one could ever replace her in a role I saw, the audiences were totally mesmerized at every performance. I was one of the lucky few who could count her as a dear friend. I miss her terribly but enjoy listening to every one of her recordings.

[7bbuwe]

Tolle Stimme!

[GeorgeM1949]

The photo attached to this performance is an iconic one not just for Tebaldi but for all opera. Does anyone know much about it?

[80Mrmirko]

per quanto riguarda Tosca ci sono fior di cantanti che hanno interpretato molto bene questo ruolo.....

e poi c'è Floria Tosca: cioè la Tebalbi..........

[Milahi1935]

Tebaldi is excellent, as good as callas, but not as good as caballe and Sutherland. Her range is slightly less.

[heigei1]

Sorry, Pavarotti said upon her death"the voice of an angel has been silenced"

Happy Holidays to you.

[heigei1]

Pavarotti said Tebaldi has the voice of an angel.

[ibk1980]

@heigei1 actually was Toscanini, but who cares? She really DOES have a voice of an angel!!!! What a great artist!!! increadible...

[louvet66]

et en plus elle avait la beauté!

[7thViking]

She's one of the great sopranos, but she has a tendency to go flat in hitting those high notes sometimes like in the latter "perche, perche signore" climax in this particular performance.

[Orfeus80]

@7thViking a very small price to pay for such legendary performances. No singer was perfect but Tebaldi at her best, came pretty close.

[7thViking]

@Orfeus80 Ditto

[chopinopus28]

@Orfeus80 first of all thank you very much for your post. is it possible to give us some information about the recording, when and where did it happen?? do you know if it does exist on cd format ?

[Orfeus80]

@chopinopus28 you're welcome, if you google Tebaldi, Tucker, Warren - Mitropoulos Tosca you should be able to find a release of this performance. I'm not a huge fan of the other singers but this is a must recording for Tebaldi and Mitropoulos.

[chopinopus28]

@Orfeus80 haha, the funny thing is that i already own this recording, but haven't heard it for years and so didn't recognize it! i agree with you about the rest of the cast, but mitropoulos is for sure one of my favorite conductors. so thank you very much again!

[PianistandFencer]

@7thViking I have to agree with you - she was fairly flat on the climax. I will say the quality of her voice on most things makes up for it though.

[TheValdoro]

@7thViking i can assure you that in the theatre with this huge ovewhelming sound coming at you over the orchestra at full blast you wont notice that it is a tiny bit down in pitch at least the start of it, while you nit pick at the universe , your chin will still have to be scraped off the ground where you dropped it !!!!

[080291ful]

grandissima interprete forse anzi sicuramente insuperabile, ogni tristezza vola via con il suo canto d angelo ,la callas è sicuramente un tantinello al di sotto.

[giacomo473]

Interprete insuperabile e raffinatissima - La regina e la gloria del belcanto

Grande TEBALDI !

[22Starreacher]

Tebaldi is still the best. No voice has ever come near the quality of her's. The purity of those high notes is nothing short of ecstatic.

[etadsum]

Splendida per sempre...

[disquand]

Renata Tabaldi has AMAZING tone quality!!!

[flavikio]

La madre di tutte le soprano,ha un solo nome:Renata Tebaldi

[giacomo473]

@flavikio - grande intenditore - è davvero la più grande - mi fa tanto piacere sentire quanto dici . grazie e cordiali saluti

[flavikio]

@giacomo473

Grazie del bel complimento.

Grazie sopratutto a Renata,la quale rimane per la Sua tecnica e per la Sua voce sublime,eterna ed incontrastata stella dell'Opera.

R.I.P. Renata.

[lamsalgado]

La cosa piu bella! Tebaldi!

[seetsebea1]

Great, Great. Beats Callas by far. Nowadays I love Angelica Gheorghiu, sensitive, sensible, full of warmth.

[12Fegens]

Gone but not forgotten we her devoted fans

will always love her and recall the wonderful

performances she gave at the Metropolitan

Opera House in New York City where she

was dearly loved.

[philipc67]

Simply superb. The elegance of phrasing, the noble and rich tone, well paced but never rushed, hers is arguably the best "Vissi d'Arte". Price, Callas, Caballe are close seconds.

[QBoxit]

Magnifica, especial.......etc.

[morinoroba]

Fascinating voice ! Strong and yet graceful....Thank you this video.

[cleope79]

de gustibus....magnifica si...la divina maria mamma che emoziione dava.......

[longlifeluke]

sublime.....O_O'

[BernardProfitendieu]

she looks just like Tosca should - regal

[Patpoussin]

C'était, c'est "la Tebaldi" et on ne la fera jamais assez revivre.

Merci.

It was, it is " la Tebaldi " and we shall make her relive never enough.

Thank you.

[MARISOLDELMONACO]

Bellissima voce per me il piu'grande soprano di tutti i tempi.

[aristopus]

I hear her sing it at the Old Met and the experience changed my life. Robert Merill was Scarpia, Sondor Konya Mario and the great Fernando Corena the scaristan. It's over fifty years later and I still remember it clearly.

[Orfeus80]

I didn't know she sang it with Merrill so looked it up in the met archives - are you sure it was at the met because they only list one performance and that's not at the MET but in Ohio with the MET on tour I guess. Sandor Konya sings Mario so it looks like your cast. She and Merrill must have sounded magnificient together - two of the greatest voices.

[aristopus]

@Orfeus80 My apologies. It was almost 50 years ago. In my mind I see Tito Gobbi, whom I know Tabaldi paired with in the role. I did see Merrill at the Old Met, but as Rigoletto. That I'm sure of. In any case, it was a life changing experience, culminating just a few years later in seeing Maria Callas and Giuseppe DiSteppano in Carnegie Hall. Those would be my two most memorable experiences in all these years. 

[aristopus]

@Orfeus80

My error. I think now it was Tito Gobbi. That year I later heard Merril sing Rigoletto. The years must have blurred my memory.

[Alieaz]

@aristopus Isn't Konya wonderful too? I am a young tenor and youtube has introduced me to singers like Lauri-Volpi, Konya, Giacomini and Fisichella.

[aristopus]

@Alieaz It was when Sandor signaled the sacristan, "da mi coloira." I had no idea what was in store, as I had never seen an opera before. Some strings, then a lonely flute introduced the melody. By the time he hit the high notes of "Tosca sei tu." I was an operaphile for the rest of my life.

My favorite act in all opera is Act I of Tosca, has everything. I can still hear Gobbi singing "Va Tosca" with the alter boys, voices high in the heavens, singing Te Deum. This is grand opera.

[bobbyluy]

@aristopus me too its amazing i was in the childrens chorus at the met at that time.

[aristopus]

@bobbyluy Wonderful. What a charming memory for the rest of your life. I remember Fernando Corena as the sacristan, must have stood 6 ft 5 in. I later saw him sing Doctor Ducumarra in the Elixir.

It broke my heart when they tore down the great building. Was worse than when the Brooklyn Dodgers split for the west coast.

[theoriginashutterbug]

Good heavens, what an incredible voice

[Clevinal]

Oh my god!

Wonderful

[georgegurr]

bjorling tebaldi voices from heaven

[pramzano69]

Poche storie: il miglior "Vissi d'arte" di sempre. D'altronde, se Toscanini la definì  "voce d'angelo" ci sarà pure un motivo...

[lumenar70]

Brava Cara Renata !!! ci dimentichiamo

[Dondinin]

you mean non ti dimentichiamo, I guess...

[espinaca79]

I think this is a much better version. It is so sweet and yet strong, extremely well pased, so different to Callas' whose unique version is all about passion.

[7enlightenedtemplar7]

No one sings this particular aria better then Tebaldi

[idiotnumber8]

I fully agree.

To me personally, this is the greatest voice out side of Caruso at his best. And, again personally, I don't think anyone ever understood Caruso better than Tebaldi. (And noone need flip out about it, for it is just the way I experience it. Aesthetics is a complicated and varied field.)

[gigie555]

I would agree. On vocal quality, Tebaldi's voice was one of the the richest and most powerful. ever Forget Callas. While her vocal technique and acting were superb, the rich tone wasn't there. Only Flagstad's voice was in the same league as Tebaldi's.

[idiotnumber8]

Yes, I have been learning that when I go to a live performance, I want the whole ball of wax; i.e., sufficiently great voices (though maybe not the greatest), acting, casting, directing, accompaniment, etc., for that is what a live opera is all about: the entire thing, not just one or more element or dimension of it. A great performance is does not need the greatest in each and every thing. Great live opera is not just about voices. But when listening alone, then one wants the greatest voices.

[idiotnumber8]

For example, I attended a performance this past Spring of "Carmen." I went mainly for friends; but it turned out to be great, because of not only the woman's voice, but because of her profound acting. If the casting is wrong, the composer's power, his voice, is not present.

And I agree: first time I saw a film of Callas in performance, I could not believe the power of her acting, even on film. In person, it must of been overwhelming.

[idiotnumber8]

@gigie555 Flagstad is also one of my all time favorite sopranos. And while, yet, in an opera hall, great acting and other visual appearances are parts of what live opera is holistically all about, as experienced "live," the ESSENCE of grand opera is in the voice, what one HEARS via the VOICE! It's a "gift" that its recipient is also called forth to learn a lot besides; rarer than a diamond, or aesthetically, which is a part of the essence of it also, even making it to the moon etc.

[gigie555]

Tebaldi's voice was always known for it's power and richness. Callas for her superior belcanto technique. Both singers could convey drama like none of their contemporaries. Unique voices that will never be forgotten.

[Richiesutherland]

Perfection. Every note a gem, but every note also heartfelt. No false "theatrics" like some sopranos, no milking and gulping and emoting. Tebaldi can convey more with one grace note that most sopranos can in an entire evening. We love and miss you Renata.

[upatoia]

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20th CENTURY OPERAS : the MOST VIEWED and MOST COMPLETE last century opera playlist in YOU TUBE !

[chris99103]

Paul Potts..????......LOOOOOOOOL...

[SiEtIn1]

lol

[Orfeus80]

I was thinking about removing the Paul Potts comment but it's actually funny to have it as an entry here. A good joke to cheer us all up...lol

[tenor220]

Paul potts is a joke, he's terrible.

[OperaLover84]

@tenor220 ugh tell me about it. why do we put mediocrity on a pedestal these days?

[bwonderlandj]

my fav interpretation. Brava!

[chris99103]

Just one word....MAGIC........todays sopranos are millions of lightyears away from the qualities of a Tebaldi, a Callas, a Albanese or a Sutherland...

[chris99103]

I should add Zeani as well...LOL

[bogdankos]

Zeani indeed...

[daffodilnyc]

Amazing!! I think this is the best thing I have ever heard her sing!!

[theofilosch]

This is one of my favored arias, Very nice performed by Tebaldi's but I cant get over Callas, I think best performed is from her , then Angela Geoghiu.

[LaerdBryn]

Also Anna Moffo and many others sang this role superbly. About the pace - that's up to the conductor so common sense says that the singer was doing as being paid to do.

[B1079TL]

Muy buena interpretacion.

[AulicExclusiva]

Che bella interpretazione! Che bella voce!

[Houndentenor1998]

Marvelous here.

[michompy7]

She's great, amaizing, but i prefer Maria Callas.

[karatepanda13]

Amazing... Callas is wonderful, and so is Tebaldi. Can't choose a favorite.

[conmaleta]

this happens when a good conductor can bring out the best of a singer (and what a singer, in this particular case). Tebaldi and Mitropoulos make a great pair, if u wanna have another example, listen to her live Forza, with Mitropoulos conducting...AMAZING

[neronnenn]

Impressionante!

[rossini90]

Il miglior "vissi d'arte" che ci sia.

[luker2222]

Callas' and Tebaldi's interpretations are equally beautiful. It's no point comparing them.

[kakolukiam1984]

luker2222 ha perfettamente ragione.Non possono esserci 2 interpretazioni belle senza ke l'una superi l'altra?

[adremoid]

probably we are driven by the compassion for the sad end of the life of Maria and she became a legend. Imhp, It's impossible to judge which is the better. The worlsd is nice because we can judge on our own based also on our feelings and emotions

[flicfan416]

Eat your heart out Callas. You'll never be as good as Tebaldi.

[troppofiato]

I think they are BOTH amazingly beautiful and moving - each in her own unique way. When you are at that level there is no better, only different.

[klinsha8]

yodavinavarro says "(...)but I MUST ADMIT(...)".

hahahaha! ma,sei um stúpido, o soltanto un po ubriaco??

[ligure2008]

La più grande in assoluto!

[ligure2008]

E' stata la più grande in assoluto!

[sissipiaf]

cosa ci può essere di più bello???

[amarillysa2007]

Bravissima!! La mejor interpretación que he escuchado de esta aria de Tosca en la exquisita voz de la recordada diva Renata Tebaldi. ¡Grande entre las grandes !

[idiotnumber8]

(P.S.: Or at least an image similar, with candle further from her and her right hand behind it.)

[ccalina]

The best version os this Aria!!! Loved it!! Thank you.

[koalabee]

Stunning. Beautiful control and the tempo was blissful. I've never heard it sung as well as i hear it in my head, but this is about as close as it comes :)

[francamentefranca]

Grandissima Tebaldi

[promthjr]

Stupenda!

[v2eqi]

Brava,la voce d'angelo.

[RenataAnna]

Perfetto, ideale!! No words..

[utineke]

fantastic

[Onegin65]

Captivating, wonderful, really gorgeous. Please, from where it's this version?

[Orfeus80]

MET '56

[Onegin65]

Thanks

[idiotnumber8]

"Grandi Voci," Renata Tebaldi, London (records/CDs). It is the CD with that image on it, of Tebaldi. Play it on stereo from the disk directly. Albeit, it is an anthology, crossing Puccini, Verdi, and four other composers, but undoubtedly one of the most succinct greatest presentations of what extraordinary beauty the soprano, Tebladi, was composed of---herself. Enjoy!

[adremoid]

Perfect: no other words required.

Grazie, Renata

[mylittlepony34]

It had always been callas vs tebaldi. The combination of both would be heavenly.

[ffilchtaeh]

Such a beautiful sound from heaven, or at least what I imagine heaven to be.

[ciaojellissimi]

Renata Tebaldi is an Italian voice full of life, color and love. She is perfect for Puccini.

[maggeo78]

Magnifica.... Un anticipo di paradiso!

[swe50]

I am amazed at the vitriolic comparisons of Price, Callas and Tebaldi. All of them were outstandingly gifted in their own right. This Tebaldi rendition of Vissi d´arte is excellent, tender, in carachter, and she´s holding back her spinto skillfully. Brava, Tebaldi, and God bless all the fantastic sopranos of that era!

[crooner62]

Well said and blessings for reminding that there is room in the circle - we don't have to be at war; we can celebrate all the talent & beauty in this world... This was the recording (about 14 years ago) that I heard on the radio that made me stop in the middle of my tiny apt in NYC & feel the presence of God. I'd never heard Tebaldi before, but I've never forgotten her since (and never will)...

[ZMPOUTSAM]

She is wonderful here, and her high note phobia

seems to have disappear.

Of course she sang this aria a lot of times.

Brava.

[bradoperaman]

This voice always transmits special emotions within my soul. I can't explain it. I know she is far from perfection from the technical standpoint but the voice alone is unparalleled and in possession of so many colors. Wow.

[franrat]

unfortunately a "vissi d'arte" does not a great Tosca make, but truth be told it has always been one of her best aria, and this version is one of her best

[VivaTebaldi]

VivaMariaCallas - I agree with you, Callas and Tebaldi were two of the greatest singers so different. They are no voices like them anymore. We were lucky they arrived at the same time.

[sakmeof]

Unappealing as usual.

[meltzerboy]

Of course, Callas is often considered the gold standard for this aria and the whole opera. Muzio was also fabulous in the role. But Tebaldi was a great Tosca as well, and she does a splendid job here, displaying a most beautiful and expressive tone.

[VivaMariaCallas]

I defend Tebaldi because she is one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Loving Maria doesn't mean that you can't love Renata, or little Renata, or Mirella, or Leyla, or Monserrat....

[VivaMariaCallas]

BTW, Tebaldi wasn't a son. She was a daughter.

[VivaMariaCallas]

I really don't see how this singing can be void of beauty. This is Tebaldi in her prime. The voice is paramount.

[VivaMariaCallas]

For me, the tempo is too slow, but Tebaldi is simply angelic here.

[Voluptuossa1234]

I agree that the tempo seems just a little slow, but I think that it really works for her here. It seems more dramatic and she really did a great job with this aria.

[Voluptuossa1234]

I agree that the tempo seems just a little slow, but I think that it really works for her here. It seems more dramatic and she really did a great job with this aria.

[cubdaddy40]

Her voice makes the world melt away. "Amazing" doesn't come close to describing her talent.

[Liwah]

I will hunt down and slap the person, or descendants of, that initiated the applause over her last piano note.

[tomzoricic]

I agree!

[veramour]

Brava!

[Andante735]

It's perfection-- pure gold.

[Andante735]

P.S. This is the way it's supposed to sound. Ditto for Callas.

[sevoflurane]

Mitropoulos is conducting, right?

[VivaTebaldi]

Yes it is Mitropoulos conducting.

[VivaTebaldi]

I think this is from The Metropolitan Opera from 1956 with Richard Tucker and Leonard Warren.

[VivaTebaldi]

What a great voice - Incredible sound, so rich and poised. Perfection on earth - Nobody singing today have this sound - powerful and so feminine. Thanks for posting this.

[zetetics3]

I agree. What has happened to this type of wonderful singing? Not only Tebaldi, but many other of the greats from the past possessed this warm, straight forward way of singing. I love listening to so many of them in preference to today's singers. It's a mystery to me. Maybe it's a lost art.

[Andante735]

This type of wonderful singing comes from a lifetime of sacrifice, and respect for music. She in fact did live for her art, as did many others. She wasn't thinking about her lastest recording of " I could have danced all night". These are people who learned from Conductors, when Conductors knew something about singing, rather then brainstorming with General Managers about who's thin enough to do the next High Defintion Telecast in Times Square. It's over.

[listentomom]

Yes, this is wonderful singing. I lament the loss of this type of singing also. But surely the art of teaching this free technique must have been passed down somewhere - PLEASE!!. Why do today's singers have these thready, thin sounds or overly plummed, airy sounds or pushed, strident, wobbly sounds? Who is ruining today's voices at the basic technical level??

[jicontios]

listentomom: I agree with you about today singers, there are NO great voices, today singers voices are average, too covered, no edge, not greatsounding voices etc, too many flaws.BUT let's admit a voice like Tebaldi is 1 or 2 in a century.R.Zandonai told that when she auditioned with him, in Italy she was called the italian Flagstad

[patjan92]

One of the best renditions I've heard. The slowness of the tempo seems to highlight the best qualities in her voice. Awesome.

[meltzerboy]

For the whole opera, probably Callas was the best Tosca, or perhaps Muzio. But this "Vissi d'arte" of Tebaldi's is spectacular; what year was it sung and from which performance? Thanks for posting.

[mrrk]

My God. What a voice. This is perfection.

[AnnElliot]

The slow tempo works wonders, lets the voice do the job; and the applause... worthy of the legend.