He has a great, strong, also he has lots of carisma( what is very important for you to be sucessul in this business)but the fact he cover too much his notes( besides the wonderful high Cs, they are beautiful)makes his singing a lil boring. I am not saying it was boring. NOT AT ALL,but singing the same way the beguining to the end, gives the public the impression nothing is happening.And I think he does over come this lil issue with his carisma, but it wold be perfect if he let his voice 2 b free
The question at the end of the day is did the tenor hit the high C's, here Roderick acquits himself, boring eh, certainly exciting to hear the series of on point high C's.
i think this is nice!:) Good thing we have many talented people, so we can have many legends and many nice voices to listen to, so everyone can find his/her favorite(s):)
Si bravo, ma cantare quest'aria non vuol dire far solo sfoggio di acuti ma avere l'eleganza ed il fraseggio ed il senso della frase che necessita la musica di Donizetti.
His first name is Rodrick, not Roderick. Just a small note to those who look for his work. I just saw him this week in "the Dwarf" and he was, in one word, fantastic.
He's clasping his throat insead of letting it fall beneath the O, but still a beautiful instrument. I do agree with samuelbautenor. It could give him trouble later in his career if not careful.
I have one single concern: The C5s at the end are being punched too hard. His vocal cords can form nodes, due to the fact that he is causing them to slap together very fast. High Cs must be approached with caution, especially with this piece.
I think you're wrong. His vocal cords are relaxed with this high cs. he is extremely covering (while being open) his cords, therefore not making them any harm. High cs does not sound that dark, but it is the natural sound of that register
I dont think hes covering when he gets to pour mon amis, he's wide open on most of his notes f-g, the high C's are good, but only because they cant be covered regardless. That shows a naturally good voice with a C, but I don't see much covering in the performance, more throating that could give the impression that its being covered...my opinion at least.
my friend bcom11, the stupid are you. racist. this singer is wonderful, his vocal color is beatiful, great technique. congratulations Roderick Dixon! no racism at the world! my friend black expose his talent,
I sing this aria. You have to elide Mon-Ame. So actually it is Pour Mo-name. You're right though, he doesn't sing J'ai sa flamme - he sings like J'ai sa aaame... haha. But who cares! He is obviously not a Tonio, but sings the hell out of this aria. Those are high Cs. I have heard him live and he is strikingly good.
Tonio is not a baritone role!!!!!!! It is a LIGHT tenor role... and Dixon is not a Leggiero, He would never be hired to play the role of Tonio.... and neither would any so-called dramatic baritone.
you are confusing two different opera my friend...Tonio is in Daughter of the Regiment a Tenor and in Leoncavallos Pagliachi he is a dramatic baritone...two different characters
dude...you are way off this guy is Tonio without a doubt...it doesnt matter about the damn size of voice. He's really good. I hope you are not saying Tonio is a dramatic baritone...i really really hope that isnt the case
It's basically opening up the throat by lifting the soft palate, lowering the larynx (slightly) and moving the tongue out of the way to be able to sing higher notes and to add a darker timbre to the voice making it sound operatic and noble.
I randomley picked this dvd up in the store one day and until this day i can say that it is one of my favorites. His voice is amazing and his pronounciation of the french language is impeccable!
He'd die trying to hit all those C's in quick sucession. I think he is wise not to attempt it.
With regard to the guy in the video, he has a nice voice, but when he hits the Cs he sounds like he's singing gospel or something. (By the way that was not a racist comment, that's what it sounded like to me.)
I actually agree about the Cs. The first of the two always sounds ugly and forced - no spin, very tense. But I love his voice anyway. He just needs to work on that part.
for your information, this aria has 9 high Cs. Domingo is famous with the "where's the DO" meaning that he never had the high C. Che gelida manina, and di quella pira of his, all is transpoded down one note.
The tone isn't darkened because he's black or because he's a baritone, it's because of his tongue position. The percieved darkness is a lack of space in the pharynx.
There is no way a baritone could even think about singing this. He is definitely a tenor all the way. The darkness in his voice is just part of his individual instrument. Individuality is what makes any singer great.
I disagree. A baritone -could- sing this aria. I am a high lyric and can sing this Aria. No, singing the -role- is a different story. Most baritones, I can't even think of one of the top of my head, that could sing this role. But the aria out of the show and out of context. Doable.
Well... Maybe 1% of professional baritones can do this, not more. Right now I can only think of Hampson and Shore. MAYBE, but I think he'd need to have one of his best days, Merrill.
Most baritones- even high lyric- can't go above Bb4 though. So I doubt they could sing 9 high C's in a minute or so.
I kinda agree i think its coming from the tongue position more or less maybe just a little bit of darkening on his part..... but even without that he's a great artist with a beautiful instrument
I love how he sings "Ame" starting with that incredibly difficult open vowel sound on such a hard note. Most others, including Florez sing it more like "mon n'ame." What control this guy has. Simply amazing.
He is a natural born singer. Even if he was trained properly he would not be singing in the Met. Opera world is prejudice. We never seen real black tenor perform Otello. I've seen plenty in Porgy and Bess.
Sorry. It's a really good effort - and certainly better than I could have done myself (before anyone makes that point!) But listen to the Florez version if you want to hear it done well. And listen to the Pavarotti version if you want to hear it done perfectly!
One of my favorite singers on the planet. I have seen him (with Cook and Trent) 4 times and own the DVDs. I really don't think singing gets much better than Roderick Dixon, and he is a lovely person, warm and kind, as well. Bravo!! Talent, technique, and heart. Wow!
Actually he isn't hitting the C well because of the pressure he is placing on his voice..he really sounds like a baritone stepping up...but i think he did a great job singing it...Juan Diego Florez has the best head notes for the top c in this piece...i bet if this guy relaxed more those head notes would give him a more realistic tone
Also, Roderick is a Dramatic Tenor. Juan Diego Florez is not. That's like comparing apples and oranges. They are both fruis and round, but the similarities stop there.
Roderick and Juan are both Tenors and humans, but the similarities pretty much end there. :/
his technique is off, and his voice isnt necessarily an operatic type of voice, like bocelli. people mistake bocelli to be an opera artist, when he isnt. c'mon, look at this guy. he opens his mouth wide enough to stuff a cardboard pizza box in there.
technique is always in growth...his voice is most definitely operatically trained - he is a grad of the Chicago Lyric! Obviously mouth size has nothing to do with anything!!!
Well First Of all He is Considered The 3rd Tenor when it Comes To Descending order of Range Of The 3 mo tenors. In Fact This Song Was Written for the ability of a 1st Dramtic Tenor The Fact That He is a 3rd Tenor Challenging This Song is (Remarkable) Thats Like Putting and alto as the leading Lady In Mad'am Butterfly The opera Who has Extrodinary Range Amazing. i didn't hear any Breaks or Cracks In His Voice Or Seen Struggle In Breathing Between Notes This Guy Deserves His Props Hands Down.
H does not cover his sound as much as most people are used to but he isn't yelling. His sound is farther back at the lowere part but still has the ring of a tenor. Tell me he screams his high C's and I'll laugh at you.
Last but not least, some of the passagi have a bit of portamenti around "pour mon ame" at 2:40 and some other points in the aria, which are not acceptable in bel canto.
actually the portamenti in opera comique is quite stylistic. Most tenors do not take the repetitive C and re-onset which is what Mr. Dixon can athletically do.
well my dear friend,in opera comique portamenti IS allowed.And I do not believe Mr. Dixon does the portamenti to the high Cs anyway. Certainly not in the truest sense of portamenti - like Puccini or Verdi.
did I answer this? opera comique does require other technical advantages! It's certainly not portamenti that Puccini or Verdi would require - or anything else verismo! Yet I do not hear a portamento in any case...
To add to my previous comment, your first C's in every two C's are forced and tend to stay on the throat. Open up your mouth even wider and raise your upper lips, let the voice flow out and sound will sound less beaten. You have a wonderful voice and foresee a beautiful career ahead of you.
He has a tremendous vocal instrument, but his voice does not relate to bel canto. His voice is more for mid to late Verdi and some verismo. Congratulations on such beautiful voice, but do not do this rep, it can hurt you for long. He would be a great Turiddu and Canio. Do not do this rep - it is for your own benefit.
excelente, muy bueno, le pone alma al tema, cuando escucho cantar este tema con sus 9 cs a tenores de diferente raza mas amo a la música lírica. buen aporte de este video.
operaboy 74...I will give you the fact that there is some impressive yelling in this piece. But, the instrument is incredible, its natural, its beautiful. He has had training, and alot of the singing he does wih his tenor group, is very different. I would still give him A for effort, A for attainment!
Umm. This is quite interesting. The man is obviously an absolutly naturally vocaly gifted genius. He can sing anything. And his natural genius allows him to sing this song quite easly. I agree he is no Tenor nor is he technically correct, but he is a natural and with training could become a tenor. I think he is having too much fun to worry about it. PS He is better than Paul Potts.
of course he's a tenor. lol - some of you are hilarious! What is your pedagogical pedigree? He is a graduate of the Chicago Lyric Young Artists Program and is indeed a tenor. And ps - Paul Potts isn't a singer nor is he an artist. He's exploited.
How can anyone say that the only way to be a tenor is if you sing opera?? I love opera but to say Placido Domingo is a tenor and let´s say Stevie wonder or John Denver ain´t is just Hilarius to me. Placido worked his butt off to sing tenor roles but Stevie and John could never sing anything without sounding like tenors. It´s as silly and dumb as if you say "if you can sing opera you can sing everything"
I completely agree! Stevie Wonder is indeed a tenor - it's a voice type based not just on range but timbre, tessitura, passaggio...there are tenors in EVERY genre!
Amazing! I love it!! Stop hating on this black man. Love the tone and lyrical movement and sound. the bel canto is lovely.. He was very consistant on all 9 high C's. The ending was just beautifull!! This Man is the bomb!! Perfect performance..Stop hating White People,and Black People..This is a very hard song to sing. To all of you with negative comments lets see you do it. I bet you cant..We have to start being nice to orther performers. I loved it!!
It is bel canto -- beautiful singing. This is not beautiful singing... this is impressive yelling. Mr. Dixon has a fabulous instrument, but he should leave this aria for those who can handle it with ease. His french is terrible and there is absolutely no nuance in this performance. This aria should sound easy, and here it simply does not. I give him an E for effort. The final high C was the only one he really sang.
don't agree about the Cs...it's not nuanced like Krause may have sung it, but it is impressive! No yelling at all...you have to hear it in the hall to really get it. And it's not technically bel canto...this aria has continued to grow with Mr. Dixon and he sings it well. You should hear his Di Quella Pira which is stunning!
You think it should "sound easy"? I wonder if you can mention a tenor other than Juan Diego Florez or Pavarotti that makes this aria sound "easy." As for "no nuance," well, you seem to have not heard the portamento and rubato that he imparts. Perhaps what you really take offense to is the "color" of Mr. Dixon's voice. Do yourself two favors: 1) get your ears checked and 2) learn what you're talking about before criticizing others who undoubtedly have more talent than you ever will.
There is nothing wrong with his C's or the pace of his vibrato. There is no tension that I hear, and his sound is very pleasant. Physically, there is no sign that he is straining for those notes.
Lots of practise time here, interesting voice. Not a typical tenor from the italian school. Probably originally a lyric baritone, with ease for the high range. You here a large amount of baritone falsetto in the high notes, and the typical fast vibrato from the chest. Nice sound for some ears, for me this aria is even more enjoyable with a more typical tenor. By the way, the glissandos in the aria are very "mixed" opera and musical, interesting.
congrats on your studies! not a baritone actually - ever. There is NO falsetto in the high notes - I have no idea what you are hearing! It is a TRUE tenor with chest core throughout...obviously as a lyric spinto you would understand this. Think Corelli, and best wishes in your studies!
I have to agree that I dont know what some people hear... if they hear at all.
It is actually scary (if it is true that we are talking about singers) that people have so liitle understanding of the vocal technique. Well done for the guy singing in this clip. It is a beautiful voice. The ease of its production is almost alarming...
he's singing with top of his chest, kind of light baritone instrument.
hitting c's his mouths shape should be vertical, it's opposite. he uses not enough cover for sound thats why his mask resonators are week. he cannot get properly to head resonance, in result he's pushing very high chest sound. cords are in 'falsetto state', and thanks to the terrilbe strain in his kneck he creates "tenor-like" sound.
he's got beautiful voice, but he's definetely not a bel-canto tenor;)
Absolutely terrible. This piece is entirely too high for him. He smacks those High C's!! It makes my voice hurt for him. Just because someone can hit 9 high C's doesn't mean that they are doing it correct, technically... I know Baritones that can hit High C's, but that does not mean that they will do so in performance. If the high C's sound painful, they are not being sung correctly.
From your comment, you don't even know what a High C is. His final High C is absolutely flawless AND he sustains it (notice how the director instructs the orchestra to pause longer). You've got a tin ear. I'm so sick of you music 101 people who don't SHIT about music.
I think what you guys are arguing is nonsense. What does it matter if he is spinto or lyric. The fact of the matter is that he has a good technique and can hit those C's naturally enough to sound beautifully. Tenor, baritone, bass and subdivisions are just artificial clasifications to help us understand the average human voice.
Why in god's name are people trying to pass off this decent lyric tenor as a dramatic or spinto? What good is it going to do if people believe that? THIS VIDEO is substantial evidence that he is NOT a spinto.
Can't reach them? He sings all nine of them! Of all the clips on you tube the only tenor I've heard who just massacres the top C's is Alvarez, he sounds like he's being tortured.
Hmmm...I'm not sure I like this...He occasionally sounds like he's doing a broadway belt. Also the "mon" in "pour mon ame" and the corresponding "sa" in the next phrase are tight as nails. It sounds like maybe a case of an excellent singer singing in the wrong vocal fach.
you don't have to like it. There is no broadway belt - it's called full throated TENORE in the tradition of Corelli et al. Precisely in the correct fach - you are hearing the metal in the spinto edge of his voice.
Okay, now, that's a little bit stupid. You're trying to tell me he's singing in the correct fach...because he's a spinto? Well, spinto tenors don't sing Tonio... Tonio is a tenore leggiero role.
I didn't say he's a spinto - there's a metallic edge to his voice that has a spinto quality because of the metal; he is a full lyric tenor and Tonio can be done by full lyrics - Pav did it and was a full lyric!
I am a temor, a second year Julliard student, and foremost and African American. I have performed the world over Not once has race been considered an issue. Not until I came to this posting.I just wanted to hear Roddy's version again, and I am overwhelmed by the racism. I thought that music transcended everything. Sadly many of you have proven that to be incorrect. Hello again to you Pandora.
hi to you! Rodrick's version gets better and better...yes, racism is still very much a part of opera. Especially for the tenor. Some things never change.
You're right, music should transcend everything. Tell me... What do you think of the fact that so many blacks have racist attitudes when it comes to white artists who perform in the Jazz, Blues, R&B, and HipHop genres? They spew this total nonsense that these artists are somehow illegitimite and are "stealing" from the blacks.
That isn't racist. It's the truth. Black artists have always been "stolen from". Black artists' music wasn't played, and to make it more palatable to white people, white people copied it and only THEN would white radio/tv even touch it. Do you have a problem with facts?
No, I have a problem with hypocrites like yourself. But even if you are right and musical forms can be "stolen", then all the "black" forms I previously mentioned were stolen from their European originators. If that's not true, then you should be able to tell me what African country the diatonic major and minor scales originated in. While you're at it maybe you can tell me what African country Louis Armstrong's trumpet and Jelly Roll's Morton's piano were invented in.
So you think that those forms of music are uniquely original to Europe? Let's take your ridiculous argument completely to fruition: since man is thought to have originated from Africa, then all music (and we're not even talking about instruments or parts of music, idiot) is derived from Africa. We're talking about styles. You take a music 101 course and think you're an expert? LOL
A great voice (which BTW this man has) does not mean that he uses it to perform a technically correct rendition of a clasic opera song. Still enjoyable but opera singers are judged by a high standard. Comments on this performance is not racist.
not sure I understand YOUR comment...some of the comments on this video have definitely been racist. He uses his voice extremely well in this aria - and technically and stylistically it is well within the "high standard" - and just to be fair - it's opera comique!
This lad has a strong voice indeed. But first and foremost it's POUR MON AME and not POUR MO NAME...he sings that wrong. Secondly, he's a bit flat; his voice does not resonate as well as Pavarotti, for instance. But overal it is a good enough rendition.
Great voice, I think that Florez has way much better vibratto, pronunciation and overall technique but still a pretty good interpretation of the aria. Dixon cuts the note in the second part of the aria, to store air for the high note aproaching, I believe. Pour mon(cut) ame...J'ai sa(cut) flamme.
OMG! Perfect MDM style, expecially in bravery and poses and vanity... :-D what a perfect Otello should he be!... :-o
etiamperiereruinae 2 years ago 5
In some parts his voice is Pavarotti!
thenessundorma 2 years ago
Desde cuando mister T (Mario Barakus) canta opera, buena voz
Ferlung 2 years ago 3
really good
mxjukebox 2 years ago 4
Lovely!!!
Luindriel 2 years ago 5
Wonderful. Let me tell you...I've heard worse at the Met. Gee, this guy can't get a gig at the Met. Hmmmm. Wonder why.
blkchk 2 years ago 2
I used to love listening to this in the morning!! I would sing along at the top of my lungs on the " ay mahhhcherrrrooooo, da da da da.." @ 3:09 lol!!
If I had an am drive time show on radio, this would be the regular, wake yo tail up and start another beautiful song! lol. LOVE IT
WONDAWOMAN 2 years ago
He's not Pavarotti or Flores, but verry good!!
zol040 2 years ago 2
bravo!!!!!!!!!!
è bellissimo il suo sguardo luminoso mentre canta gli acuti. spavaldo!!!!!
udilio 2 years ago
BRAVO!!!!
stumpamous 2 years ago
LOVE IT!!!!
d1mePlus99 2 years ago
I had 2 watch this video tape in my Music Appreciation class a few weeks back
......dis jank BANG yo!! LOVE IT!!! =D I love his voice
d1mePlus99 2 years ago
He has a great, strong, also he has lots of carisma( what is very important for you to be sucessul in this business)but the fact he cover too much his notes( besides the wonderful high Cs, they are beautiful)makes his singing a lil boring. I am not saying it was boring. NOT AT ALL,but singing the same way the beguining to the end, gives the public the impression nothing is happening.And I think he does over come this lil issue with his carisma, but it wold be perfect if he let his voice 2 b free
RonaldBarone 2 years ago
The question at the end of the day is did the tenor hit the high C's, here Roderick acquits himself, boring eh, certainly exciting to hear the series of on point high C's.
mm9913 2 years ago 2
i think this is nice!:) Good thing we have many talented people, so we can have many legends and many nice voices to listen to, so everyone can find his/her favorite(s):)
bluecontrast 3 years ago
I liked those Cs --quite a baritonish tone, which is unusual but cool.
flaze3 3 years ago 2
this is my friend's dad lol
lilpito2006 3 years ago
Great voice, sure Pavarotti is the king...but what an awesome job this guy does.
I think it's making a mistake to judge the success of a song one one man's voice (regardless of how great it is).
sharperimage1234567 3 years ago
there was a high C that came out a little flat but the rest was fine
jcmcpr 3 years ago
when are we going to see more black opera singers. good Ah mes a mis
elotello 3 years ago 2
Great It´s so dark but I´d like it cause he can cover the C´s. In my town there is a statement "If you can you can if don´t just applaud"
kunfusinger 3 years ago
::goosebumps::
sgr423 3 years ago
wow:) superr :)
balon1213 3 years ago
Si bravo, ma cantare quest'aria non vuol dire far solo sfoggio di acuti ma avere l'eleganza ed il fraseggio ed il senso della frase che necessita la musica di Donizetti.
sperelli1 3 years ago
His first name is Rodrick, not Roderick. Just a small note to those who look for his work. I just saw him this week in "the Dwarf" and he was, in one word, fantastic.
KingGale 3 years ago
Needs to be more natural. But great performance otherwise.
raptriforcee 3 years ago
He's clasping his throat insead of letting it fall beneath the O, but still a beautiful instrument. I do agree with samuelbautenor. It could give him trouble later in his career if not careful.
wepopalot 3 years ago
how do you conclude he is clasping? Form is correct, the high C is full, clear and supported throughout, he seems to be on point.
mm9913 3 years ago
BRAVO! Excellent performance!
kingdombread 3 years ago
YOU better SANGGGG!!!...lol
spiffyzgrrl07 3 years ago
great performance!!
RubberSoul89 3 years ago 2
molto benne
SergioJarlaz 3 years ago
Impressive performance.
I have one single concern: The C5s at the end are being punched too hard. His vocal cords can form nodes, due to the fact that he is causing them to slap together very fast. High Cs must be approached with caution, especially with this piece.
Overall, a marvelous performance.
crazycoffeeoperaguy 3 years ago
I think you're wrong. His vocal cords are relaxed with this high cs. he is extremely covering (while being open) his cords, therefore not making them any harm. High cs does not sound that dark, but it is the natural sound of that register
mosqitek 3 years ago
I dont think hes covering when he gets to pour mon amis, he's wide open on most of his notes f-g, the high C's are good, but only because they cant be covered regardless. That shows a naturally good voice with a C, but I don't see much covering in the performance, more throating that could give the impression that its being covered...my opinion at least.
bwaybud 2 years ago 4
if he covered it more it would have sounded too dark for that aria. He is absolutely fantastic
asx5252 2 years ago 4
my friend bcom11, the stupid are you. racist. this singer is wonderful, his vocal color is beatiful, great technique. congratulations Roderick Dixon! no racism at the world! my friend black expose his talent,
surely best than you, bcom11, stupid white.
mariolrh 3 years ago
O cool dat's my friend's dad...he's amazing
PoeticlySpeaking01 3 years ago
Nothing short of magnificent from everyone involved in this performance ... vocalist, musicians AND conductor. BRAVO again and again.
DeeDee725 3 years ago
It's Pour Mon Ame...NOT...Pour Mo Name...
And it's J'ai sa flamme...NOT J'ai sa fame...
The crank the top C's he's decimating the words.
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
I sing this aria. You have to elide Mon-Ame. So actually it is Pour Mo-name. You're right though, he doesn't sing J'ai sa flamme - he sings like J'ai sa aaame... haha. But who cares! He is obviously not a Tonio, but sings the hell out of this aria. Those are high Cs. I have heard him live and he is strikingly good.
mrportobello 3 years ago
how is he obviously not a Tonio? I know he's done the role with several opera companies. Just wondered what the deciding factor is.
Kittensop46 3 years ago
he's not a tonio because he's a lyric tenor, and not a dramatic baritone... kind of an important distinction there...
HMW 2 years ago
Tonio is not a baritone role!!!!!!! It is a LIGHT tenor role... and Dixon is not a Leggiero, He would never be hired to play the role of Tonio.... and neither would any so-called dramatic baritone.
leggerotenor 2 years ago 2
you are confusing two different opera my friend...Tonio is in Daughter of the Regiment a Tenor and in Leoncavallos Pagliachi he is a dramatic baritone...two different characters
bmatt05 2 years ago 5
dude...you are way off this guy is Tonio without a doubt...it doesnt matter about the damn size of voice. He's really good. I hope you are not saying Tonio is a dramatic baritone...i really really hope that isnt the case
js59695 2 years ago 4
HMW is way off. He is a Tonio 10 times over. I know I am a Tonio!
js59695 2 years ago
Well, hi's good, And the drkness of his vouiice gives hima diferent taste to the qaria, but.
but in some parts I feel,ther is not relaxation, and it is dangerous for his instrument, tha is nice. Roderick Dixon, be carefull aobut your voice.
But any way: Nice Interpretation.
samuelbautenor 3 years ago
hello samuelbautenor... can u tell me wat covered sound is? I have heard of that term, but don't know what it actually is
Kdn89b 2 years ago
It's basically opening up the throat by lifting the soft palate, lowering the larynx (slightly) and moving the tongue out of the way to be able to sing higher notes and to add a darker timbre to the voice making it sound operatic and noble.
Honken 2 years ago 11
WOW whatever happen to this guy??? Where can i find his work at?
1JenniferMM 3 years ago
He sang that so well and with such confidence and conviction! Thank you for sharing.
mradaChris 3 years ago
very good. I would prefer that he didn't punch the high C in the middle, but never the less, excellent performance.
theoperasinger555 3 years ago
what the Germans call a "knodel tenor" --- or apple dumpling in the throat=tongue tension/hyoid. Still a nice voice
raphabenbenjamin 3 years ago
I am wondering what counterpoint the person who gave a negative review has to offer. If facts disturb you that is your problem.
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
I randomley picked this dvd up in the store one day and until this day i can say that it is one of my favorites. His voice is amazing and his pronounciation of the french language is impeccable!
bjcck 3 years ago 2
i think this sounds better than pavarotti's version =D
singerboi3890 3 years ago 2
Domingo is a tenor all right but I doubt that he can sing this aria with same perfection of Big Pava's
TheInquisitive4Ever 3 years ago
He'd die trying to hit all those C's in quick sucession. I think he is wise not to attempt it.
With regard to the guy in the video, he has a nice voice, but when he hits the Cs he sounds like he's singing gospel or something. (By the way that was not a racist comment, that's what it sounded like to me.)
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago
I actually agree about the Cs. The first of the two always sounds ugly and forced - no spin, very tense. But I love his voice anyway. He just needs to work on that part.
KatherineXIX 3 years ago
for your information, this aria has 9 high Cs. Domingo is famous with the "where's the DO" meaning that he never had the high C. Che gelida manina, and di quella pira of his, all is transpoded down one note.
hansquad 3 years ago
El profesor que clasificase a este tío como tenor lírico ligero debería retirarse de la docencia para siempre...
TrovadorManrique 3 years ago
The tone isn't darkened because he's black or because he's a baritone, it's because of his tongue position. The percieved darkness is a lack of space in the pharynx.
5nick3r5 3 years ago
There is no way a baritone could even think about singing this. He is definitely a tenor all the way. The darkness in his voice is just part of his individual instrument. Individuality is what makes any singer great.
jeffro887 3 years ago 2
I disagree. A baritone -could- sing this aria. I am a high lyric and can sing this Aria. No, singing the -role- is a different story. Most baritones, I can't even think of one of the top of my head, that could sing this role. But the aria out of the show and out of context. Doable.
Skydv2005 3 years ago
Well... Maybe 1% of professional baritones can do this, not more. Right now I can only think of Hampson and Shore. MAYBE, but I think he'd need to have one of his best days, Merrill.
Most baritones- even high lyric- can't go above Bb4 though. So I doubt they could sing 9 high C's in a minute or so.
piasecznik 2 years ago 2
I kinda agree i think its coming from the tongue position more or less maybe just a little bit of darkening on his part..... but even without that he's a great artist with a beautiful instrument
tjaphrodite 3 years ago
I love how he sings "Ame" starting with that incredibly difficult open vowel sound on such a hard note. Most others, including Florez sing it more like "mon n'ame." What control this guy has. Simply amazing.
rageagainstthewyrm2 3 years ago
He is a natural born singer. Even if he was trained properly he would not be singing in the Met. Opera world is prejudice. We never seen real black tenor perform Otello. I've seen plenty in Porgy and Bess.
codyb73 3 years ago
Sorry. It's a really good effort - and certainly better than I could have done myself (before anyone makes that point!) But listen to the Florez version if you want to hear it done well. And listen to the Pavarotti version if you want to hear it done perfectly!
rossmcl177 3 years ago
excelente interpretación, una de las mas espectaculares e impresionantes voces de la opera.
ramis26 3 years ago
This is brilliant!!! Gorgeous voice.
Mamasan41 3 years ago
One of my favorite singers on the planet. I have seen him (with Cook and Trent) 4 times and own the DVDs. I really don't think singing gets much better than Roderick Dixon, and he is a lovely person, warm and kind, as well. Bravo!! Talent, technique, and heart. Wow!
LindaMoyer 3 years ago
Actually he isn't hitting the C well because of the pressure he is placing on his voice..he really sounds like a baritone stepping up...but i think he did a great job singing it...Juan Diego Florez has the best head notes for the top c in this piece...i bet if this guy relaxed more those head notes would give him a more realistic tone
andretenor 3 years ago
actually he is finding those Cs beautifully - listen to the 1973 recording of Pav doing it - Dixon has it well-aligned!
Pandora6546 3 years ago
Right...because you know the exact techniques he's using, right? Oh, wait. You don't. :(
ArrSee 3 years ago
Also, Roderick is a Dramatic Tenor. Juan Diego Florez is not. That's like comparing apples and oranges. They are both fruis and round, but the similarities stop there.
Roderick and Juan are both Tenors and humans, but the similarities pretty much end there. :/
ArrSee 3 years ago
Bravo! That was excellent.
jackteasdale 3 years ago
Je suis emu pour un tel travail de voix. Ce jeune homme a de l'avenir. Il fera partie des grandes ecoles...Bravo.
Mozmondengo2008 3 years ago
Thank You Avalon571. Thanks for the vid so much!
Bedeborah 3 years ago
Sorry, my dears experts. Im my humble opinion I find this singer perfect. Beatiful voice and control technic.
Gotthard38 3 years ago 27
He needs to work on his diction, as well as not forcing the high C out too hard.
His voice sounds low, but that is a tenor voice. The darker pitch is probably because he's black.
Wonderful job!
Sturmwaffen 4 years ago 2
you sound like a complete idiot. that is the most stupid, ignorant comment pertaining to classical music I've heard yet...and I'm white.
pshh...because he's black...
bcom11 3 years ago
BRAVO!!!!! hi's amazing..no coment...bravo
tenorMANRICO 4 years ago
his technique is off, and his voice isnt necessarily an operatic type of voice, like bocelli. people mistake bocelli to be an opera artist, when he isnt. c'mon, look at this guy. he opens his mouth wide enough to stuff a cardboard pizza box in there.
Sono1Tenore 4 years ago
technique is always in growth...his voice is most definitely operatically trained - he is a grad of the Chicago Lyric! Obviously mouth size has nothing to do with anything!!!
Pandora6546 4 years ago 2
ever heard of jessye norman? but she didn't sing opera either. right...
johngarner3 3 years ago
You're a fucking idiot.
esroberto1 3 years ago
Well First Of all He is Considered The 3rd Tenor when it Comes To Descending order of Range Of The 3 mo tenors. In Fact This Song Was Written for the ability of a 1st Dramtic Tenor The Fact That He is a 3rd Tenor Challenging This Song is (Remarkable) Thats Like Putting and alto as the leading Lady In Mad'am Butterfly The opera Who has Extrodinary Range Amazing. i didn't hear any Breaks or Cracks In His Voice Or Seen Struggle In Breathing Between Notes This Guy Deserves His Props Hands Down.
Harmoni85 4 years ago 2
not sure what you mean "3rd tenor"?
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Wait A Minute
Harmoni85 4 years ago
H does not cover his sound as much as most people are used to but he isn't yelling. His sound is farther back at the lowere part but still has the ring of a tenor. Tell me he screams his high C's and I'll laugh at you.
musiqmarquis 4 years ago
Last but not least, some of the passagi have a bit of portamenti around "pour mon ame" at 2:40 and some other points in the aria, which are not acceptable in bel canto.
dchemaly396 4 years ago
actually the portamenti in opera comique is quite stylistic. Most tenors do not take the repetitive C and re-onset which is what Mr. Dixon can athletically do.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
No dear friend. Portamenti is not permitted in bel canto. Yes in verismo. Not in bel canto. Ask any expert.
dchemaly396 4 years ago
well my dear friend,in opera comique portamenti IS allowed.And I do not believe Mr. Dixon does the portamenti to the high Cs anyway. Certainly not in the truest sense of portamenti - like Puccini or Verdi.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
did I answer this? opera comique does require other technical advantages! It's certainly not portamenti that Puccini or Verdi would require - or anything else verismo! Yet I do not hear a portamento in any case...
Pandora6546 4 years ago
To add to my previous comment, your first C's in every two C's are forced and tend to stay on the throat. Open up your mouth even wider and raise your upper lips, let the voice flow out and sound will sound less beaten. You have a wonderful voice and foresee a beautiful career ahead of you.
dchemaly396 4 years ago
He has a tremendous vocal instrument, but his voice does not relate to bel canto. His voice is more for mid to late Verdi and some verismo. Congratulations on such beautiful voice, but do not do this rep, it can hurt you for long. He would be a great Turiddu and Canio. Do not do this rep - it is for your own benefit.
dchemaly396 4 years ago
His Verdi is exceptional - you haven't heard it yet?
Pandora6546 4 years ago
excelente, muy bueno, le pone alma al tema, cuando escucho cantar este tema con sus 9 cs a tenores de diferente raza mas amo a la música lírica. buen aporte de este video.
alberto111222333 4 years ago
He reminds me or Gerald Levert in certain portions of this! He's just singing opera instead of R&B!
ticklemebad 4 years ago
what????
Pandora6546 4 years ago
He's good
Visualq 4 years ago
DIDNT LIKE IT AT ALL!
buckinbull 4 years ago
Muy bueno!!!, pero no creo que pueda cantar esta Aria en una actuacion similar a JDF, a quien se le ve actuando y bailando incluso con mas facilidad.
jkazaz 4 years ago
operaboy 74...I will give you the fact that there is some impressive yelling in this piece. But, the instrument is incredible, its natural, its beautiful. He has had training, and alot of the singing he does wih his tenor group, is very different. I would still give him A for effort, A for attainment!
bluemusicman1982 4 years ago
no yelling. You obviously don't understand the tenor voice, nor have you heard a full lyric tenor in the house.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Good effort. It is strained. If you dont like Florez or Pavarotti, watch Blake or Kunde. good effort though
bluluvsrae 4 years ago
It's not strained - it's just very athletic. Very much Corelli-like! If you want more sophisticated or aristocratic, look at Alfredo Krause...
Pandora6546 4 years ago
dramatic tenor...less sweet than the lyrical tenor (Pavarotti)...but OMG WOW! :)
lrvives 4 years ago 2
Umm. This is quite interesting. The man is obviously an absolutly naturally vocaly gifted genius. He can sing anything. And his natural genius allows him to sing this song quite easly. I agree he is no Tenor nor is he technically correct, but he is a natural and with training could become a tenor. I think he is having too much fun to worry about it. PS He is better than Paul Potts.
Teltcher 4 years ago
of course he's a tenor. lol - some of you are hilarious! What is your pedagogical pedigree? He is a graduate of the Chicago Lyric Young Artists Program and is indeed a tenor. And ps - Paul Potts isn't a singer nor is he an artist. He's exploited.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
How can anyone say that the only way to be a tenor is if you sing opera?? I love opera but to say Placido Domingo is a tenor and let´s say Stevie wonder or John Denver ain´t is just Hilarius to me. Placido worked his butt off to sing tenor roles but Stevie and John could never sing anything without sounding like tenors. It´s as silly and dumb as if you say "if you can sing opera you can sing everything"
Bjoerrelli 4 years ago
I completely agree! Stevie Wonder is indeed a tenor - it's a voice type based not just on range but timbre, tessitura, passaggio...there are tenors in EVERY genre!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
are you implying that placido domingo is not a tenor?
Sono1Tenore 4 years ago
I think the implication is that voice type is available to ANY genre of music, not just opera. Of course Domingo is a tenor!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
No debería haber cantado esta aria NO ES PARA SU VOZ SE ESFORZÓ MUCHÍSIMO...
chrisvetera 4 years ago
Muy bien, muy buena voz todo un do de pecho
darthseus 4 years ago
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Dixon sing this in a free concert! It was glorious.
classyteacherdiva 4 years ago
Amazing! I love it!! Stop hating on this black man. Love the tone and lyrical movement and sound. the bel canto is lovely.. He was very consistant on all 9 high C's. The ending was just beautifull!! This Man is the bomb!! Perfect performance..Stop hating White People,and Black People..This is a very hard song to sing. To all of you with negative comments lets see you do it. I bet you cant..We have to start being nice to orther performers. I loved it!!
RUEBUSTERMUSCLE 4 years ago
Beautiful, just beautiful
Bedeborah 4 years ago 2
ma o meno
gabrielxv 4 years ago
The audience luv it...that all that counts.
Rsulu 4 years ago
It is bel canto -- beautiful singing. This is not beautiful singing... this is impressive yelling. Mr. Dixon has a fabulous instrument, but he should leave this aria for those who can handle it with ease. His french is terrible and there is absolutely no nuance in this performance. This aria should sound easy, and here it simply does not. I give him an E for effort. The final high C was the only one he really sang.
operaboy74 4 years ago
don't agree about the Cs...it's not nuanced like Krause may have sung it, but it is impressive! No yelling at all...you have to hear it in the hall to really get it. And it's not technically bel canto...this aria has continued to grow with Mr. Dixon and he sings it well. You should hear his Di Quella Pira which is stunning!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
I completely agree with you
NailI3unny 4 years ago
You think it should "sound easy"? I wonder if you can mention a tenor other than Juan Diego Florez or Pavarotti that makes this aria sound "easy." As for "no nuance," well, you seem to have not heard the portamento and rubato that he imparts. Perhaps what you really take offense to is the "color" of Mr. Dixon's voice. Do yourself two favors: 1) get your ears checked and 2) learn what you're talking about before criticizing others who undoubtedly have more talent than you ever will.
cdyexhibit 4 years ago 5
i have to say, i'm impressed!
this guy is very talented, but he has to improve his prononciation of the French language (in my opinion).
but singwise it's almost flawless
schumbie 4 years ago
what a voice!
mariokalogeropoulos 4 years ago
You guys need to be fair.
There is nothing wrong with his C's or the pace of his vibrato. There is no tension that I hear, and his sound is very pleasant. Physically, there is no sign that he is straining for those notes.
atlblkprync1981 4 years ago
I'm an opera tenor myself, lyric spinto.
Lots of practise time here, interesting voice. Not a typical tenor from the italian school. Probably originally a lyric baritone, with ease for the high range. You here a large amount of baritone falsetto in the high notes, and the typical fast vibrato from the chest. Nice sound for some ears, for me this aria is even more enjoyable with a more typical tenor. By the way, the glissandos in the aria are very "mixed" opera and musical, interesting.
johanmestre 4 years ago
congrats on your studies! not a baritone actually - ever. There is NO falsetto in the high notes - I have no idea what you are hearing! It is a TRUE tenor with chest core throughout...obviously as a lyric spinto you would understand this. Think Corelli, and best wishes in your studies!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
the tenors cook dixon & young thought this was indeed an amusing comment!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
I have to agree that I dont know what some people hear... if they hear at all.
It is actually scary (if it is true that we are talking about singers) that people have so liitle understanding of the vocal technique. Well done for the guy singing in this clip. It is a beautiful voice. The ease of its production is almost alarming...
CONTESTAR 4 years ago
Yeah...um...what are you talking about? He's a Dramatic Tenor. He was never a Baritone by any stretch of the imagination.
ArrSee 4 years ago
he's singing with top of his chest, kind of light baritone instrument.
hitting c's his mouths shape should be vertical, it's opposite. he uses not enough cover for sound thats why his mask resonators are week. he cannot get properly to head resonance, in result he's pushing very high chest sound. cords are in 'falsetto state', and thanks to the terrilbe strain in his kneck he creates "tenor-like" sound.
he's got beautiful voice, but he's definetely not a bel-canto tenor;)
andriusky 4 years ago
Ya, what is that guy talking about? His high-C's sound terrific!
bene951 4 years ago
those who cannot do...critique!
sdjazzguy 4 years ago 2
or criticize!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
This is just fantastic!
Mamasan41 4 years ago
Absolutely terrible. This piece is entirely too high for him. He smacks those High C's!! It makes my voice hurt for him. Just because someone can hit 9 high C's doesn't mean that they are doing it correct, technically... I know Baritones that can hit High C's, but that does not mean that they will do so in performance. If the high C's sound painful, they are not being sung correctly.
JWSNEAKERS 4 years ago
From your comment, you don't even know what a High C is. His final High C is absolutely flawless AND he sustains it (notice how the director instructs the orchestra to pause longer). You've got a tin ear. I'm so sick of you music 101 people who don't SHIT about music.
avalon571 4 years ago
I agree avalon. THANK YOU!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
I agree his final high c is great. The attack on the others is the only questionable part of the other cs.
jmahlon 4 years ago
You absolutely don't know what you are talking about! Obviously not a singer nor a pedagogue...some of us are both.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
YUP... i think he's a baritone...
tanynzh 4 years ago
I think what you guys are arguing is nonsense. What does it matter if he is spinto or lyric. The fact of the matter is that he has a good technique and can hit those C's naturally enough to sound beautifully. Tenor, baritone, bass and subdivisions are just artificial clasifications to help us understand the average human voice.
faraonlatino 4 years ago
well said!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
I thought he did an amazing job.
bighugebird 4 years ago
Why in god's name are people trying to pass off this decent lyric tenor as a dramatic or spinto? What good is it going to do if people believe that? THIS VIDEO is substantial evidence that he is NOT a spinto.
Brett1123 4 years ago
Rodrick Dixon is a FULL LYRIC TENOR - who said he was anything else?
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Great voice, good technique, but he just can`t reach the high C`s.
Pilar2407 4 years ago
what??? he NAILS the Cs NINE times!!! And he hasn't missed ANY of them anytime I've heard him sing this live!!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Can't reach them? He sings all nine of them! Of all the clips on you tube the only tenor I've heard who just massacres the top C's is Alvarez, he sounds like he's being tortured.
spgtenor 4 years ago
Hmmm...I'm not sure I like this...He occasionally sounds like he's doing a broadway belt. Also the "mon" in "pour mon ame" and the corresponding "sa" in the next phrase are tight as nails. It sounds like maybe a case of an excellent singer singing in the wrong vocal fach.
Brett1123 4 years ago
you don't have to like it. There is no broadway belt - it's called full throated TENORE in the tradition of Corelli et al. Precisely in the correct fach - you are hearing the metal in the spinto edge of his voice.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
listen to Kraus - lighter core but same articulation!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Okay, now, that's a little bit stupid. You're trying to tell me he's singing in the correct fach...because he's a spinto? Well, spinto tenors don't sing Tonio... Tonio is a tenore leggiero role.
Brett1123 4 years ago
I didn't say he's a spinto - there's a metallic edge to his voice that has a spinto quality because of the metal; he is a full lyric tenor and Tonio can be done by full lyrics - Pav did it and was a full lyric!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
I am a temor, a second year Julliard student, and foremost and African American. I have performed the world over Not once has race been considered an issue. Not until I came to this posting.I just wanted to hear Roddy's version again, and I am overwhelmed by the racism. I thought that music transcended everything. Sadly many of you have proven that to be incorrect. Hello again to you Pandora.
thedavisgroup 4 years ago
hi to you! Rodrick's version gets better and better...yes, racism is still very much a part of opera. Especially for the tenor. Some things never change.
Pandora6546 4 years ago
You're right, music should transcend everything. Tell me... What do you think of the fact that so many blacks have racist attitudes when it comes to white artists who perform in the Jazz, Blues, R&B, and HipHop genres? They spew this total nonsense that these artists are somehow illegitimite and are "stealing" from the blacks.
md65000 4 years ago
That isn't racist. It's the truth. Black artists have always been "stolen from". Black artists' music wasn't played, and to make it more palatable to white people, white people copied it and only THEN would white radio/tv even touch it. Do you have a problem with facts?
avalon571 4 years ago
No, I have a problem with hypocrites like yourself. But even if you are right and musical forms can be "stolen", then all the "black" forms I previously mentioned were stolen from their European originators. If that's not true, then you should be able to tell me what African country the diatonic major and minor scales originated in. While you're at it maybe you can tell me what African country Louis Armstrong's trumpet and Jelly Roll's Morton's piano were invented in.
md65000 4 years ago
So you think that those forms of music are uniquely original to Europe? Let's take your ridiculous argument completely to fruition: since man is thought to have originated from Africa, then all music (and we're not even talking about instruments or parts of music, idiot) is derived from Africa. We're talking about styles. You take a music 101 course and think you're an expert? LOL
avalon571 4 years ago
A great voice (which BTW this man has) does not mean that he uses it to perform a technically correct rendition of a clasic opera song. Still enjoyable but opera singers are judged by a high standard. Comments on this performance is not racist.
dlagrua 4 years ago
not sure I understand YOUR comment...some of the comments on this video have definitely been racist. He uses his voice extremely well in this aria - and technically and stylistically it is well within the "high standard" - and just to be fair - it's opera comique!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
This lad has a strong voice indeed. But first and foremost it's POUR MON AME and not POUR MO NAME...he sings that wrong. Secondly, he's a bit flat; his voice does not resonate as well as Pavarotti, for instance. But overal it is a good enough rendition.
TheInquisitive 4 years ago
sadly what resonates in the house doesn't always translate on film does it?
Pandora6546 4 years ago
actually, the liason from the nasalized "mon" goes to the next word.
ChrisN15720 4 years ago
right-o!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
this guy is amazing, all of you are haters with careers, Non talents! just cause its a black man singing!
gemininasia24 4 years ago
Great voice, I think that Florez has way much better vibratto, pronunciation and overall technique but still a pretty good interpretation of the aria. Dixon cuts the note in the second part of the aria, to store air for the high note aproaching, I believe. Pour mon(cut) ame...J'ai sa(cut) flamme.
pipebarrera2 4 years ago
he doesn't "cut" anything lol - he doesn't liason cause he doesn't have to...two interpretations...
Pandora6546 4 years ago
and actually your technical prowess is incorrect...he doesn't cut anything to store air for anything - he has breath control for days!!!
Pandora6546 4 years ago
Or he did it for a certain effect, as that isn't difficult to sing on one breath.
ArrSee 4 years ago
OMG!!!!!!!! BRAVO!!!!!!!
1JenniferMM 4 years ago