I watch this clip at least 10 times a week and the amazement never ceases. Vickers was a god among singer-actors. EVERYTHING rolled into one package. The voice, the eyes, the facial expressions, the hands. . . 2nd to no one ever. I thank God that I was able to see him in person and experience this unbelievable artist.
@dorje1975 Ah, thank you for the identification. So, this complete performance is not available on video? I know there is the 1977 Orange one, but I was hoping for still more. :) Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for adding this clip - good to see it again in such great definition. Despite his unidiomatic German, Vickers had a unique intensity in this repertoire which silences all criticism. He also manages to make the final section sound comparatively effortless in his massive baritonal instrument - no mean feat! Where is the Vickers, McCracken or King of today? Hey ho...
Vickers is a monster, a giant, vocally and performing.
Even so I should say: Beethoven was great composer, no doubt about, but he understood nothing about voices. This piece and others from him are so difficult, I think he used to compose for angels, not for humans.
No one can play a delusional man better than the great Vickers. His Grime, Florestan, Canio are classic examples of how a great artist can convince us that the character is temporarily ( or permanently) not dealing with a full deck.
Thank You for this wonderful video
sabine4911 1 year ago
altra cosa che Kaufmann...grande Vickers !Grande Artista !Grazie .
bodiloto 1 year ago
This is so beautifil so i have no words for it.
Meyerbeer1 2 years ago
Unerreicht, Vickers wurde oft kopiert aber nie ereicht
taxijunkie 2 years ago
this is a very good performance
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
If you ever see this, "2ManyHighCs," please let us know what your new account is called and why your old (great) one was sadly closed!
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
This is Vickers on the top. A wonderfull voice, great preforming and very sad. Its fantastic, and very emotional ....
Dicwas 2 years ago
Uno dei miei preferiti tenori.
macciboma 3 years ago
I watch this clip at least 10 times a week and the amazement never ceases. Vickers was a god among singer-actors. EVERYTHING rolled into one package. The voice, the eyes, the facial expressions, the hands. . . 2nd to no one ever. I thank God that I was able to see him in person and experience this unbelievable artist.
2ManyHighCs 3 years ago 10
I adore this voice.
Sadiesexy 3 years ago
Incredible in every respect: committed, moving dramatic portrayal, power, beauty. One of a kind!
operasingerdes 3 years ago 4
Beauty!
..." Wahrheit wagt ich kuehn zu sagen, und die Ketten sind mein Lob..."
This aria and this interpretation has been my very own "Engel Leonore...fuerht mich zur Freiheit" everytime!;)
Marjanehjoonam 4 years ago
This is absolutely fantastic, I can't imagine a better portrayal.
raythetse 4 years ago 3
One of the greatest performances of this aria I ever hope to see or hear; many thanks for posting this. Vickers was a completre singing actor.
billyguns2 4 years ago 3
I only saw him do Grimes, so this is a rare treat, just fantastic.
cdgray2 4 years ago
I take this clip from the film "Greatest voices of the century".
dorje1975 4 years ago
@dorje1975 Ah, thank you for the identification. So, this complete performance is not available on video? I know there is the 1977 Orange one, but I was hoping for still more. :) Thanks for posting this!
vidiegoquam 1 year ago
Thank you for adding this clip - good to see it again in such great definition. Despite his unidiomatic German, Vickers had a unique intensity in this repertoire which silences all criticism. He also manages to make the final section sound comparatively effortless in his massive baritonal instrument - no mean feat! Where is the Vickers, McCracken or King of today? Hey ho...
Cavaradossi10 4 years ago
Mr. Vickers is almost unique in this interpretation of Florestan of the Fidelio of the great Beethoven.
OPERMUSIK 4 years ago
I admire for his singing and artistic performance.
dorje1975 4 years ago
Vickers is a monster, a giant, vocally and performing.
Even so I should say: Beethoven was great composer, no doubt about, but he understood nothing about voices. This piece and others from him are so difficult, I think he used to compose for angels, not for humans.
TurandotFanatic 4 years ago
No one can play a delusional man better than the great Vickers. His Grime, Florestan, Canio are classic examples of how a great artist can convince us that the character is temporarily ( or permanently) not dealing with a full deck.
sgnmath1234 4 years ago
I was fortunate enough to hear (and see!) Vickers' Florestan in Chicago, and remember it as utterly overwhelming, vocally and dramatically --
stevevandien 4 years ago