Monteverdi Vespers 1610: Nigra Sum

[moroderfan]

You really did the best interpretation on youtube. thank you very much !

[holidaysinsweden]

This is one of the absolute best tenor arias of all time! And when performed like this... stunning!

[devavoce1]

Absolutely glorious, technically and musically! One of my very favourite tenor arias. Thank you!

[bluemarlin44]

Absolutely AMAZING!

[davehshs]

I absolutely love Thomas Cooley's voice. It is so beautiful, soothing. To my untrained ear, it seems that this and 'Si Dolce...' are pitched a bit lower than tenors (e.g., Ian Bostridge) frequently sing. Is that true? 

[Walvis2007]

@davehshs There were many different pitches and transpositions used in Italy, the lower pitch we use gives a warmer sound to the strings and the voice. Musicians back then could tone transpose, so they could perform in many different keys.

[davehshs]

@Walvis2007 Thanks. You're definitely doing something right. I suspect that, even at a higher pitch, Cooley's voice would still have a smooth, natural-sounding beauty, unlike some tenors whose voices sound slightly strained, with a harsh overtone 'edge.'

[petitemoineau]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[scottgilesmusic]

Noble and gentle music performed thoughtfully, with feeling.

[mylillambs]

Next time the west wind puffs open the door I think I will sneak in.

[DCTenor]

Beautiful performance. Thank you!

[Gajdasi]

Its nice to see someone diving themselves in the delicate nature of Early Baroque Music. I loved it...Thank you!

[Brianmystic2]

Bravo!