Warren is probably the best Verdi baritone in recorded history. His voice was enormous and enormously powerful -- both Roberta Peters and Tony Randall said so; (Randall said Warren's voice "filled the [Old Met] like black smoke.") AND Warren's voice was beautiful, with a superb mezza-voce. Have any other baritones reached this level? I mean re. those for whom we have records? Please offer your opinions. I'd very much enjoy discussion about this:) --
No arguments here steve.Warren was a special baritone and I'm sure he knew it.All the stratospheric voices know it.And most on youtube seem to agree with you.Technique- range- power- ease of production.Even so called "pros" bow to Warren. He sang Verdi like Caruso sang Verdi.Complete mastery/control with power to spare.Verdi is so difficult.You either sing alone/sing over a forte orchestra/ or with large chorus. Many Verdi bar. arias keep the voice in higher registers.Warren had no problem!!
Thanks, buddy:). America produced some terrific 20th century baritones, from David Bispham and Clarence Whitehill to Sherrill Milnes. In between were Lawrence Tibbett, John Charles Thomas, Richard Bonelli, Robert Merrill, Robert Weede, Calvin Marsh, Cornell MacNeil and Joseph Shore. Also Todd Duncan and Lawrence Winters, who as African-Americans had limited opportunities. But Warren's voice, technique and temperament reached another level. What an artist! Best, Steve
I've often wondered why this great artist had such a thing for sea shanties -- until I heard him sing them! With his magnificent voice and technique, Warren makes these songs vivid and exciting:) --
Yes he had the great top and I was told he also sang Che Gelida in key at parties besides Di Quella, some say he did not but they are usually young jealous Baritones. Peerce knew Warren well and he told me he heard Warren sing a great high C that some tenors would envy. Peerce also said he was the greatest Baritone in the world. Merrill was the most beautiful voice I think but Warren was the greatest Verdi Baritone for me ever and he recorded some Irish songs and was in a movie I have in Color
This is from an old LP of sea shanties and songs. It is glorious, and near the end, Warren sings an incredible high A natural, that would be the envy of most tenors!
Yes, it would be interesting to hear what he did with other traditional songs as his voice could adapt to the style. Wonder which others were in his repertory ("Shenandoah", obviously, but what about the less well-known like "Way Down Upon the Wabash"--somehow I think it might fit his voice)
I have an RCA LP that contains a number of these sea shanties sung by Warren, and they are all beautifully performed. You're right, his Shenandoah is gorgeous, even better than Robeson's fine recording. Other great numbers include "What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?" and "Rio Grande."
My dad had this LP, I loved this song best of all. when I listen to it, all is good in my world.
Mehitebal 1 month ago
We had this record when i was a child--how gorgeous to hear it without scratches--thank you so much!
lightdancermagi 8 months ago
takes a different type of person to survive on the seas
USMarineRifleman0311 8 months ago
My mother had this album when I was a child. I loved these songs! Wish I could hear them all.
HilinTn 11 months ago
Does anybody have information about the supporting choir? Is the marvelous Thurl Ravenscroft among the basses?
stevevandien 2 years ago
Warren is probably the best Verdi baritone in recorded history. His voice was enormous and enormously powerful -- both Roberta Peters and Tony Randall said so; (Randall said Warren's voice "filled the [Old Met] like black smoke.") AND Warren's voice was beautiful, with a superb mezza-voce. Have any other baritones reached this level? I mean re. those for whom we have records? Please offer your opinions. I'd very much enjoy discussion about this:) --
stevevandien 2 years ago
No arguments here steve.Warren was a special baritone and I'm sure he knew it.All the stratospheric voices know it.And most on youtube seem to agree with you.Technique- range- power- ease of production.Even so called "pros" bow to Warren. He sang Verdi like Caruso sang Verdi.Complete mastery/control with power to spare.Verdi is so difficult.You either sing alone/sing over a forte orchestra/ or with large chorus. Many Verdi bar. arias keep the voice in higher registers.Warren had no problem!!
lpvcrcd 2 years ago
Thanks, buddy:). America produced some terrific 20th century baritones, from David Bispham and Clarence Whitehill to Sherrill Milnes. In between were Lawrence Tibbett, John Charles Thomas, Richard Bonelli, Robert Merrill, Robert Weede, Calvin Marsh, Cornell MacNeil and Joseph Shore. Also Todd Duncan and Lawrence Winters, who as African-Americans had limited opportunities. But Warren's voice, technique and temperament reached another level. What an artist! Best, Steve
stevevandien 2 years ago 2
I've often wondered why this great artist had such a thing for sea shanties -- until I heard him sing them! With his magnificent voice and technique, Warren makes these songs vivid and exciting:) --
stevevandien 2 years ago
If anyone doubts his top go to 2:37 and turn up the volume, terrific!
halavey 2 years ago 2
@halavey
I think the great high note ar 2:37 is a High A. This is a stunnin performance from an
LP which I treasure.
Regards-John
65attila 5 months ago
Yes he had the great top and I was told he also sang Che Gelida in key at parties besides Di Quella, some say he did not but they are usually young jealous Baritones. Peerce knew Warren well and he told me he heard Warren sing a great high C that some tenors would envy. Peerce also said he was the greatest Baritone in the world. Merrill was the most beautiful voice I think but Warren was the greatest Verdi Baritone for me ever and he recorded some Irish songs and was in a movie I have in Color
halavey 2 years ago
This is from an old LP of sea shanties and songs. It is glorious, and near the end, Warren sings an incredible high A natural, that would be the envy of most tenors!
Ed Rosen
operabeauty 2 years ago 3
Yes, it would be interesting to hear what he did with other traditional songs as his voice could adapt to the style. Wonder which others were in his repertory ("Shenandoah", obviously, but what about the less well-known like "Way Down Upon the Wabash"--somehow I think it might fit his voice)
sospello 2 years ago
This is wonderful. Everyone has me wishing to hear "Shenandoah"! Thanks, GOS.
patjan92 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
patjan92-I'll send it to you if you like. PM me if you want it.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Hah! I love it! I'm glad he likes to kiss the gals...
aaronsande 2 years ago 2
Just got his Shenandoah I believe from the same recording session, beautiful.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
Never heard him sing any such songs actually but very enjoyable. Perfection; thanks!
VinylToVideo 2 years ago
He was the best and I don't remember him doing this on Firestone either. Good post.
halavey 2 years ago
I love sea shanties, lol :D
I'd heard Warren recorded a number of them and they were on my wish list hadn't heard any of them though. Great!
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
I have an RCA LP that contains a number of these sea shanties sung by Warren, and they are all beautifully performed. You're right, his Shenandoah is gorgeous, even better than Robeson's fine recording. Other great numbers include "What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?" and "Rio Grande."
meltzerboy 2 years ago