@daniv1700 "actually knowing what they're saying makes it even more special"
I agree -- sort of.
Maybe it's the translation, but great as it is 2 know the details, & not just the gist of it (& in real-time, too, pretty much word-4-word), it's a bit disheartening 2 find some of the lyrics r so... pedestrian.
The soaring, masterful, heartrending score deserves a more exalted text, don't u think?
Glorious, stunning and profound! What a wonderful piece of artistic vision and emotion that symbolizes some of the rare qualities that makes us all human-beings and touches parts of pure emotions (some call it our soul) that one only feels on rare occasions in life.
Barry McDaniel is my cousin. He has a tremendous voice. To hear him sing the Lord's Prayer is breathtaking. He is from Lyndon, Kansas. This is a beautiful duet.
So VERY fine ... but I still don't think that Alfredo Kraus is quite the equal of Bjorling, Caruso, nor Gigli ... in the same aria ... on youtube examples.
I saw Krass a couple of times but never appreciated him as much as now, after 50 years. The reason, methinks, is that he was a horse in a good field. Bergonzi, Tucker, Sondor Konya, Corelli, and the great DiSteppano.
Parvarotti would have been an also-ran, if he sang in those days.
@aristopus - Pav/also-ran ..... I don't think so, not in Pavarotti's earliest days, anyway. In that time, his voice and articulation had a singularity that was quite remarkable. Just an opinion.
Although the Bjorling/Merrill is superlative in all ways, was unexpectedly struck by the French language here, e.g., the French "r", the ringing vowels (only heard, in my opinion, by Georges Thill). TX for posting; it might not be my favorite but the beauty of the French is simply, what, heavenly!
I love the Borling/Merrill duet but, to my not-so-well-trained ear, I think this pair captures the sound of the French language better than the other.
Interesting to notice that Kraus appears to be standing twice as far from the mic as McDaniel. That must've been decided when they did sound checks before the performace, as neither of them so much as even budges from their places. Was Kraus's voice twice as strong as McDaniels?
you are right - if i may say - i would not say twice, but quite a bit further away - he was particularly sonorous :)
singing a duet with a baritone (this one near bass quality) requires much grater control for a tenor than a solo or a duet with a soprano - this rendition is marvellously calculated for a perfect balance
I think it's just the shots that make it appear that way, McDaniel is usually directly behind the mic where Kraus is usually off to the side giving that illusion. but i completely agree about the beautiful balance of the voices. A true art.
beyond the point really - we all agree - but it's more observable towards the end of the vid when you see the feet and 'step distance' - HMW is right- they are recording 'mikes' so god knows what did the audience hear.. well one can wish ..
as HMW says McDaniel is 'light' - i think that could be a destiny of baritones to have to concentrate on producing 'a baritone colour' too much (as they naturally "wobble between" in no man's land to be able to, in the same time, concentrate on the projection
in my, modest ear and opinion (i have a great and profound dislike for Callas so i don't really count as being able to hear - or, if i can can hear - i can't appreciate shit for music) , this is the best balanced and most harmonious of all the prominent (not mentioning bochelli or other ridiculous attempts) recordings off this duet
I keep trying to give this duet a chance, and the whole opera, because I loved Carmen so much. But in this case, it's always the singers that make the duet, not the music itself (but not the whole opera). Maybe I'm not getting it, or maybe most people who inevitably hear Carmen first set their expectations too high.
They are Both drop gorgeous. How is it possible I NEVER heard this before? My life is music. God Bless youtube. I've heard and seen people I didn't know existed. I'm in awe with discoveries.
My opinion: Bjoerling & Merrill are historically non-pareil, but no one mentions the SUPERB Thomas Hampson - Jerry Hadley recording. The first "femme" : Only Hadley and Kraus sing that with absolute perfection. For me, this recording, Bjoerling-Merrill and Hampson-Hadley are the 3 zeniths of renditions.
i don't think that can be said so 'reverently' - it's almost sacrilegious to comment on that recording [lol] - but ...- i think Merrill is great, but i would rather reserve my opinion on Bjorling, esp. on his duets - let's say, he would surely justify any ridiculous price of ticket nowadays, but i think his intonation (as in getting right with notes) is to be desired
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
While each is great in their own voices they just don't seem to meld as a duet. I prefer the Bjorling-Merrill rendition. However the comparison may not be fair as the B-M recording was in a sound studio while this was in open concert hall.
I have a playlist that begins with the Borling-Merrill duet, then goes to this pair, then to two with Bocelli, the first with Ledesma and the second with Terfil. While Borling was clearly superior to Bocelli, I like the Bocelli-Terfil pair for their blend. I think Kraus and McDaniel blend well and of those pairs, their French is superior. The least compatible are Ludesma-Bocelli who also, unfortunately, were recorded at Madison Sq. Garden. Acoustics, ouch!
i am in awe. i watch this everyday and cannot get over it. everyone talks about the caruso recording, but something about this just gets me everytime.
"This is by far the youngest I've seen Alfredo Kraus!) I KNOW. I KNOW. Great
French, and handsome as a young man.
I LOVE Robert Merrill. And Bjorling's great. I treasure my recording of Hampson and Hadley on their CD of duets. But THIS beautiful rendition knocked my socks off when I first heard it.
and every single time I listen. I grateful that it was posted.
MaxtheWise (in Yiddish 'mavin' means 'expert'. MaxtheMavin would be a cool name too. Alfredo sounds fantastic
here. I guess it's my personal preference for handsome men: No mustaches, beards, etc. There was a song "I like a clean shaven man, give me a clean shaven man." That's for me. Thanks a million, Max. ;~)
I had to chuckle because I always say that I have weakness for bearded men because, in 1949, after the delivery men wheeled in the mahogany-cased Motorola in and my mother switched it on, the first image I saw was that of Gabby Hayes. I was hooked on male facial hair since.
In my humble opinion, I think that in the solo parts, this version is equal to or perhaps even slightly better. But the parts where Bjorling and Merril's voices intertwine is breathtakingly beautiful, and it seems like they are focusing more on sounding beautiful together than being soloists that just happen to be singing together, like Kraus and McDaniel, here. They both are beautiful, but I'd have to go with the Bjorling/merril version.
kraus was such a gentleman, his singing was delicate, subtle, it wasnt just technique , it was art! his interpretation made arias sound so beautiful! it was just superb!!!
I think some of the "differences" between these duets, are the technical differences in the recordings themselves over the last 60+ years, and not just the vocals. While I think Kraus/McDaniel are great, it's almost like an "R-rolling contest" in some parts.
Thanks so much for the subtitles - hard to find the translation of words. I've heard Kraus live --his voice is like velvet. The tempo of this, the phrasing, is poetic. Bjorling, though, I think is the superb tenor.
My Apologies Ariston. I had a few drinks last night and was in a foul mood. I have broken my own rule with Youtube and attacked you personally. You have every right to make comments, yours however hit a nerve. Now in a sober state I read your comment and see that you are totally correct. The arguement of who sings the better should never overshadow the true mastery, that being the initial creation of such an amazing melody and story.
Well Merrill had the most beautiful Baritone but this seems to fit Kraus as well as Bjorling perhaps he sounds more French then Bjorling his french is very good. Kraus was a very classy singer I always enjoyed him in the house in lyric roles of course. None like him now.
Amen to that. I sang with him years ago in Dallas in both this and 'Romeo et Juliette' and it was sublime He was the nicest tenor I ever worked with. If you really follow this opera, which is rarely performed anymore, Opera Colorado is doing it in February in Denver. It has gorgeous music but the story is tough to follow. Thanks for the subtitles.
extremely moving, & their amazing beautiful voices. now I know what was sung. But for many years up until I saw this, before I knew what they were singing about. I always loved it very much and always had the same effect on me - getting choked up. My vision of it was the evening sun glinting on the sea with two fisher men in their boat, hailing in their nets and not catching anything, then they sung to one another of undying friendship to one another even in times of hardship.
At first, I felt the Bjorling/Merrill rendition was better. Not anymore. :) Bravo to Kraus (may he RIP) and McDaniel! They bring much inspiration to young singers everywhere.
Wow! My eyes are filled with tears! The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. This is the most beautiful male duet I've ever heard - in fact THE best! I have sent it to my lover!
I think Kraus was destined to sing Nadir! Whenever I hear this duet it sends chills up my spine. Bizet was a genius, but it takes a true singer to express this genius.
Wonderful-If this was a studio recording, I'm not so sure I wouldn't like it better than the Bjorling/Merrill version....(and I like Robert Merrill alot)
The barytone is excellent but Kraus is beyond comment. The implicitness of his line and the focus of the vocal emission are something one can only marvel at.
I cannot compare this to ANY of the posted duets here.
Indeed, Monsieur Alex.. Je comprends beaucoup,J'aime la musique,et.. France Opera.. j'adore ca.. Let's pray that everybody, if they have to fight they fight in music not in violence,au revoir mon ami...
This is the best rendition, I prefer this one for the tender tenor voice of Krauss harmonize with strong and elegant bass-baritone timbre from Mac Daniel.. In they tell a story indeed..
I continue to listen to variations of this piece only to continue to return to this one. I simply hear the varition between the Baritone voice and the tenor as opposed to sometimes the clutter of voice strength between Bjoring and Merrill. Here there is true definition and beautiful harmony.
Not ever knowing the true translation has never bothered me. But now that I understand the meaning of this great work I am totally satisfied .....it is about love.
Sorry for my reversed comments I am unfamiliar with posting comments. And for all you french opera lovers I am an Aussie bloke who has loved this duet all my life yet not understood a word of it. So follows my own translation.
And as the King reaches up and grabs his sons sword and pulls it towards his chest his son begs for a miracle. But to no Avail........the prince must raise his sword and thrust it to his beloved fathers chest
This amazing duet has haunted me forever. I always imagined a King and his Crown Prince off to war and with a pledge to each other not to leave the other wounded and dying. I imagined that the Prince son after the crusade wandering through the devastation finding his father and being held to his pact. And at 5.23 the son refusing to end his beloved fathers pain with his sword and his father beging for his mercy
The orchestra could be the orchestra of the Bayerischer Rundfunk, but why Erede and not Kubelik (who was the conductor in 1970) is conducting here is beyond me.
McDaniel (who is still with us I think, unlike Kraus who died in 1999) is nearly an honorary German - he moved there in '54 or so, and even did his US National Service there. I've started a wiki stub...
I'm quite taken with this recording -it's got a solid professional feel (though a bit slow), free of the flashiness of the '100 best tunes' versions of recent years :)
Has anyone told us the orchestra & conductor - if so I've missed it.
magnificent, not quite bjorling; however, there is much passion in their voices and the story comes alive. How was Sri Lanka? Would love to 'see' the opera here.
Wow! What can I say? This is a fabulous version - excellent tenor - I would have to compare this favourably with Bjorling and Merrill despite my great love of their version....top stuff - sure made the hairs stand on end....!
This is a fine performance. However, just now I am looking forward to the production of 'The Pearl Fishers' which is due to hit the boards at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon - naturally!) at 19h00 on 9th January 2008 (i.e. this evening). This is a French-Sri Lankan-Indian co-production organised by the Neemrana Music Foundation of New Delhi, India.
It is said that there will be 120 Sri Lankan-Indo-French singers, musiciens and dancers. Cheers.
Hallo, ecbremner, 2 months ago. Kraus having a better edge to his voice than Jussi? I fear not too many would agree. But, fair enough, these singers are also good.
I've just listened to all the different versions of the Pearl Fishers Duet. Picking a favourite is like deciding which of your children you love the best. I don't pretend to have a good ear but I think that although Bjorling may have a better voice I like this version better. I think they express more emotion.
Wonderfully put, my friend..!! Totally agree with your comments (being a father of 3 I understand what you mean...). It amazes me how both singers can stand there, literally inanimate (especially on the high notes), without expressing some kind of physical emotion, yet if you close your eyes, it is there in the imagination!!
This is a truly stunning recording. Isn't it nice that we get to choose from Merrill, McDaniel, Hampson, Terfel, Kraus, Bjorling, Alagna,etc. What riches for opera lovers. Thank you for putting this up there.
I think this might be the most beautiful post on all of Youtube. Thank you to Gabba, and now to parkyojin for adding the translation. I know the name of Barry McDaniel but never heard him sing - until now. While everyone adds comments comparing one video to another, often just hyping or dissing this singer or that - I must say this rendition adds an emotional component that, IMHO no other has. And yes - I am a singer, too!
Wow I think i actually like this recording more than the Bjorling/Merrill recording. I love that they do the COMPLETE duet. Its my one complaint about the Bjorling/Merrill clip. But even aside from that i think Kraus has a little better edge to his voice in this then Bjorling. They both are stunning.
Performed in both, 'Pearl Fishers' and 'Lucia' over the summer and will always have found memories...Pearl Fishers is my favourite out of the two; guess it was for colour, music, lovely duets and powerful corus.
Must it ALWAYS be excellent technique OR good expression/acting? I absolutely love the tenor; he does not give me the impression that he is in shock, or is seeing this actually happen.
With regards Paul Potts well I think others that make comment should first put themselves up for comment also. I dont defend his(Potts) voice but good luck to him if he makes a buck. Everyone knows where it will end.
this is awesome, not get much better than this. Great to see especially after the death of the last great tenor in the world this morning.... bravo.. I agree that pp is really poor. A prime example of the throw away society we live in today. Russell bloody Watson commented on Pavarotti's career this morning, what right does he have to comment on Pav.. SOB
ATTENTION: Come listen to Gianni Savelli, Ameria's Greatest tenor and one of the finest tenor's the world has ever produced! Search Gianni Savelli Opera Compilation and listen to the one opera singer that made other opera singers speechless.
I wouldn't exactly call him a joke. He can get though "Nessun dorma" reputably. Great. Could he get through two acts of TURANDOT and then do Act III? The French repertoire is different, and "opera fanatics" forget this. Verismo hides vocal imperfections behind blasting. That's not French opera. Should a tenor born to sing in LA FILLE DU REGIMENT be singing Calaf? Who knows whether Potss is a joke, a set-up or a real singer? The joke is assuming that Nessun dorma is a career.
I wouldn't say he gets through the aria in an honorable manner. I guess I'm too much of a purist to enjoy a throaty voice that wouldn't be heard past the third row if you took the mic away. To your credit, you make some nice points. But I don't wanna hear that guy's voice in any rep. Bottom line, to me, he's a joke and he sucks. I'm just thankful for the glorious music in this video.
The ease that Kraus to the high notes is absolutely astounding! His first a flat at 1:57 is so relaxed that I was actually taken aback by it. Every b flat is spot on. He could do this shit in his sleep. Wonderful!!!
This is in response to lieneuh. "Alas" is an old French word, but it has been adopted into the English language. It means "by bad luck" or "unfortunately." I don't believe it is necessary to translate it further.
El tenor mejor preparado del siglo XX. Como dijo Leo Nucci: Kraus es la ópera.
arielrodriguezpaulo 4 days ago
shitty audience... the applause should have been much bigger.
124235346 3 weeks ago
Utterly !!! Utterly !!! Fantastic.
Nev266 1 month ago
BROS BEFORE HOES
shubidubar 3 months ago
@shubidubar
Okay, now that was funny.
Can't believe I'm the only one to think so (so far).
smartalek180 1 month ago
Bravo bravo!!
Mountchoirboy 5 months ago in playlist chazzanut cantorial
Bellissima interpretazione ...saluti
federic017 6 months ago
thankyou for this wonderful piece! I've always thought this is so beautiful and now actually knowing what they're saying makes it even more special
daniv1700 6 months ago
@daniv1700 "actually knowing what they're saying makes it even more special"
I agree -- sort of.
Maybe it's the translation, but great as it is 2 know the details, & not just the gist of it (& in real-time, too, pretty much word-4-word), it's a bit disheartening 2 find some of the lyrics r so... pedestrian.
The soaring, masterful, heartrending score deserves a more exalted text, don't u think?
I'm not complaining, tho!
Thank u so much, parakyojin, 4 all yr work!
smartalek180 1 month ago
WOW early Kraus, the best!
dungeounmaster 6 months ago
I was sitting here doing something else, when I realized I had chills and a marvelous feeling from this piece. Beautiful!! Thank you, russ
grp9748 7 months ago
Glorious, stunning and profound! What a wonderful piece of artistic vision and emotion that symbolizes some of the rare qualities that makes us all human-beings and touches parts of pure emotions (some call it our soul) that one only feels on rare occasions in life.
samuelorton 9 months ago
my new favourite
b0bthekillar 10 months ago
Kraus and McDaniel are my favorites for this piece. With out a doubt.
pavofan59 10 months ago 4
This is the best rendition ever of this duet. Amazing ! Thanks to the uploader !
gorgolaka 10 months ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
gayest duet ever.....
rafaelaguiar08 11 months ago
Comment removed
nobodyimportant09 11 months ago
sooooo beautiful.................
datzi4ka 11 months ago
I think this is EQUAL to the Bjorling/Merrill recording. I wish someone could post
the recording by Thomas Hampson and the late (sadly suicide in 2007) Jerry Hadley..
tuadolcefanciulla 1 year ago
Barry McDaniel is my cousin. He has a tremendous voice. To hear him sing the Lord's Prayer is breathtaking. He is from Lyndon, Kansas. This is a beautiful duet.
McJayhawk1966 1 year ago
So VERY fine ... but I still don't think that Alfredo Kraus is quite the equal of Bjorling, Caruso, nor Gigli ... in the same aria ... on youtube examples.
jhb134 1 year ago
a kind of singing, which is lost! thank you alfredo kraus.
seoerk 1 year ago
A rivetting performance!
Is the first part of the recit missing?
Bagoponies 1 year ago
Which is Kraus and which is McDaniel?
baiba6 1 year ago
@baiba6 Kraus has the light eyes (and the better voice IMHO)
siglino 1 year ago
@siglino Thanks!:)
baiba6 1 year ago
I heard almost all the performances here in youtube i can say now this is the best version
mhax3 1 year ago 4
This is my favourite version so far - those two men are hot
baiba6 1 year ago
Is there any other more beauty-foul or more romantic duet for tenor and baritone in the world of opera ?. BRAVI.
perfumedlife 1 year ago
interesting way to say "bros before hos"
Webarton 1 year ago 10
Alfredo a une voix merveilleuse; c' est vrai, il est meilleur que Roberto Alagna dans cette air!
Pierre LALAR
CALIMERO305 1 year ago
@CALIMERO305
.meilleur que Alagna "dans cette air " ? Are you implying that Alagna is better than Kraus is other things? You better be kidding.
rbb0509 1 year ago
beautiful! my wish would be to sing this with somebody together. anybody around?
GERMANYFrankie 1 year ago
Amazingly beautiful! Very well sung. Thanks for posting this one.
StephanAdriaens 1 year ago
I saw Krass a couple of times but never appreciated him as much as now, after 50 years. The reason, methinks, is that he was a horse in a good field. Bergonzi, Tucker, Sondor Konya, Corelli, and the great DiSteppano.
Parvarotti would have been an also-ran, if he sang in those days.
aristopus 1 year ago
@aristopus - Pav/also-ran ..... I don't think so, not in Pavarotti's earliest days, anyway. In that time, his voice and articulation had a singularity that was quite remarkable. Just an opinion.
jhb134 1 year ago
Although the Bjorling/Merrill is superlative in all ways, was unexpectedly struck by the French language here, e.g., the French "r", the ringing vowels (only heard, in my opinion, by Georges Thill). TX for posting; it might not be my favorite but the beauty of the French is simply, what, heavenly!
nancywilken 1 year ago
I love the Borling/Merrill duet but, to my not-so-well-trained ear, I think this pair captures the sound of the French language better than the other.
SlightlySusan 1 year ago
Thanks for the subtitles!
CCArmour44 2 years ago
Ummm. True Tenors. Not pastiche.
3NUNS 2 years ago
Interesting to notice that Kraus appears to be standing twice as far from the mic as McDaniel. That must've been decided when they did sound checks before the performace, as neither of them so much as even budges from their places. Was Kraus's voice twice as strong as McDaniels?
Skipper7009 2 years ago
you are right - if i may say - i would not say twice, but quite a bit further away - he was particularly sonorous :)
singing a duet with a baritone (this one near bass quality) requires much grater control for a tenor than a solo or a duet with a soprano - this rendition is marvellously calculated for a perfect balance
branko1b 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
HMW 2 years ago
I think it's just the shots that make it appear that way, McDaniel is usually directly behind the mic where Kraus is usually off to the side giving that illusion. but i completely agree about the beautiful balance of the voices. A true art.
420funkymonkey420 2 years ago
beyond the point really - we all agree - but it's more observable towards the end of the vid when you see the feet and 'step distance' - HMW is right- they are recording 'mikes' so god knows what did the audience hear.. well one can wish ..
as HMW says McDaniel is 'light' - i think that could be a destiny of baritones to have to concentrate on producing 'a baritone colour' too much (as they naturally "wobble between" in no man's land to be able to, in the same time, concentrate on the projection
branko1b 2 years ago
Comment removed
HMW 2 years ago
"Au Fond du Temple Saint" is my all time favourite duet. I agree the Hadley/Hampson version is excellent.
Loved this version and the subtitles are a HUGE bonus. Thank you.
lizlk 2 years ago
in my, modest ear and opinion (i have a great and profound dislike for Callas so i don't really count as being able to hear - or, if i can can hear - i can't appreciate shit for music) , this is the best balanced and most harmonious of all the prominent (not mentioning bochelli or other ridiculous attempts) recordings off this duet
branko1b 2 years ago 2
There is nothing wrong with your ear
for music, or your taste. I must agree
with all you have written. The problem
with Callas is she sang too many things
that were not in her voice. Casta Diva is
an example of the correct boundary of her voice. She does that well. It's joke to hear
Bochelli mentioned in the same breath as an great opera star. Con Te Partiro'
does it for me. Bocelli sings all the great arias (picture my finger down my throat -
yes his renditions are that digusting.)
tuadolcefanciulla 2 years ago
...la foule est à genoux...
How true!!
preruminator 2 years ago
I keep trying to give this duet a chance, and the whole opera, because I loved Carmen so much. But in this case, it's always the singers that make the duet, not the music itself (but not the whole opera). Maybe I'm not getting it, or maybe most people who inevitably hear Carmen first set their expectations too high.
LateBloomeronPDtrain 2 years ago
Comment removed
LateBloomeronPDtrain 2 years ago
Kraus was an incredible singer... others may have him overshadowed for sheer beauty of sound, but his technique was absolutely impeccable.
Also, this duet is absolutely gorgeous.
StevenPierceLumpkin 2 years ago 3
They are Both drop gorgeous. How is it possible I NEVER heard this before? My life is music. God Bless youtube. I've heard and seen people I didn't know existed. I'm in awe with discoveries.
My opinion: Bjoerling & Merrill are historically non-pareil, but no one mentions the SUPERB Thomas Hampson - Jerry Hadley recording. The first "femme" : Only Hadley and Kraus sing that with absolute perfection. For me, this recording, Bjoerling-Merrill and Hampson-Hadley are the 3 zeniths of renditions.
tuadolcefanciulla 2 years ago 4
i don't think that can be said so 'reverently' - it's almost sacrilegious to comment on that recording [lol] - but ...- i think Merrill is great, but i would rather reserve my opinion on Bjorling, esp. on his duets - let's say, he would surely justify any ridiculous price of ticket nowadays, but i think his intonation (as in getting right with notes) is to be desired
branko1b 2 years ago
pearls before swine indeed
juankerrs27 2 years ago
kraus is unspeakably beautiful...
rajscreedon69 2 years ago 34
@rajscreedon69 yeah and i have watched this video a million times already
lafenchellz 2 months ago
@rajscreedon69 : Blindness may be your friend !
MusicPredominates 2 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
While each is great in their own voices they just don't seem to meld as a duet. I prefer the Bjorling-Merrill rendition. However the comparison may not be fair as the B-M recording was in a sound studio while this was in open concert hall.
sailboi69 2 years ago
I have a playlist that begins with the Borling-Merrill duet, then goes to this pair, then to two with Bocelli, the first with Ledesma and the second with Terfil. While Borling was clearly superior to Bocelli, I like the Bocelli-Terfil pair for their blend. I think Kraus and McDaniel blend well and of those pairs, their French is superior. The least compatible are Ludesma-Bocelli who also, unfortunately, were recorded at Madison Sq. Garden. Acoustics, ouch!
SlightlySusan 2 years ago
when did Bocelli start singing?
strange.
BernardProfitendieu 2 years ago 2
WHY did Boceilli start singing?
junehilde 2 years ago 3
and how do we get him to stop!?!
BernardProfitendieu 2 years ago 5
bocelli kinda sucks...
HMW 2 years ago 4
Comment removed
tuadolcefanciulla 2 years ago
i am in awe. i watch this everyday and cannot get over it. everyone talks about the caruso recording, but something about this just gets me everytime.
bcom11 2 years ago 5
This is so beautiful
sanctuary3 2 years ago 4
i love it!!! so moving...
smcdon817 2 years ago 3
Awesome
rtclawson 2 years ago 4
Wow! This is by far the youngest I've ever seen Alfredo Kraus! (I just love his voice for French opera)
AmoreHL 2 years ago 6
"This is by far the youngest I've seen Alfredo Kraus!) I KNOW. I KNOW. Great
French, and handsome as a young man.
I LOVE Robert Merrill. And Bjorling's great. I treasure my recording of Hampson and Hadley on their CD of duets. But THIS beautiful rendition knocked my socks off when I first heard it.
and every single time I listen. I grateful that it was posted.
tuadolcefanciulla 2 years ago 5
@tuadolcefanciulla
Search
Alfredo Kraus "La donna e mobile" Rigoletto 1958
on youtube, this is ther youngest Kraus I know :p
MaxtheWise 2 years ago
MaxtheWise (in Yiddish 'mavin' means 'expert'. MaxtheMavin would be a cool name too. Alfredo sounds fantastic
here. I guess it's my personal preference for handsome men: No mustaches, beards, etc. There was a song "I like a clean shaven man, give me a clean shaven man." That's for me. Thanks a million, Max. ;~)
tuadolcefanciulla 2 years ago
I had to chuckle because I always say that I have weakness for bearded men because, in 1949, after the delivery men wheeled in the mahogany-cased Motorola in and my mother switched it on, the first image I saw was that of Gabby Hayes. I was hooked on male facial hair since.
SlightlySusan 1 year ago
This is easily one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.
fixinman 2 years ago 5
kraus, is for me anyway far better than bjorling. right till the end kraus was superb..
rouman7 3 years ago
we'll never know how Bjoerling would have gone in his later years...
Alieaz 3 years ago 3
Technique questions aside, This is the most powerfully alive and heartfelt rendition ever. My fav.
spiderbirdie 3 years ago 31
La mejor Susaria (aria) que he escuchado en mi vida!!!
fanunoflamencomex 3 years ago
La Susaria empieza a vibrar partir del 1:43 !!!
fanunoflamencomex 3 years ago
Is this available on dvd?
montsyblackmaddona 3 years ago
DeVeDe estar en dvd!!!
já!!!
fanunoflamencomex 3 years ago
In my humble opinion, I think that in the solo parts, this version is equal to or perhaps even slightly better. But the parts where Bjorling and Merril's voices intertwine is breathtakingly beautiful, and it seems like they are focusing more on sounding beautiful together than being soloists that just happen to be singing together, like Kraus and McDaniel, here. They both are beautiful, but I'd have to go with the Bjorling/merril version.
rootbeer281 3 years ago 3
absolutely fantastic
Kibo103 3 years ago
kraus was such a gentleman, his singing was delicate, subtle, it wasnt just technique , it was art! his interpretation made arias sound so beautiful! it was just superb!!!
GrawAgent 3 years ago 3
So beautiful... brings me to tears...
Thankyou to my dear friend for sharing this with me.
Wonderful post, thankyou parkyojin!
sleepingTitania 3 years ago 4
So long as it is performed well my favourite recording is the one that I am listening to at the time.
bangersnmash4me 3 years ago
agree, this is really fantastic and i can never forget their stunning voices
superjeff2200 3 years ago
I think some of the "differences" between these duets, are the technical differences in the recordings themselves over the last 60+ years, and not just the vocals. While I think Kraus/McDaniel are great, it's almost like an "R-rolling contest" in some parts.
Astraea52 3 years ago
Thanks so much for the subtitles - hard to find the translation of words. I've heard Kraus live --his voice is like velvet. The tempo of this, the phrasing, is poetic. Bjorling, though, I think is the superb tenor.
vicencen 3 years ago
Opera lovers are so petty usually. The comments always prove it.
Who cares what singer or diva sings, as long as they do justice to the work of the Master? Here the conversation should be about Bizet.
You ridiculous connoisseurs! Always making some absurd fine distinction between this or that great singer, who is "better" or "worse".
The question is this: who is the real master, Rossini or Bizet? Who is the greater artist?
But it is better for you dwarfs to say nothing about that at all.
AristonMenHudor 3 years ago
My Apologies Ariston. I had a few drinks last night and was in a foul mood. I have broken my own rule with Youtube and attacked you personally. You have every right to make comments, yours however hit a nerve. Now in a sober state I read your comment and see that you are totally correct. The arguement of who sings the better should never overshadow the true mastery, that being the initial creation of such an amazing melody and story.
razz1965 3 years ago
oh now i understand what you tried to say :P lol
GrawAgent 3 years ago
Well Merrill had the most beautiful Baritone but this seems to fit Kraus as well as Bjorling perhaps he sounds more French then Bjorling his french is very good. Kraus was a very classy singer I always enjoyed him in the house in lyric roles of course. None like him now.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 2
Amen to that. I sang with him years ago in Dallas in both this and 'Romeo et Juliette' and it was sublime He was the nicest tenor I ever worked with. If you really follow this opera, which is rarely performed anymore, Opera Colorado is doing it in February in Denver. It has gorgeous music but the story is tough to follow. Thanks for the subtitles.
chucknyc123 3 years ago
I liked the Bjorling Merrill version but the more I listen to this, the more I am inclined to say Kraus sings it better.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 2
Awesome. Breathtaking. Splendid.
zen94105 3 years ago
thank you for the subtitles
dem24utube 3 years ago
Beautiful.
kowboi999 3 years ago
Best version of many performed through out recorded history.
simon4189 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Jussi Bjorling + Robert Merrill + Pearl Fishers = a lot better than this one
rootbeer281 3 years ago
Very good but................. we all have our opinion and the one you mention is the only one most people know.
simon4189 3 years ago 6
Magnificent.
1952ARONIA 3 years ago
extremely moving, & their amazing beautiful voices. now I know what was sung. But for many years up until I saw this, before I knew what they were singing about. I always loved it very much and always had the same effect on me - getting choked up. My vision of it was the evening sun glinting on the sea with two fisher men in their boat, hailing in their nets and not catching anything, then they sung to one another of undying friendship to one another even in times of hardship.
wavesrcrashing 3 years ago
At first, I felt the Bjorling/Merrill rendition was better. Not anymore. :) Bravo to Kraus (may he RIP) and McDaniel! They bring much inspiration to young singers everywhere.
ejcruz310 3 years ago
Wow! My eyes are filled with tears! The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. This is the most beautiful male duet I've ever heard - in fact THE best! I have sent it to my lover!
murrayjgreene 3 years ago
did yo evr listened to Jussi Bjorling with Richard Merrill? talking about the best duet ever...
brissg 3 years ago
yeah that one is so much better than this one its not even funny...
rootbeer281 3 years ago
Wow...use hyperbole a little bit?
chcknpie04 3 years ago 3
this is the best version of this duet that I have ever heard in my life.
purcell232 3 years ago
Absolutely glorious !!!!
naibius 3 years ago
I think Kraus was destined to sing Nadir! Whenever I hear this duet it sends chills up my spine. Bizet was a genius, but it takes a true singer to express this genius.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago
Wonderful-If this was a studio recording, I'm not so sure I wouldn't like it better than the Bjorling/Merrill version....(and I like Robert Merrill alot)
ShawDAMAN 3 years ago
The barytone is excellent but Kraus is beyond comment. The implicitness of his line and the focus of the vocal emission are something one can only marvel at.
I cannot compare this to ANY of the posted duets here.
CONTESTAR 3 years ago
The voices here are spectacular...the video of Bryn Terfel and Roberto Alagna is amazing, but this is just stunning and entrancing!
chcknpie04 3 years ago
their clarity of voice is stunning. thank you for posting this here.
veryoldbaldman 3 years ago
my favorite opera duet of all time.
jeannebeanee 3 years ago
A brilliant performace, thank you so much for sharing it. I 'll never tire of hearing this piece.
nitenrg 3 years ago
subtitles?
gabrielitoul 3 years ago
I'd have to say this one is better than the Alagna Terfel recording of the same piece. The combination in this recording is much better.
Dihgodofthat 3 years ago 2
Indeed, Monsieur Alex.. Je comprends beaucoup,J'aime la musique,et.. France Opera.. j'adore ca.. Let's pray that everybody, if they have to fight they fight in music not in violence,au revoir mon ami...
danielBlckz 3 years ago
This is the best rendition, I prefer this one for the tender tenor voice of Krauss harmonize with strong and elegant bass-baritone timbre from Mac Daniel.. In they tell a story indeed..
danielBlckz 3 years ago
You are no ordinary Boy, Daniel...far from it. Continue with your prayer and love of music, the world will be a better place for it.
alexshehol 3 years ago
Im still ordinary boy monseiur alex, merci beaucop pour votre parler.. agree let's pray..
danielBlckz 3 years ago
I continue to listen to variations of this piece only to continue to return to this one. I simply hear the varition between the Baritone voice and the tenor as opposed to sometimes the clutter of voice strength between Bjoring and Merrill. Here there is true definition and beautiful harmony.
alexshehol 3 years ago
Not ever knowing the true translation has never bothered me. But now that I understand the meaning of this great work I am totally satisfied .....it is about love.
alexshehol 3 years ago
Sorry for my reversed comments I am unfamiliar with posting comments. And for all you french opera lovers I am an Aussie bloke who has loved this duet all my life yet not understood a word of it. So follows my own translation.
Merci Beaucoup?
alexshehol 3 years ago
And as the King reaches up and grabs his sons sword and pulls it towards his chest his son begs for a miracle. But to no Avail........the prince must raise his sword and thrust it to his beloved fathers chest
alexshehol 3 years ago
This amazing duet has haunted me forever. I always imagined a King and his Crown Prince off to war and with a pledge to each other not to leave the other wounded and dying. I imagined that the Prince son after the crusade wandering through the devastation finding his father and being held to his pact. And at 5.23 the son refusing to end his beloved fathers pain with his sword and his father beging for his mercy
alexshehol 3 years ago
Their diction is as perfect as any I have ever heard! And the clarity of the high notes is impeccable.
BTW, how on earth can one compare Kraus to Bjorling? Two very different recordings and recording techniques.
ohiojbear 4 years ago 3
A feast for the ears ... and for the eyes!! Merci beaucoup pour la traduccion dans l'anglais. Cinque étoile ***
keepthemusicplaying0 4 years ago 2
The orchestra could be the orchestra of the Bayerischer Rundfunk, but why Erede and not Kubelik (who was the conductor in 1970) is conducting here is beyond me.
edronc2007 4 years ago
It is very good of you to create a Wiki for McDaniel. He is grotesquely underrated and more than deserves it.
Do you know the great interview with him? Just google for "Barry McDaniel" and "interview".
I was told that the conductor is Alberto Erede.
edronc2007 4 years ago 2
McDaniel (who is still with us I think, unlike Kraus who died in 1999) is nearly an honorary German - he moved there in '54 or so, and even did his US National Service there. I've started a wiki stub...
I'm quite taken with this recording -it's got a solid professional feel (though a bit slow), free of the flashiness of the '100 best tunes' versions of recent years :)
Has anyone told us the orchestra & conductor - if so I've missed it.
linuxlad 4 years ago 2
Ansermet? In which case it's pre-1970. (Ansermet died in 69 I read.)
linuxlad 4 years ago
magnificent, not quite bjorling; however, there is much passion in their voices and the story comes alive. How was Sri Lanka? Would love to 'see' the opera here.
santa6710 4 years ago
Wow! What can I say? This is a fabulous version - excellent tenor - I would have to compare this favourably with Bjorling and Merrill despite my great love of their version....top stuff - sure made the hairs stand on end....!
slofox13 4 years ago 4
we're playin this in band
SHIMASEIRO 4 years ago
This is a fine performance. However, just now I am looking forward to the production of 'The Pearl Fishers' which is due to hit the boards at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon - naturally!) at 19h00 on 9th January 2008 (i.e. this evening). This is a French-Sri Lankan-Indian co-production organised by the Neemrana Music Foundation of New Delhi, India.
It is said that there will be 120 Sri Lankan-Indo-French singers, musiciens and dancers. Cheers.
niyangala 4 years ago
Hallo, ecbremner, 2 months ago. Kraus having a better edge to his voice than Jussi? I fear not too many would agree. But, fair enough, these singers are also good.
RudySunseeker 4 years ago
que bonito ...T_T T_T T_T
00ceroalaizquierda00 4 years ago
I am a Björling Fan, but Kraus is excellent
janussi 4 years ago 4
bravo!just beautiful
eurich1 4 years ago
Bravo.
3NUNS 4 years ago
克劳斯永远最棒！good
MCLARENWIND 4 years ago
I've just listened to all the different versions of the Pearl Fishers Duet. Picking a favourite is like deciding which of your children you love the best. I don't pretend to have a good ear but I think that although Bjorling may have a better voice I like this version better. I think they express more emotion.
sand0518 4 years ago 9
Wonderfully put, my friend..!! Totally agree with your comments (being a father of 3 I understand what you mean...). It amazes me how both singers can stand there, literally inanimate (especially on the high notes), without expressing some kind of physical emotion, yet if you close your eyes, it is there in the imagination!!
yobbo44 4 years ago 2
The biggest difference for me is in this one you can actually hear WHAT they are singing. (I can't always understand Björling's French)
ConanHej 3 years ago
This is a truly stunning recording. Isn't it nice that we get to choose from Merrill, McDaniel, Hampson, Terfel, Kraus, Bjorling, Alagna,etc. What riches for opera lovers. Thank you for putting this up there.
bevsoprano 4 years ago 4
I think this might be the most beautiful post on all of Youtube. Thank you to Gabba, and now to parkyojin for adding the translation. I know the name of Barry McDaniel but never heard him sing - until now. While everyone adds comments comparing one video to another, often just hyping or dissing this singer or that - I must say this rendition adds an emotional component that, IMHO no other has. And yes - I am a singer, too!
cantorandopera 4 years ago 5
Wow I think i actually like this recording more than the Bjorling/Merrill recording. I love that they do the COMPLETE duet. Its my one complaint about the Bjorling/Merrill clip. But even aside from that i think Kraus has a little better edge to his voice in this then Bjorling. They both are stunning.
ecbremner 4 years ago 2
When old age shall this generation waste,
Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st,
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,"—that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
rabmunch 4 years ago 11
Lovely video!
Performed in both, 'Pearl Fishers' and 'Lucia' over the summer and will always have found memories...Pearl Fishers is my favourite out of the two; guess it was for colour, music, lovely duets and powerful corus.
Angie2106 4 years ago
Must it ALWAYS be excellent technique OR good expression/acting? I absolutely love the tenor; he does not give me the impression that he is in shock, or is seeing this actually happen.
safersephiroth2001 4 years ago
Agreeded a great version of this duet.
With regards Paul Potts well I think others that make comment should first put themselves up for comment also. I dont defend his(Potts) voice but good luck to him if he makes a buck. Everyone knows where it will end.
Bjorling/Krause finest tenors ever
waynetenor 4 years ago 2
It's not underrated at all but can you name many tenors to make it through without losing their voice in the process?
I mean if you check the tabs it's above average for most tenors they don't touch that kind of music
xarissof 4 years ago
Extraordinary. I'm working my way through Pearl Fishers but I have a hunch this is "the keeper".
Pearl Fishers, perhaps the most underrated opera in the repertoire.
lusciousbobby 4 years ago 2
this is awesome, not get much better than this. Great to see especially after the death of the last great tenor in the world this morning.... bravo.. I agree that pp is really poor. A prime example of the throw away society we live in today. Russell bloody Watson commented on Pavarotti's career this morning, what right does he have to comment on Pav.. SOB
jameslucjan 4 years ago 2
the same right the you have to comment over anything and say anything you can think of? mabye?
luixander19 4 years ago
ATTENTION: Come listen to Gianni Savelli, Ameria's Greatest tenor and one of the finest tenor's the world has ever produced! Search Gianni Savelli Opera Compilation and listen to the one opera singer that made other opera singers speechless.
Jcrewone7 4 years ago
This makes Paul Potts look like a joke,
pristuccia 4 years ago 2
Paul Potts is a joke!
BigOperaguy 4 years ago
I wouldn't exactly call him a joke. He can get though "Nessun dorma" reputably. Great. Could he get through two acts of TURANDOT and then do Act III? The French repertoire is different, and "opera fanatics" forget this. Verismo hides vocal imperfections behind blasting. That's not French opera. Should a tenor born to sing in LA FILLE DU REGIMENT be singing Calaf? Who knows whether Potss is a joke, a set-up or a real singer? The joke is assuming that Nessun dorma is a career.
Mapman923 4 years ago
I wouldn't say he gets through the aria in an honorable manner. I guess I'm too much of a purist to enjoy a throaty voice that wouldn't be heard past the third row if you took the mic away. To your credit, you make some nice points. But I don't wanna hear that guy's voice in any rep. Bottom line, to me, he's a joke and he sucks. I'm just thankful for the glorious music in this video.
BigOperaguy 4 years ago
beath taking now thats music thanks parkyojin.
mmtucker 4 years ago
Another precious video that begs the question : 'If only we could revisit the past!'
3NUNS 4 years ago
May I make a penetrating contribution her by way of a question. Where was this performance &c ?
3NUNS 4 years ago
The ease that Kraus to the high notes is absolutely astounding! His first a flat at 1:57 is so relaxed that I was actually taken aback by it. Every b flat is spot on. He could do this shit in his sleep. Wonderful!!!
BigOperaguy 4 years ago
im dancing in this opera at the moment...this is the best song in the whole opera!! goosebumps every time!
kellydancer 4 years ago
hi, the part that you translated as "alas" is infact "what a pity" or "too bad"
lieneuh 4 years ago
This is in response to lieneuh. "Alas" is an old French word, but it has been adopted into the English language. It means "by bad luck" or "unfortunately." I don't believe it is necessary to translate it further.
parkyojin 4 years ago
Martinou1975..Barry McDaniel is American not English!
quietdepths 4 years ago
McDaniel is excellent. His french is very good for an english man.
But the tenor cant really speak it correctly. Moreover, he made a mistake in the text ...
Martinou1975 4 years ago
I agree !! This is truly wonderful. I have been looking for this recording on the internet. I cant find it on DVD or CD anywhere.
bjartmario 4 years ago
In AMAZON you can find one fantastic versión with Alfredo Kraus and Giuseppe Taddei. I have it
ilpiugrandetenore 4 years ago
Thank you very much. I will buy it !!
bjartmario 4 years ago