TOM BURKE SINGS - LA DONNE E MOBILE - COLUMBIA ACOUSTIC DISC.wmv

[JackRance1910]

Oh my comment has not appeared! "Waiting approval." I shall repeat it. This is one of the best recordings of this aria by any artist of any nationality. Why? He changes tempo and volume in a very imaginative way, he sings all the notes and adds his own. This can be a boring "warhorse" for tenors, but Burke makes it special - please, include my comment.

[JackRance1910]

This is perhaps the best version of this aria. A thinking and accomplished artist.

[JackRance1910]

A very free and typically Italian approach of the 19th (not twentieth) century - this shows Burke understands the character and the bel canto tradition, with ornaments, holds, contrasts of volume all supported on the breath. It is interesting to note that two superb (perhaps best) versions of this aria come from an Englishman (Burke) and Tauber. Tauber's version is similarly poised and characterful - and of course well sung. It takes great artists to make this warhorse interesting and both do.

[JackRance1910]

This is one of most imaginative versions of this well worn aria. Really so - there are many little touches and a feeling for the role. And he was a proper opera singer indeed.

[Nicrhind]

Marvelous singing! After hearing Burke in the first English performance of "Gianni Schicchi" Puccini himself was heard to say, "I have never heard my music more beautifully sung."

[JackRance1910]

@Nicrhind Correct. And you can see why. He has the technique and the brain - much more of either qualities than some Italian "greats."