Mattia Battistini, "Figlia di regi, a te l'ommaggio", Meyerbeer: L'Africana (rec. 1912)

[meltzerboy]

Battistini was not a bel canto baritone in the sense of a singer who cultivated beautiful tone above all else, but rather by virtue of one who expressed emotions through beautiful tone. While he did not sacrifice tone for expression, he sometimes broke the musical line. There is an interpretative art to Battistini's singing that demands admiration as well as a luxuriance of sound and technique having its own appeal. Thanks for posting this, Tim.

[AulicExclusiva]

@meltzerboy Exactly right. People who think Meyerbeer's music is all bogus ought to listen to this fabulous performance, the very essence of the Grand Manner.

The prayer at the end (Dio, Brahma!) is particularly unforgettable.

[EdmundStAustell]

Another fascinating recording. That bright, somewhat open edge to his voice in the lower registers really facilitates pronunciation and, I can easily imagine, excellent acting, projecting words and bringing the plot alive.