A special, important, rare, and historic moment caught on video, thank goodness, for generations to come who will see how it is done. Thanks so much for posting, and thank you to Milnes for a magical and musical interpretation.
Phenomenal..truly one of the greats. I heard him do this 2 or 3 years earlier at the City Opera at Lincoln Center. He was so resonant you could feel the seats shake. I was in awe.
Holy Moley! His high notes are unreal in this recording. You will rarely hear as even a tone as his from top to bottom. Bravo Milnes! And so powerful!
@WiseMonkey888 Correction: The "typical" sound I'm talking about really occurs around 2:20. Anyway, it's when he sings the words (I think this is what they are) 'con me.'
My favorite baritone singing one of my favorite baritone arias. For me this is a perfect example of what Milnes did best: combine legato with incisive declamation. One of the first times I ever saw this video, I actually had tears running down my face because the sound in the section beginning "E voi, piuttosto" was so glorious.
I have always loved this opera and prologue. Milnes is one of my all-time favourite singers, and apart from the occasionally annoying dip-thongs and one section that could have done with more pathos his performance is a revelation making this one of my favourite performances of this prologue along with Merrill's and Gobbi's. I especially loved the taking off of the wig, which was quite poignant, and that top A flat genuinely gave me goosebumps. Also I have to agree, that wow says it all!
Also would like to respond to a comment about Gobbi having a better version. Well, apart from the fact that the version that comes up here seems like something Stephen King would envision, does anyone know why he sounds so warbly? I hear this with other older singers like Caruso, Gigli, Bjoerling as well. Was it the singing style or perhaps the engineering?
Not so early Milnes. He debuted at the Met in 1965 and was 43 here 13 years later in 1978. Many people are prejudices against Milnes because of his physical problems later with his vocal cords. But Merrill was amazed at Milnes voice and declared him his successor. Milnes, Warren, Merrill, Cappuccilli--all wonderful. Milnes is my favorite for his smooth voice and ringing high notes--the Pavarotti of baritones!
ALSO- i forgot to add: Isn't in great NOT to have those annoying SUB-TITLES. Makes this 'all the better'. Today we'd have Margaret Junkpile & Ira Siff explaining what Milnes had to eat before he sang, when he took a dump, what colour it was and the composers sister-in-laws birthday.
OK. OK. I heard Warren, Merrill etc. They were all great.THIS is one example where Milnes SHINES. Also- ya hadda be there. It was big voice that carried beautifully in the 'house'. AND- Milnes was in "top form" here. Wonderful.
@StuartLou He's OK here. All I have to do is listen to a performance he might of done 4 or 5 years later and better baritones like Warren, Tibbett, Merrill, Bonelli, and even Weede come to mind.
I think this performance became the benchmark of this aria!!no 1 has even came close to this...milnes is indeed one of the best baritones ever to walk the earth..
I had seen this many times. I think I even commented on it. But it's still easily the most thrilling rendition I've ever heard. Gives me chills. No more Milnes, Luciano, Domingo, Freni, Ghiaurov, Caballe. No wonder I hardly ever go anymore. I wonder if Thomas Hampson ever saw this?
Yes. You can see him conducting in the beggining. These Met productions only changed the singers. Same conductors, disguises, sceneries... All excellent ones, anyway.
This is hyper-awesome! Hearing him live at that time would have probably caused death by wonder overload and over exposure to greatness. I absolutely adore this performance! Great music, great singer and overall performer.
+3 This is hyper-awesome! Hearing him live at that time would have probably caused death by wonder overload and over exposure to greatness. I absolutely adore this performance! Great music, great singer and overall performer.
Reply: In 1978, I was privileged to hear Mr. Milnes at the Met and thanks God I survived blessed to keep the memory of the magnificent greatness of his voice and his superb interpretation under Maestro Levine. Pedro
@calzada3063 How large did Milnes' voice seem at the Met? I'm curious, because I heard his Iago in Chicago during 1985 (while he was struggling through a vocal crisis). And it was absolutely the BIGGEST baritone I've ever heard, at least at that time and in that venue:) --
@stevevandien I heard him at the Met numerous times from '79 onwards. Prior to the vocal crisis, his voice was huge in the house (even at the 4,000 seat Met). Afterwards, it was never as big as it had been. I'm not sure if that was because he could no longer produce that sound, or if it was because he was holding back in order to avoid further crisis.
People over analyze this shit. Totally doesn't matter what any psuedo-music scientist/wannabe expert says. This is one of the best performances of Si Puo ever. Regardless of his technique.
This is the best baritone of his time at his best. No other baritone since has been able to generate the kind of raw excitement this baritone did routinely. Milnes took every high note and every risk every time. In two words his singing was ABSOLUTELY THRILLING! Thank you Sherill for giving us your unique style. Your presense has been missed.
Having heard him in Phila Acaemy of Music with its superb acoustics sig this it was stunning to say the least. That nite with him and Domingo and both in 108 form! OMG!
For all the young baritones: the male voice lightens as we age, sorry( the ladies voices lower/darken). I think Miles did, as many do, kept trying to sing darker as the voice naturally lighted. This results in pushing/grabbing & the death of the voice. This is why so many tenors can keep singing into their 70s/80s and many GREAT baritones have short careers. Miles was one of the great ones. Learn to back away from the stuff you should no longer sing.
I was also a light baritone long ago, now things changed and my voice also Tenor but a heavy one like something "Melchior" (a Tristan would suited me)
This is inaccurate-if anything voices get darker, heavier as they age. Why do you think tenors move into heavier roles as they age, and often lose a note or two on top. The same with baritones who start with lighter roles and grow intoe the heavy Verdi.Many baritones had long careers with heavy roles-Merrill, MacNeil e.g. There's no evidence that was Milnes' problem-I'm not sure any one really knows.
Actually that's not really the case-as countless tenors who begin as lyrics and later take on spinto or heavier roles-and baritones who began singings Silvio who later take on Tonio will tell etc. and generally true that later in their careers male singers will take on "heavier" more dramatic roles but I agree on the women part-but do you mean pitch or weight?
Of course I would be speaking of weight, not pitch. You can stay in pitch till you die(if you can stay in pitch to begin with.) Weight, will change as you age.
It is better than the 1995 which I saw with Atlantov, the following week I saw Nucci and i can tell you along with Cappuccilli the best sung Prologue I ever heard, that is not discounting MacNeil who had a voice of thunder.
Don't you idiots realize what it takes to produce a sound like this? Anyone in their prime would be proud to deliver a performance of this this high calibre.
He is already past prime here. But he got even worse later on. For prime Milnes listen to mid to late 60s and perhaps early 70s. One of the best Verdi baritone voices but sadly a poor technique to accompany it.
He sure was a lot better here then 1995 but I have to agree mostly with Audiophile. Actually they should not post a singer when he or she is past prime it's not fair to the artist and after all they do see these posts at times. I attended a master class to view only and he was excellent as a teacher and he was a major Verdi Baritone and a nice man . I enjoyed talking to him in Chicago he is from the Chicago area.
Milnes is a lyric baryton not dramatic, but in Tonio's prologue are great and the labem is fantastic ...Milnes was my idol in Canio, Luna, Enrico of Lucia, Monforte and others roles...
You're very ignorant and obviously haven't heard too many interpretations of this aria. It is quite good I'll give him that but hardly "UNBEATABLE;" you young and modern opera listeners have much to learn. Less than 20 years later at the 1995 Tucker gala he was absolutely awful singing this; I'd sooner hear it by a baritone with perhaps less abilities but with a good enough technique that he wouldn't be absolutely horrible and unbearable to listen to by age 60.
I agree with blazlindav that Milnes' "vo-i" is held with great technique and virtuosity. Basically, he had high notes that many tenors would have loved to have. Warren's interpretation is also magnificent. How blessed we were to have baritones of such calibre.
The covering process is, in a certain way, natural to every kind of voice. If he uncovered certain notes they would sound somewhat flat. The Ab is perfect, opened but covered. About covering there would be a lot of discussion, and not all male voices cover the same notes. Listen for instance, the si puo aria by Cappuccilli. Best regards
Thanks for the info. How do you know that covering is natural? I am a young baritone 20 of age to be exact. I study the Alexander technique; we discuss modifying the vowel, not covering. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
'Cover' is a bad word for a young baritone. Let your voice go where it will. Some voices are just naturally that way, but don't ever 'willfully' cover it. And above all, sing with your own voice! Good luck from a fellow older baritone. (51 to be exact!)
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!
What a great pleasure to see this video! Milnes is the best, really, in the Warren tradition of the American Baritone. And here he is at his best. Amazing, Check out the Warren video of Si Puo and hear the similarities. Top note - man, this is amazing. And the acting - the Goldovski school shows though here. What a pleasure to see these videos!
This is great. That being said, I've always had a thing for Robert Merrill singing this one. I find his voice SO much more...well...musical. The sheer beauty of Merrill's tone is unmatched in this aria. His high notes are also more powerful than Milnes as he had a bigger voice. I do like Milnes' high notes, but I feel that many other baritones easily match him in the middle and low registers.
Well, I heard both Merrill and Milnes live, and I do believe Milnes had the larger voice and more powerful high notes. Having said that, however, I agree with you about Merrill in the Prologue -- in his prime, one of the most sheerly beautiful sounds I've ever heard from any singer comes when Merrill launches into "E voi, piu tosto [sorry if my spelling is bad; I took only one semester of Italian, 20 years ago:)]" -- it often brings tears to my eyes --
I would definitely second an end to excessive hyperbole and the ubiquitous "the best" comments. All the baritones mentioned so far are all top tier musicians. To be honest, this Pagliacci performance here, that of Milnes, Domingo with Levine is my favorite and this excerpt here is a very large factor in that. While I admire dozens of baritones and their performances of this aria, Milnes' upper register and his complete characterization of Tonio make it for me. However, listen to them all!
Milnes' money notes are to be reckoned with, though. Merrill probably has more ring in his voice, however, no other baritone (MAYBE Leonard Warren) can compete with with Milnes' upper register when he was in his prime.
Yeah, if you think from the 50s on, I can see it, but there are hundreds of recordings of baritones from the 20s, 30s onwards that could easily compete with Milnes and Warren(although it's more difficult to say of him) easily, easily.
I would argue that Milnes, Warren and MacNeil were about equal for top-note splendor in their respective primes. But when in good shape, Milnes' top had a special quality, as though the notes came from beneath his feet, rose and cascaded -- and THAT quality is unique:) --
Now he bestows his wisdom as a teacher, and a really marvelous guy. Thank goodness we've got these recordings of him. A magnificent instrument, a magnificent communicator. Truly one of a kind. Thanks for posting!
So much better than that other recording of him singing this in concert later in his career... it takes him 20 seconds to find the high notes when he uses that hook. hehe In his prime though, this is the sherrill we will always remember and love.
Tell me you're not serious. Robert Merrill, Leonard Warren, Cornell MacNeil? Check those guys out. Milnes certainly has a unique instrument, but I'll be darned if you think Sherrill's a better singer than those other guys. I would strongly disagree. In the same discussion, sure...clearly better? Not a chance.
I used to think similarly of Milnes and will always respect his art; but, yes, "no other baritone even comes close" is hyperbole and very far off the mark. Listen to Apollo Granforte, Giuseppe Bellantoni, Titta Ruffo, Pasquale Amato, Mariano Stabile, Carlo Tagliabue, Giuseppe Valdengo, Giuseppe Taddei, Sesto Bruscantini, and Ernesto Badini. That's just the Italians. I'm skipping many contemporaries too. Revisit the "oldies" before saying something of the "modern" era is "greatest, best, etc."
Please show me where either of those 3 baritones come close to hitting the high note on voi as clearly and stunningly as milnes has. In all of the videos on youtube that i've seen, they all cut it short. Maybe the other baritones are better singers overall, but i think milnes owns this aria.
I will agree that Milnes' high note on 'voi' is unmatched in its brilliance. He probably does own this particular aria, but I like early Leonard Warren as well (on his 1940 "His First Recordings" CD). Warren also does a truly astounding "Cortigiani" and "Pura siccome un angelo" and he was only 29 years old!
Its one thing to sing like this, absent an audience, but to think this perfection was achieved with nerves in play, a live audience, ...truly spectacular. BRAVO MR. MILNES, BRAVO!
Del monaco and Sherril Milnes the both are great. My comment is not to aplause one great in order to blame the other great one. I have so great repect fot Mr Milnes. Milnes is a very great barytone singer, as tenor in the same key Del Monaco enjoins admiration... mine personnal one.
When I was a young voice student I had the pleasure of seeing Milnes in Mozart's "Don Giovanni", and was able to meet him backstage after the performance. He autographed a picture of himself, and asked me if I was a singer. I told him, that I was and that I had just sung the role of Zerlina. He smiled warmly and replied, "Ah! Yes...you're the PERFECT Zerlina." Can't tell you how that made my day! :)
Very good interpretation, incisive diction, powerful beautiful voiced singer... Why don't he laugh with the orchestra "in time" six times as Mario del Monaco does in that legendary performance voice and artistic talent???
I'm pretty sure that Milnes teaches at Northwestern and Yale, but is more often at the former, his alma mater. Check the Northwestern Web site. Clearly, Milnes enjoys working with young singers. I attended one of his master classes in 1995, and his empathy with and suggestions to the singers were impressive. Before the class, Milnes reminded the audience that singing in public requires courage. He urged us to remember that while listening to these young artists --
He used to teach at NW full time and at Yale as guest artist presenting Master Classes for few weeks. Now he is retired in Florida working with Opera Tampa. A great person to work with and one of the most important opera singers of the post War era.
Thanks much. I'd forgotten that Milnes is now 74:). I attended one of his master classes (not as a participant) in 1995. It struck me then, given his concern for the singers and complete concentration while working with them, that he is a born teacher. Good to know that he is still offering Opera Tampa the benefit of his vast experience. Milnes was certainly a major singer, and at his best a great Verdi baritone, though some disagree and argue with that assessment: --
His declamatory style (ability to make the text flow like speech), his usage of a wide variety of vocal colors, his stage presence, and the force/passion with which his sings are all superb!
1-10-2012. Happy 77th birthday, Sherrill.
mkl62 2 weeks ago
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4:27 ... that is the ticket! I have been watching some of the mans master-classes... so very humble... the great always are...
The greatest living baritone singer on the face of the planet...
TheWisemonkey8 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
TheWisemonkey8 3 weeks ago
That high G is ridiculous.
JeeRant 2 months ago
@JeeRant Aflat
EvanFigg 1 month ago
A special, important, rare, and historic moment caught on video, thank goodness, for generations to come who will see how it is done. Thanks so much for posting, and thank you to Milnes for a magical and musical interpretation.
scottreiburn 3 months ago
Phenomenal..truly one of the greats. I heard him do this 2 or 3 years earlier at the City Opera at Lincoln Center. He was so resonant you could feel the seats shake. I was in awe.
canpete1 3 months ago
No baritone on this Planet can sing better.
MrEricschlesinger 3 months ago
Holy Moley! His high notes are unreal in this recording. You will rarely hear as even a tone as his from top to bottom. Bravo Milnes! And so powerful!
fatherman73 5 months ago
@ThaiMike2010 You omit Warren... by far gobbi's vocal superior.
theropodia 5 months ago
@WiseMonkey888 Correction: The "typical" sound I'm talking about really occurs around 2:20. Anyway, it's when he sings the words (I think this is what they are) 'con me.'
Detectivefiction 7 months ago
@WiseMonkey888 Oh, yes! But for me the most typical "Milnes" sound occurs at 2:22.
Detectivefiction 7 months ago
My favorite baritone singing one of my favorite baritone arias. For me this is a perfect example of what Milnes did best: combine legato with incisive declamation. One of the first times I ever saw this video, I actually had tears running down my face because the sound in the section beginning "E voi, piuttosto" was so glorious.
Detectivefiction 7 months ago
I have always loved this opera and prologue. Milnes is one of my all-time favourite singers, and apart from the occasionally annoying dip-thongs and one section that could have done with more pathos his performance is a revelation making this one of my favourite performances of this prologue along with Merrill's and Gobbi's. I especially loved the taking off of the wig, which was quite poignant, and that top A flat genuinely gave me goosebumps. Also I have to agree, that wow says it all!
Beth29252 9 months ago
Best Prologue ever is correct!!
rovingdesertfox 10 months ago
Also would like to respond to a comment about Gobbi having a better version. Well, apart from the fact that the version that comes up here seems like something Stephen King would envision, does anyone know why he sounds so warbly? I hear this with other older singers like Caruso, Gigli, Bjoerling as well. Was it the singing style or perhaps the engineering?
ttlsti 11 months ago
Not so early Milnes. He debuted at the Met in 1965 and was 43 here 13 years later in 1978. Many people are prejudices against Milnes because of his physical problems later with his vocal cords. But Merrill was amazed at Milnes voice and declared him his successor. Milnes, Warren, Merrill, Cappuccilli--all wonderful. Milnes is my favorite for his smooth voice and ringing high notes--the Pavarotti of baritones!
ttlsti 11 months ago
@ttlsti Although I daresay Milnes' high notes were a lot more powerful than Pavarotti's. :P
ChrisStockslager 8 months ago
ALSO- i forgot to add: Isn't in great NOT to have those annoying SUB-TITLES. Makes this 'all the better'. Today we'd have Margaret Junkpile & Ira Siff explaining what Milnes had to eat before he sang, when he took a dump, what colour it was and the composers sister-in-laws birthday.
StuartLou 11 months ago
OK. OK. I heard Warren, Merrill etc. They were all great.THIS is one example where Milnes SHINES. Also- ya hadda be there. It was big voice that carried beautifully in the 'house'. AND- Milnes was in "top form" here. Wonderful.
StuartLou 11 months ago
@StuartLou He's OK here. All I have to do is listen to a performance he might of done 4 or 5 years later and better baritones like Warren, Tibbett, Merrill, Bonelli, and even Weede come to mind.
VinylToVideo 11 months ago
Milnes at the height of his powers. This is the best Prologue ever!
RVP57 11 months ago
The greatest of Tonio
borneo230 1 year ago
i want to be tonio strictly to wear that wig
SoHoPizza143 1 year ago 3
Man, ... How good was that A-flat, effortless!
Michael0VCSU 1 year ago
BRAVO CANIO, BRAVO !!! Una delle più belle voci da tenore drammatico degli ultimi 50 anni !
31122051 1 year ago
wooow what a voice!!!!
borneo230 1 year ago
wonderful Early Milnes
Sebastian740 1 year ago
I think this performance became the benchmark of this aria!!no 1 has even came close to this...milnes is indeed one of the best baritones ever to walk the earth..
crytekengine 1 year ago
@crytekengine Totally agree with every aspect of what you said.
Nater389 1 year ago
holy crap.
musicsrhythm 1 year ago
es el mejor
jennyvazquez1 1 year ago
I had seen this many times. I think I even commented on it. But it's still easily the most thrilling rendition I've ever heard. Gives me chills. No more Milnes, Luciano, Domingo, Freni, Ghiaurov, Caballe. No wonder I hardly ever go anymore. I wonder if Thomas Hampson ever saw this?
dirtbag719 1 year ago 3
A historic performance. WOW. The diphthongs are annoying for sure, but whatever it takes to get those glory notes out is OK by me.
Arsenate22 1 year ago
@Arsenate22 amen brother
popertop 1 year ago
My profile picture right now is of Sherrill with his arm around me. *SWOON*
REBECCAtheSOPRANO 1 year ago
top notch.
dnettles 1 year ago
esse cara é foda! um dia eu vo cantar como ele!
gabriellocher 1 year ago
The conductor is James Levine?
Thanks
123must 1 year ago
Yes.
jaem88 1 year ago
Yes. You can see him conducting in the beggining. These Met productions only changed the singers. Same conductors, disguises, sceneries... All excellent ones, anyway.
LordMgls 1 year ago
I never tire of this. Its one of the best videos on youtube.
rossmcl177 1 year ago 11
Totally agree.
wippocarter 1 year ago
the best is nicolae herlea.
ah332 2 years ago
@ah332 You must be the "One in every crowd"! Why do you have to do that? Just shut up and listen.
songcyclist 1 year ago
@songcyclist lol just stating a fact. relax
ah332 1 year ago
This is hyper-awesome! Hearing him live at that time would have probably caused death by wonder overload and over exposure to greatness. I absolutely adore this performance! Great music, great singer and overall performer.
ajwolf 2 years ago 17
I heard him around 1965 in San Antonio before he was famous.
michaelwgillespie 2 years ago
From YouTube : ajwolf (1 month ago)
+3 This is hyper-awesome! Hearing him live at that time would have probably caused death by wonder overload and over exposure to greatness. I absolutely adore this performance! Great music, great singer and overall performer.
Reply: In 1978, I was privileged to hear Mr. Milnes at the Met and thanks God I survived blessed to keep the memory of the magnificent greatness of his voice and his superb interpretation under Maestro Levine. Pedro
calzada3063 1 year ago 2
@calzada3063 How large did Milnes' voice seem at the Met? I'm curious, because I heard his Iago in Chicago during 1985 (while he was struggling through a vocal crisis). And it was absolutely the BIGGEST baritone I've ever heard, at least at that time and in that venue:) --
stevevandien 1 year ago
@stevevandien I heard him at the Met numerous times from '79 onwards. Prior to the vocal crisis, his voice was huge in the house (even at the 4,000 seat Met). Afterwards, it was never as big as it had been. I'm not sure if that was because he could no longer produce that sound, or if it was because he was holding back in order to avoid further crisis.
markpkessinger 10 months ago
@markpkessinger Thanks so much for your insight:) -- Best, Steve
stevevandien 10 months ago
blah. I just got my G... and it sounds nothing like that, though i'm a baby compared to him. a free, open high range to strive for. bravo.
llcooljay1887 2 years ago
The "Wow!" at 4:44 says it all.
Nater389 2 years ago 22
People over analyze this shit. Totally doesn't matter what any psuedo-music scientist/wannabe expert says. This is one of the best performances of Si Puo ever. Regardless of his technique.
Nater389 2 years ago 5
@Nater389 Well said.
ZoeThePuppy 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hideous. Always flat on the passaggio.
operabeauty 2 years ago
This is the best baritone of his time at his best. No other baritone since has been able to generate the kind of raw excitement this baritone did routinely. Milnes took every high note and every risk every time. In two words his singing was ABSOLUTELY THRILLING! Thank you Sherill for giving us your unique style. Your presense has been missed.
bigusslikus 2 years ago 4
Having heard him in Phila Acaemy of Music with its superb acoustics sig this it was stunning to say the least. That nite with him and Domingo and both in 108 form! OMG!
00193900 1 year ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
His make up is great. Its a shame they couldent cover up his voice with make up. Milnes as usual Yaowling and Dehh-ing.
tenorismo 2 years ago
Beautiful.
rootbeer7281 2 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Very gay... LOL
MrJohnscott1 2 years ago
i find it amusing how stupid you are...
the only comment you have to a fine performance from one of the greatest musical artists of our time...is "very gay"...
hhmm...so im sure you think 50 cent and tupac are just amazing artist then as well eh?...
people like you should be put to sleep...
dimoaar 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
It was meant as a joke you granite idiot. Go fuck yourself. Dense pretentous piece of common shit
MrJohnscott1 2 years ago
Why am i even bothering you're just a punk kind..
MrJohnscott1 2 years ago
For all the young baritones: the male voice lightens as we age, sorry( the ladies voices lower/darken). I think Miles did, as many do, kept trying to sing darker as the voice naturally lighted. This results in pushing/grabbing & the death of the voice. This is why so many tenors can keep singing into their 70s/80s and many GREAT baritones have short careers. Miles was one of the great ones. Learn to back away from the stuff you should no longer sing.
Lovelytenor1 2 years ago
thats simply not true.
old mans have darker and lower voice generally.
golaxo 2 years ago
I was also a light baritone long ago, now things changed and my voice also Tenor but a heavy one like something "Melchior" (a Tristan would suited me)
TheTristan1954 2 years ago
This is inaccurate-if anything voices get darker, heavier as they age. Why do you think tenors move into heavier roles as they age, and often lose a note or two on top. The same with baritones who start with lighter roles and grow intoe the heavy Verdi.Many baritones had long careers with heavy roles-Merrill, MacNeil e.g. There's no evidence that was Milnes' problem-I'm not sure any one really knows.
Labienus 2 years ago
Comment removed
Nater389 2 years ago
Actually that's not really the case-as countless tenors who begin as lyrics and later take on spinto or heavier roles-and baritones who began singings Silvio who later take on Tonio will tell etc. and generally true that later in their careers male singers will take on "heavier" more dramatic roles but I agree on the women part-but do you mean pitch or weight?
Labienus 2 years ago
Of course I would be speaking of weight, not pitch. You can stay in pitch till you die(if you can stay in pitch to begin with.) Weight, will change as you age.
Nater389 2 years ago
It cannot be done better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rovingdesertfox 2 years ago
It is better than the 1995 which I saw with Atlantov, the following week I saw Nucci and i can tell you along with Cappuccilli the best sung Prologue I ever heard, that is not discounting MacNeil who had a voice of thunder.
jamesjmertins1 2 years ago
The best i have ever heard from this aria
totozizo 2 years ago
and MDM in the original version sung by Canio instead of Tonio ?
TheTristan1954 2 years ago
This is amazing! Do you have the entire production?
shmoogle14 2 years ago
Only frustrated singers can be so passionally about opera.
As a frustrated opera singer, I wuold have NOT minded to deliver a prologue like this one.
pepeelsordo 2 years ago 2
Don't you idiots realize what it takes to produce a sound like this? Anyone in their prime would be proud to deliver a performance of this this high calibre.
meblueeyes2 2 years ago 6
He is already past prime here. But he got even worse later on. For prime Milnes listen to mid to late 60s and perhaps early 70s. One of the best Verdi baritone voices but sadly a poor technique to accompany it.
GermanOperaSinger 2 years ago
He sure was a lot better here then 1995 but I have to agree mostly with Audiophile. Actually they should not post a singer when he or she is past prime it's not fair to the artist and after all they do see these posts at times. I attended a master class to view only and he was excellent as a teacher and he was a major Verdi Baritone and a nice man . I enjoyed talking to him in Chicago he is from the Chicago area.
halavey 2 years ago 4
At 4:05 Milnes hits a note that defy's simple categorization -- is he lyric, dramatic, w.e. SImply wonderful.
pavoman23 2 years ago
Milnes is a lyric baryton not dramatic, but in Tonio's prologue are great and the labem is fantastic ...Milnes was my idol in Canio, Luna, Enrico of Lucia, Monforte and others roles...
mongemark 2 years ago
THE BEST TONIO EVER!!!
larvael32 2 years ago
ROFL! This guy early in his career tried to imitate Leonard Warren and ruined his voice in the process. Why not just listen to the real thing?
AUDIOPHlLE 2 years ago
HE IS UNBEATABLE HERE
larvael32 2 years ago
HE IS UNBEATABLE HERE
larvael32 2 years ago
You're very ignorant and obviously haven't heard too many interpretations of this aria. It is quite good I'll give him that but hardly "UNBEATABLE;" you young and modern opera listeners have much to learn. Less than 20 years later at the 1995 Tucker gala he was absolutely awful singing this; I'd sooner hear it by a baritone with perhaps less abilities but with a good enough technique that he wouldn't be absolutely horrible and unbearable to listen to by age 60.
AUDIOPHlLE 2 years ago 2
SEEMS LIKE U HAVE U HAVE A PROBLEM CAUSE
larvael32 2 years ago
U R THE ONLY 1 MAKING BAD COMMENTS ABOUT
larvael32 2 years ago
A PERFORMANCE MORE THAN EXCELLENT
larvael32 2 years ago
YOUR PROBLEM SI NOT YOUR EARS
larvael32 2 years ago
YOUR PROBLEM IS YOUR BRAIN
larvael32 2 years ago
IS A PROBLEM OF DISTINCTION
larvael32 2 years ago
BY A PSEUDOPROFESSOR LIKE YOU
larvael32 2 years ago
Milnes has a voice of grandeur but has a serious diphthong issue. Vowels should be italianated.
steakopera 2 years ago 4
i have seen this record 100 times,and always it´s breath taking...BRAVO!!!
jurdo33 2 years ago 4
SPEECHLESS AND BREATHLESS!
larvael32 2 years ago 2
WAAAOOO ... WHAT A BARITONE
larvael32 2 years ago 2
I agree with blazlindav that Milnes' "vo-i" is held with great technique and virtuosity. Basically, he had high notes that many tenors would have loved to have. Warren's interpretation is also magnificent. How blessed we were to have baritones of such calibre.
Baritone04 2 years ago 2
super... lyrics are interesting.
itsgoldenrays 2 years ago
wow, what an incredible Ab! I did not expect to hear that sound
jakethewoz 2 years ago
他的声音实在是太完美了！！！
huomi12 2 years ago
情感的表达，以及台本内涵的突出也是非常好的，只是旋律线有时不那么抒情
lxr0913 2 years ago
this is the best, every time
nishman686 2 years ago
glorious!!!
rezila 2 years ago
have a friend video "building a mexican baritone voice"...he is doing vocal workout....please let him know your opinion.....
ahtenor 2 years ago
i don't live the way he "covers" the top instead of letting it be!
SPACEBOT123 3 years ago
He would've been a tenor if he didn't cover his top.
Iareto 2 years ago
The covering process is, in a certain way, natural to every kind of voice. If he uncovered certain notes they would sound somewhat flat. The Ab is perfect, opened but covered. About covering there would be a lot of discussion, and not all male voices cover the same notes. Listen for instance, the si puo aria by Cappuccilli. Best regards
xjg291 2 years ago
Thanks for the info. How do you know that covering is natural? I am a young baritone 20 of age to be exact. I study the Alexander technique; we discuss modifying the vowel, not covering. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
SPACEBOT123 2 years ago
'Cover' is a bad word for a young baritone. Let your voice go where it will. Some voices are just naturally that way, but don't ever 'willfully' cover it. And above all, sing with your own voice! Good luck from a fellow older baritone. (51 to be exact!)
RVP57 2 years ago
Also, how does covering help the voice sound higher?
SPACEBOT123 2 years ago
The voice does not sound higher. It actually sounds "lower" or maybe less bright, this is one purpose of covering.
saiserieht 2 years ago
the alexander technique is not perfect btw. covering makes the whole voice, from bottom to top, sound more even.
baritoneforyears 2 years ago
Covering does not make voice sound higher or lower, just "darker" a llitle bit.
wippocarter 2 years ago
didn't he début in 1960?
pasfresh123 3 years ago
Milnes debuted at the Old Met in 1965 as Valentin --
stevevandien 3 years ago
I didn't say "at the Met". He made his professional début in 1960. Thank you.
pasfresh123 3 years ago
Oh, sorry. Thanks for correcting me:)
stevevandien 3 years ago
increible interpetación de este gran baritono
que poder...fuerza y pasión en su performance
gracias amigo teachertenor por compartir esta bella joya de la lirica!
callasdimitrova 3 years ago
omgomgogmogmogmoggmomoggmg, never gets old, even after 834714 times watching it
nishman686 3 years ago 3
this is very Romantic si puo that i ever heard
qudrms 3 years ago
Milnes' remains my favorite baritone of all time. He's the Pavarotti of baritones.
Desert9017 3 years ago 3
I agree.
bassocantante89 3 years ago
INDEED!!!
TIGRECHINO 3 years ago
@Desert9017 Perfectly put...Pavarotti of baritones.
Nater389 1 year ago
@Nater389 see Apollo Granforfe !!!!!!!!!!!!
Granforte1 1 year ago
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leadoffeohippus 3 years ago
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!
JackOperaMan 3 years ago 4
And you would have made a great comedian. Enough said.
ydna685 3 years ago
What a great pleasure to see this video! Milnes is the best, really, in the Warren tradition of the American Baritone. And here he is at his best. Amazing, Check out the Warren video of Si Puo and hear the similarities. Top note - man, this is amazing. And the acting - the Goldovski school shows though here. What a pleasure to see these videos!
TheVoiceMatters 3 years ago
Comment removed
RVP57 2 years ago
Sherrill Milnes uno dei miei preferiti....un grande!
glennthebest 3 years ago
This is great. That being said, I've always had a thing for Robert Merrill singing this one. I find his voice SO much more...well...musical. The sheer beauty of Merrill's tone is unmatched in this aria. His high notes are also more powerful than Milnes as he had a bigger voice. I do like Milnes' high notes, but I feel that many other baritones easily match him in the middle and low registers.
Iareto 3 years ago
Well, I heard both Merrill and Milnes live, and I do believe Milnes had the larger voice and more powerful high notes. Having said that, however, I agree with you about Merrill in the Prologue -- in his prime, one of the most sheerly beautiful sounds I've ever heard from any singer comes when Merrill launches into "E voi, piu tosto [sorry if my spelling is bad; I took only one semester of Italian, 20 years ago:)]" -- it often brings tears to my eyes --
stevevandien 3 years ago
Ich habs bis jetzt noch nicht besser gehört. Absolute Weltklasse.
pappawuzz 3 years ago
gran voz, musicalidad a toda prueba y un gran actor, que mas se podria pedir ? para mi uno de los mejores baritonos de cualquier epoca.
sparafucille 3 years ago
fantastico!
Geminazzo 3 years ago
I would definitely second an end to excessive hyperbole and the ubiquitous "the best" comments. All the baritones mentioned so far are all top tier musicians. To be honest, this Pagliacci performance here, that of Milnes, Domingo with Levine is my favorite and this excerpt here is a very large factor in that. While I admire dozens of baritones and their performances of this aria, Milnes' upper register and his complete characterization of Tonio make it for me. However, listen to them all!
saxgod685 3 years ago
To me, the "complete characterisation of Tonio" was that of Tito Gobbi, and I'm sure many will agree.
JulietteDruet 3 years ago
The lyrics as fastest you can
Plsplspls
I can not find them on google.
Thanks!
Haristotel 3 years ago
Milnes' money notes are to be reckoned with, though. Merrill probably has more ring in his voice, however, no other baritone (MAYBE Leonard Warren) can compete with with Milnes' upper register when he was in his prime.
ItellLosersOff 3 years ago
Piero Cappuccilli had bigger top notes, and they were just as easy.
Fitz65 3 years ago 3
Yeah, if you think from the 50s on, I can see it, but there are hundreds of recordings of baritones from the 20s, 30s onwards that could easily compete with Milnes and Warren(although it's more difficult to say of him) easily, easily.
ElPiconeroalCognac 3 years ago
I would argue that Milnes, Warren and MacNeil were about equal for top-note splendor in their respective primes. But when in good shape, Milnes' top had a special quality, as though the notes came from beneath his feet, rose and cascaded -- and THAT quality is unique:) --
stevevandien 3 years ago
Now he bestows his wisdom as a teacher, and a really marvelous guy. Thank goodness we've got these recordings of him. A magnificent instrument, a magnificent communicator. Truly one of a kind. Thanks for posting!
scottreiburn 3 years ago
God help the tenor that followed this guy on! He'd better be ready to sing for his life--if not his pride.
Pombo747 3 years ago 4
...it was Placido Domingo
turambarlaferla 3 years ago 3
So much better than that other recording of him singing this in concert later in his career... it takes him 20 seconds to find the high notes when he uses that hook. hehe In his prime though, this is the sherrill we will always remember and love.
lifesavers234 3 years ago
no other baritone even comes close to Sherill.
raigekimaru 3 years ago
Tell me you're not serious. Robert Merrill, Leonard Warren, Cornell MacNeil? Check those guys out. Milnes certainly has a unique instrument, but I'll be darned if you think Sherrill's a better singer than those other guys. I would strongly disagree. In the same discussion, sure...clearly better? Not a chance.
haymaker18 3 years ago
I used to think similarly of Milnes and will always respect his art; but, yes, "no other baritone even comes close" is hyperbole and very far off the mark. Listen to Apollo Granforte, Giuseppe Bellantoni, Titta Ruffo, Pasquale Amato, Mariano Stabile, Carlo Tagliabue, Giuseppe Valdengo, Giuseppe Taddei, Sesto Bruscantini, and Ernesto Badini. That's just the Italians. I'm skipping many contemporaries too. Revisit the "oldies" before saying something of the "modern" era is "greatest, best, etc."
ElPiconeroalCognac 3 years ago
@ElPiconeroalCognac Oh no! You forgot the inimitable Bastianini! 9Good list though, and I heartily agree with your post).
theropodia 5 months ago
Please show me where either of those 3 baritones come close to hitting the high note on voi as clearly and stunningly as milnes has. In all of the videos on youtube that i've seen, they all cut it short. Maybe the other baritones are better singers overall, but i think milnes owns this aria.
blazindav 3 years ago
I will agree that Milnes' high note on 'voi' is unmatched in its brilliance. He probably does own this particular aria, but I like early Leonard Warren as well (on his 1940 "His First Recordings" CD). Warren also does a truly astounding "Cortigiani" and "Pura siccome un angelo" and he was only 29 years old!
haymaker18 3 years ago
Bravissimo
tenorojuke 4 years ago
wooooow. Shirell was on his A game in this video. From top to bottom a fantastic clip
raycanto76 4 years ago
JIMMAAAAAAAYYYYY.
aaaah, he's so young here! sherill is amazing as always, so... lol.
JuillHope17 4 years ago
Was he ever great, or what? The high A's gave me spinal chills. Great interpretation, too. Milnes was one of the all-time greats.
Bravo, Sherrill!!
dirtbag719 4 years ago
Its one thing to sing like this, absent an audience, but to think this perfection was achieved with nerves in play, a live audience, ...truly spectacular. BRAVO MR. MILNES, BRAVO!
mvconnelly 4 years ago
Perdon oclhie! A esa version hacia yo referencia! Maravilloso!
Pauiray 4 years ago
Extraordinario. Aunque me gusto un poquito mas la version de Jaun Pons en Nueva York, con Pavarotti y Stratas. Extraño que no este en youtube...
Pauiray 4 years ago
Concuerdo! Pons es espectacular.
Ese video si estaba, incluso lo tenía en mis favoritos pero lo quitaron.
Saludos.
wippocarter 4 years ago
En dos palabras: Im - presionante!
panimagra 4 years ago
Totalmente de acuerdo, como dijo el gran Jesulin. Pon a buscar en youtube esto: 56L0123D934 a ver si te gusta más.
oclhie 4 years ago
Del monaco and Sherril Milnes the both are great. My comment is not to aplause one great in order to blame the other great one. I have so great repect fot Mr Milnes. Milnes is a very great barytone singer, as tenor in the same key Del Monaco enjoins admiration... mine personnal one.
clymnestre 4 years ago
total!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kaifas762 4 years ago
MARAVILLOSO
angeldelosilaos 4 years ago
When I was a young voice student I had the pleasure of seeing Milnes in Mozart's "Don Giovanni", and was able to meet him backstage after the performance. He autographed a picture of himself, and asked me if I was a singer. I told him, that I was and that I had just sung the role of Zerlina. He smiled warmly and replied, "Ah! Yes...you're the PERFECT Zerlina." Can't tell you how that made my day! :)
wanzenettl 4 years ago
Very good interpretation, incisive diction, powerful beautiful voiced singer... Why don't he laugh with the orchestra "in time" six times as Mario del Monaco does in that legendary performance voice and artistic talent???
clymnestre 4 years ago
because he is Sherrill Milnes not mario del monaco...its all interpretation and i favor this performance to del monacos...
bmatt05 4 years ago
i'd like to study with him.
How can i do ?
who does know his Emailadress or adress ???
baegoo 4 years ago
I'm pretty sure that Milnes teaches at Northwestern and Yale, but is more often at the former, his alma mater. Check the Northwestern Web site. Clearly, Milnes enjoys working with young singers. I attended one of his master classes in 1995, and his empathy with and suggestions to the singers were impressive. Before the class, Milnes reminded the audience that singing in public requires courage. He urged us to remember that while listening to these young artists --
stevevandien 2 years ago
He used to teach at NW full time and at Yale as guest artist presenting Master Classes for few weeks. Now he is retired in Florida working with Opera Tampa. A great person to work with and one of the most important opera singers of the post War era.
woncho99 2 years ago
Thanks much. I'd forgotten that Milnes is now 74:). I attended one of his master classes (not as a participant) in 1995. It struck me then, given his concern for the singers and complete concentration while working with them, that he is a born teacher. Good to know that he is still offering Opera Tampa the benefit of his vast experience. Milnes was certainly a major singer, and at his best a great Verdi baritone, though some disagree and argue with that assessment: --
stevevandien 2 years ago
For a change look how this sings Mario Del Monaco
tomzoricic 4 years ago
Yes? The, what about, say, Ezio Pinza singing "A mes amis of "La Fille du Régiment"?
voltape 4 years ago
His declamatory style (ability to make the text flow like speech), his usage of a wide variety of vocal colors, his stage presence, and the force/passion with which his sings are all superb!
joepass87 4 years ago