Without question, this is the most flawless performance of this work I've ever heard by a boy soprano. Cencic will always stand out as one of the all time great soloists of the WSK. Thanks to Heaven this performance was recorded at that moment in time, when Cencic's unchanged voice was at a true peak of richness, fluid dexterity, and range.
My guess is that Max had better vocal technique than most and, therefore, was recorded more than most. His young voice, however, was rather hard-edged. His contemporary Steven Mockel had a much warmer, more beautiful tone; yet I have found only one recording of Steven. Ironically now that Max is a countertenor, his voice has gone the other way: more vibrato, much richer, breathier, with an almost feminine timbre. This fact, too, is ironic: in his opera role in 2007, he was cast as a woman.
His being cast in a female role was solely due to the fact that many times young castrati were asked to sing these roles, especially in the papal states, and I'm guessing that was the idea of this.
My understanding is that his mother, Sylvia Percal, was his only voice teacher from early childhood in Jugoslavia, and remained such after the move to Vienna. Boy's voices are unique - each one has its own characteristics. I do not hear edginess in his voice in this example, but it is true that in some recordings made a bit later, you can hear it, and that is simply due to the onset of voice change, not bad technique. Timing is everything in these matters!
His treble recordings are among my favorites, but in my opinion he sounds a bit different from a typical boy soprano. His timbre is not as...pure shall I say? But that has a negative connotation so I'm not sure how to put it. What do you think?
Yes, it is a sophisticated sound with emotional content, not like most boy sopranos whose maturity has not given them the feelings necessary to produce such feelings in their singing.
Somebody is acting like a fascist and disallowing free speech. Its a pity but they will always be with us, so do what you can to reverse it, with my thanks.
Phenomenally talented I think, although perhaps his tone as a treble was a bit edgy? I'm still of a fan of him as a countertenor...his voice is warmer now!
Dear Max,
If you would only preserve your hair as well as your vocal cords...
Cissy97 2 months ago
Without question, this is the most flawless performance of this work I've ever heard by a boy soprano. Cencic will always stand out as one of the all time great soloists of the WSK. Thanks to Heaven this performance was recorded at that moment in time, when Cencic's unchanged voice was at a true peak of richness, fluid dexterity, and range.
Mischafour 6 months ago
Great!
Gentario 1 year ago
Que montruo que es este muchacho!!! es ALUSINANTE!! que voz!!! me encanta!!!
SHAPO!!! BRILLANTE!!!
magdaargenta 2 years ago 2
My guess is that Max had better vocal technique than most and, therefore, was recorded more than most. His young voice, however, was rather hard-edged. His contemporary Steven Mockel had a much warmer, more beautiful tone; yet I have found only one recording of Steven. Ironically now that Max is a countertenor, his voice has gone the other way: more vibrato, much richer, breathier, with an almost feminine timbre. This fact, too, is ironic: in his opera role in 2007, he was cast as a woman.
sfkcbf 2 years ago
His being cast in a female role was solely due to the fact that many times young castrati were asked to sing these roles, especially in the papal states, and I'm guessing that was the idea of this.
He is an extraordinary singer!
DrGarri 2 years ago
This is superb. Thank you.
Surrexit1 2 years ago 2
Magnifique prestation! Max Emanuel a une voix splendide. Merci
loupblanc26 2 years ago 3
My understanding is that his mother, Sylvia Percal, was his only voice teacher from early childhood in Jugoslavia, and remained such after the move to Vienna. Boy's voices are unique - each one has its own characteristics. I do not hear edginess in his voice in this example, but it is true that in some recordings made a bit later, you can hear it, and that is simply due to the onset of voice change, not bad technique. Timing is everything in these matters!
maestrovoci 2 years ago
MV, you always have interesting information. :)
His treble recordings are among my favorites, but in my opinion he sounds a bit different from a typical boy soprano. His timbre is not as...pure shall I say? But that has a negative connotation so I'm not sure how to put it. What do you think?
cabbalistic 2 years ago 2
Yes, it is a sophisticated sound with emotional content, not like most boy sopranos whose maturity has not given them the feelings necessary to produce such feelings in their singing.
maestrovoci 2 years ago
That makes good sense. :) I always did think he sounded more like an adult female singer than his peers.
cabbalistic 2 years ago
Why are you comments being thumbs downed?!
I should be able to reverse this. It's annoying to have messages hidden for no good reason. :O
cabbalistic 2 years ago
Somebody is acting like a fascist and disallowing free speech. Its a pity but they will always be with us, so do what you can to reverse it, with my thanks.
maestrovoci 2 years ago 5
One of the best solists of the WSK ever
Very good performance,Thank you.
orion8352 2 years ago
Phenomenally talented I think, although perhaps his tone as a treble was a bit edgy? I'm still of a fan of him as a countertenor...his voice is warmer now!
cabbalistic 2 years ago
Me too Cabbalistic. But as young Wow It's a character. Nice moment.
treblechoir99 2 years ago
beatiful
benoitmaur 2 years ago