Относительно фильма "Фаринелли". В фильме использовали 2х певцов - Derek Lee Ragin и сопрано Ewa Mallas Godlewska. Записывали в концертном зале в течении многих месяцев. Затем инженер с помощью компьютера соединил два голоса чтобы они звучали как один постепенно меняя цвет голоса. Поэтому судить о голосах как Ragin так и Godlewska по этим фильмам нельзя. Да и об эталоне говорить - сопрано не очень известная; да и не у многих известных певцов есть достаточно времени над фильмом работать.
@jewelmarkess Very good point.How can anybody say that Ragin is the standard and his version of Tamerlano is also the standard only if his voice was used in ONE film Farinelli,il Castrato as a computer created simulated castrato voice which nobody could hear,and it's only Corbieu's fantasy?He used Godlewska's high notes but if not for this film noone would know her.Is she the standard of SOPRANO voice?In"Dangerious liasons" they used Abel Paolo do Nascimento as CASTRATO.Maybe HE is the standard?
@lara777ize I see,you prefer more vibrato and Ragin's less refined technique. Tastes differ, of course.Nobody pushes you to think like me.Ragin is a great artist too, but sorry.It's again only a exchange of opinions,but Ragin's technique is nowhere near.This is a very difficult aria,and make it sound that smooth and effortless is the greatest art!Spanos has all the expressivness and shows anger"E nel petto i tumulti dell'alma" in a very intelligent way which Ragin lacks.His LOW notes FANTASTIC!
@serenaluce Ну, значит я глухая, если не слышу этих "фантастических" низких нот. К чему продолжать эту бессмысленную дискуссию, все равно каждая из нас останется при своем мнении.
@lara777ize Of course, we can't influence each other and convince that what we prefer is better. We can only exchange opinions on YT. If they didn't want people to discuss and reply to each other, even argue they wouldn't invent this option "reply" and give only "comment".Oscar Wilde said:"There's no such thing as a good influence...Because to inluence a person is to give him one's own soul..." No, you are not deaf, but such intelligent and refined singing isn't that appealing to YOUR soul.
@lara777ize Ну,конечно,если бы Ragin не лучшим бы,то ему не предложили бы в фильме озвучивать.Я думаю,режисёр лучше знает,а некомпетентных людей чего ещё переубеждать!
@maia529 Здесь дело не столько в компетентности, сколько в личном предпочтении. Для некоторых Spanos является кумиром, и они абсолютно уверены в том, что он лучший всегда и во всем. Переубедить таких людей в этом совершенно невозможно, да я и не пытаюсь. Пусть тешат себя.
@maia529 A prichem tut kakoi-to etalon?Vy voobshe-to kogda-nibud' logiku primenyaete? Fil'm "Farinelli Il Castrato byl snyat v 1994 godu, kogda tomu zhe Spanosu bylo tol'ko 20 let,i on eshe dazhe ne nachal pet' kontrtenorom, to kak zhe mozhno govorit',chto raz rezhisser predpochel Ragin, znachit on samyi luchshii vsekh vremen i narodov!Prichem tut kakikh-to lyudei, v dannom sluchae Spanos's fans pereubedit' nevozmozhno! Vy prosto klyuete na gromkie imena.A mozhet na to vremya Chance luchshe byl?
@maia529 vVy khotite skazat', chto eto vy expert? Odnako vy ne polenilis' napisat' comment na video drugogo pevtsa pro Ragin na osnovanii togo, chto vo vsei istorii muzyki snyali tol'ko ODIN film pro penie castrati, kotorogo nikto, dazhe VY ne slyshali,i kotorogo predpochel tol'ko odin rezhisser Gerard Corbieu. Mnogie sporyat i govoryat, chto seichas mozhno bylo by perezapisat' s golosom togo ili drogogo.I eto obmen MNENIYAMI. A u vas mneniya net! Vy tol'ko verite PROMOTION! YT is pubvic domain!
@serenaluce Вот именно,обмен мнениями,да не с вами.Я по-моему,с lara777ize обменивалась мнением,а вы встреваете.Невежливо!Если бы я у вас хотела совет спросить,сама бы обратилась к вам.Если не обратилась,значит не нужно было...Извините,у всех свой круг общения
@maia529 Akh ty bozhe moi, kakie my tut obidchivye! Esli by vy tol'ko obmenivalis' mneniyami s lara777, vy by mogli vse eto drug drugu napisat' v personal mails. A vy zabyvaete, chto YT - eto public domain, i vy sdelali vash obmen mneniyami izvestnym vsemu miru, kto ponimaet po-russki. Maneram ne vam menya uchit'. Ya ne k vam na kuchnyu bez priglasheniya vvalilas',gde vy milo s Laroi kofeek popivali i Ragin obsuzhdali. Vam lyuboi mozhet zdes' otvetit'.Eto ne vash kanal.U vas SVOEGO mneniya net!
@lara777ize Da, ya vizhu, kakie tut 2 kompetentnye damochki sobralis'. Odna schitaet Ragin vsegda i vo vsem etalonom tol'ko na osnovanii togo, chto v dalekom 1994 ego odin rezhisser vybral dlya fil'ma Farinelli, Il castrato, a drugaya nikak ne ugomonitsya, chto tastes differ, i skol'ko lyudei, stol'ko i mnenii. Esli vam bol'she nravitsya versiya Ragina, pochemu-to vy schitaete, chto vam mozhno govorit', chto vy ne slyshite nizhnikh not Spanosa.Iskusstvo eto emotsii! Tak chto tesh'te sebya tozhe.
@serenaluce Это я никак не угомонюсь? Я уже давно не хочу обсуждать с Вами тему Spanos, так как это бесполезно. Когда в комментах к каждому видео Spanos Вы говорите, что он гений, и всем остальным КТ до него, как до неба, о чем можно говорить? А что касается уважения чужого мнения, то Вы готовы считаться с ним, если только оно совпадает с Вашим собственным. Надеюсь, на этом, у нас с Вами, тема "Spanos" закрыта. Захотите поговорить о чем-то другом, буду рада.
@lara777ize Net,eto vy nikak ne ugomonites',chto skol'ko lyudei, stol'ko i mnenii, i gotovy so vsemi soglashat'sya, kto lyuboi bred neset, lish' by eto bylo protiv Spanosa!Vy zhe takoi znatok,tak chto zhe vy etu damochku ne prosvyatili, kogda film vyshel,skol'ko tam nedochetov bylo,kakaya tsel' filma byla.Pochemu vy s nei ne posporili, a chto takoe etalon?Ragin tam voobshe byl isporchen verkhnimi notami Godlewskoi.Etalon iskusstvennogo golosa? Ya vam pozhelala teshit' sebya tozhe, chem khotite!
@serenaluce Это не я пускаюсь в анализ, это Вы каждый раз втягиваете меня в Абсолютно бессмысленную дискуссию ни о чем. И почему я не должна говорить, за что мне не нравится то или иное исполнение, или это позволено только Вам? Вы то всем в подробностях рассказываете, как отвратительно поет Jaroussky, или какой ужасный тембр у Mehta. Когда же дело касается Ваших любимцев, нужно либо говорить хорошо, либо молчать. Давайте уже на этом остановимся, спокойной ночи.
@lara777ize Slushaite,vy prosto zanimaetes' demagogiei na video Spanosa.Znachit ya vas vo chto-to vtyagivayu,a vot eta damochka,u kotoroi polnoe otsutstvie elementarnykh znanii i logiki,a tol'ko slepoe obozhestvlenii avtoritetov,nikakogo SVOEGO mneniya,vas nikuda ne vtyagivaet.Da mne vse ravno,kogo vy predpochitaete,tol'ko nado SVOE mnenie vyrazhat'.Nu eto zhe smeshno:esli vybrali dlya filma Ragin,a Spanos eshe voobshe ne pel,Cencic v detskom khore,a kto-to eshe pod stol khodil,to Ragin ETALON!
@lara777ize Na Ragin's version,kotoruyu ya tozhe tsenyu,i s chego eto vse nachalos', ya vas tol'ko sprosila,prezhde chem zayavlyat',chto ona samaya luchshaya, slyshali li vy Spanos's version.Vy mogli by tol'ko skazat', chto da, no predpochitaete Ragin. Tastes differ, bol'she voprosov net.No vy zhe pustilis' v analiz, chto ona samaya dostoinaya i skol'ko ogrekh u Spanosa,kak-budto u Ragin tekhnika ideal'naya.Da,na videos Spanosa ya govoryu, chto on genii, a vy tol'ko ogrekhi staraetes' nakhodit'.
@maia529 Кто лучше, кто хуже - это личное мнение. Никто не совершенен, вопрос только в том что для кого важнее. Единственно что я хочу сказать, это то что приглашение озвучивать фильм ещё не значит что данный певец "эталон". Может быть он просто больше всего понравился режессёру, может быть режиссёр хотел конкретный звук, может быть кто-то другой был просто занят. Инва Мула озвучивала инопланетянку в "5м елементе", но она хоть и хорошая певица никогда не считалась эталоном Лючии.
Great tempo, first class technique, clear diction... what more could one ask? I love this version and it has become my reference, the yardstick by which I judge other versions of the same aria. Bravo!
@fourmy1060 This version is so PERFECT that it makes even ME speechless!:-)Every time I listen to it I wonder how it is possible to do what Nicholas Spanos does here! Just incredible and sounds always fresh to me though for 2 years I've heard it many, many times! He is a genius! What more could one ask?:-) I just can't understand who are those 4 people who didn't like it. Do people have no ears?!..How could nowadays when we have SPANOS and other REAL CTs someone hire women or PJ as TAMERLANO !
I had favourited Derek Lee Raglin's version of this. Why is it every time I hear Nicholas Spanos singing anything and I compare it to other singers it beats them all hands down? (Rhetorical question). He is in a class of his own.
I have spoken to Greek friends who have either not heard of him or do not realise what a gem they have...it's such a shame.
@seempels Oh, absolutely! Spanos's versions beat all the others only because he is simply THE BEST! And you are so right - he is IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN! It's difficult to compare him with the other great countertenors as he is NOT like ONE OF THEM. He is so DIFFERENT and UNIQUE!... And about Greek friends you are right too: they are either don't know him or don't realize that Spanos is their NATIONAL HERITAGE! For some reason they are so shy to comment that he is THE BEST! I'm not shy for it:-)
@fourmi1060 I couldn't agree more with you. Spanos's sincerity, musicality and innate musicianship is IMO second to none! His technique is extraordinary! I don't know any other countertenor , many of whom I admire too, with such smooth and effortless one! With SUCH approach to BEAUTY! Actually, it's not very important to me where he uses his chest, head, modal voice, mix...all this terminology. He MOVES MY HEART! His singing is PURE MAGIC! An excellent day to everybody indeed!:-)
@fourmi1060 Dear fourmi,Thanks for your remarks.When listening to Nicholas I feel like I 've got a vigour of life.His liquid grained voice , luminous tones and sensitive presentation of baroque music makes him real master of the craft.
On the contrary, Dumaux is good but Spanos rocks!!! But if you like Dumaux so much, happy listening to you! What are you doing on this video? You like something more primitive and visceral, it's your right. Tastes differ. This is for those who can appreciate true, delicate, exquisite art.
@Paulkazey, Sorry.. you look like imposing your opinion to other falks. Idee' fixe??Then would you be so kind to specify what you find superior in Dumaux's version?!
@Paulkazey Of course, Spanos doesn't have FIRE on him: don't you know that smoking is bad for the vocal cords of all singers?! LOL But I'm sure at home he has matches and lighters!:-) Poor baby you are so cold that all you can think of is fire?!:-) Then buy a good fire-place. Even Dumaux won't do it for you. But be careful not to burn your fingers:-) Now put on warm clothes and drink hot tea! And don't bother folks with your pushing advices. They can decide for themselves who is superior
@serenaluce Surely you can come up with trolling better than that. Even Joachim Quantz spoke about how Senesino (the castrato for whom this role was made) sang "allegros with great fire, and marked rapid divisions from the chest..." While countertenors are not castrati, the same qualities for the roles should be applicable. Paul would like more fire. That is all. Your disdain for someone liking someone other than Spanos is not needed.
@CountertenorJ You still can't forgive me for my comments about Cencic! Why not reconcile if we have at least one great favourite in common? I suggested you send me a mail. Paulkazey got everybody with the same statement, not only about Spanos, but e.g. Ragin! Read other people's discussion in Dumaux's video. Also, you don't know all the details of my correspondence with Paul and why I joked like that. That is all! You seem to like just interfering in discussions to express that you dislike ME!
@serenaluce This has nothing to do Cencic's comments. I don't idolize singers as you do. I merely study them. This has everything to do with the fact that anytime someone says something that they don't like about Spanos you go all cock-a-hoop. Chastisement or sardonic hyperbole are not conducive to constructive musical discourse.
@CountertenorJ I don't idolize singers either. I don't have an alter at home and don't worship them! I never call female singers goddesses, and countertenors angels or gods! But I don't merely study them like you. I listen to them! And I'm very passionate about great singing in general! Concerning what people sometimes reply you wouldn't call it a sardonik hyperbole:-) First read comments in Dumaux' video. When the same again and again it's annoying, even if Dumaux is a good CT.
@serenaluce I read it. That however does not change what I said one iota. Nor does it change the fact that you said he may like "primitive" music (for liking someone other than Spanos); whereas, you claim this (and imply only this or something of YOUR choosing) can only be considered "true" and "exquisite" art. As if you, or anyone else, holds a monopoly for that. Opera, until the 20th century, was a music for the masses, not just the self-style elites.
@CountertenorJ Opera has never been art for masses! Folklore is. Baroque was only for elite. No, I don't claim anything! If you prefer Dumaux, it's your right. But IMO it's not that smooth and effortless, not that exquisite as Spanos's work. Do you have this CD? I have it and the one with Ragin. Before I thought it's impossible to sing Tamerlano better. But Spanos convinced me more! As for "fire", if you don't feel enough here, listen to his recitatives, especially in the 3d act. It's so great!
@serenaluce You might want to re-read some history (or read it in the first place). You don't know it. The elite do not throw their undergarments on stage. This was a common practice in opera during those times. I am merely taking up for someone's opinions that you want to call primitive, base and obviously lacking taste -- which you are not the dictator of. Your flippant remarks do nothing to help you. I've told you this before. Debate the merit of fact, not the merit of opinion.
@CountertenorJ So, that paulkazey must be your friend if you know that he "has thrown his knickers at Dumaux" and must know what he answered me in a private mail. I hope you won't revive this "common practice" and won't throw your underwear to defend your favourites! Let's really talk about MUSIC! Not about masses's instincts of the past! Concerning your activities, you attack people too who compare Cencic with e.g. Horne in that Rossini video. Why don't you apply the same rule to yourself?
@CountertenorJ I suggested we communicate in mails, reconcile. If your only purpose is to show that I understand nothing in music history by appealing to discuss MUSIC in this video and not instincts of the masses, and you only use this "platform" for it, go ahead. But why don't you chase me in bigger platforms with more views? So that more people can see it. Why not contradict me in that Cencic's video? All subjective! I have no monopoly on it. But keep in mind that folks also see who YOU ARE!
@serenaluce When you give me clear reference to what I said, to whom, and how it was inappropriate I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. I haven't actually chased you as of yet. You just happen to post in a bunch of videos that I listen to (coincidentally almost all of them are of Mr. Spanos). Luckily, I think Mr. Spanos is a wonderful artist, so I come back to them anyway.
@CountertenorJ And why not then comment in Spanos's videos what a wonderful artist he is instead of arguing with me? Why not ignore me? We have two great favourites in common. Let's reconcile at last!:-)
@serenaluce Sometimes it's better to have a gulp of fresh sparkling water of modern art then drawing out old crocodiles from a swamp of music history.
@CountertenorJ I have watched this argument closely. Peace be with you both. Spanos doesn't need defense, nor is he vulnerable to scholar criticism. His singing speaks for itself. Music is a practice, not a theory. However, I assure you, Spanos knows his history and is a very complete musician who only cares about bringing service to the music and not to himself first, unlike many others. So, try to enjoy him and take what he has to offer...
@suoidolem Suoidem, if only I was rushing to Spanos's defense...I wasn't. And I agree, no artist actually needs defense unless he is being maligned with misinformation. You may want to watch the argument a little more closely and see that I was defending another poster's opinion.
@CountertenorJ Dear countertenorJ, please be a man at last and reply to me personally to my mail! Spanos really doesn't need any defense as his art speaks for itself. Neither paulkazey needs it from you. If he is offended he can send me another personal mail. Are you an official PK's laywer? There is such an option on YT to share opinions. I didn't spread any misinformation. I didn't say anything awful about CD or PK. You don't answer to me personally. Let's use a bigger "platform" for it!
@serenaluce You did say something awful and misinformed. You claimed, as I said multiple times, that you listen to "true art" and "exquisite" art and that it's "fine/okay" that he prefers "primitive" sounds...primitive sounds like that of gorillas or other wild beasts and not the refined sense that you alone seem to have. It's pretentious and arrogant. I told you before I have no want to speak with you via mail. Don't hassle me there.
@CountertenorJ Well, if you are such a great expect, I'm NOT the most ignorant, misinformed and arrogant person on YT. If what I wrote in this video sounds awful to YOU, it's only YOUR OPINION! But what you declare here is real misinformation. You just speculate. Show me where I wrote about that primitive sounds "like that of gorillas...." You think that I'm eager to communicate?! If you don't want peace, don't worry I'll find a bigger platform for YOUR arrogance and EVERYBODY will see it!
@suoidolem Dorothy Delay was one of the most influential violin instructors in all of modern history. See if you can find any clip of her playing online. You won't. She wasn't hired at Julliard because she had grand skill as a performer, but mainly because she had an uncanny ability to teach. She has taught a huge deal of world-class violists. Your argument is bunk. And if you were speaking to me about my singing, when my management feels I should post vids of me on here, they will.
@CountertenorJ I see you know your history, but... your arrogance has no limits at age 28. She died in her 80s, so you need many more years of experience and numerous accomplished students to compare yourself to her. Besides, Dorothy DeLay was A GREAT TEACHER, true, but nothing more. She may have taught Perlman and Mintz and many other big names but, as you won't find any clip of her playing online, you won't find her TEACHING online either...
@suoidolem No one was comparing anyone to her. I was merely showing you that a great many teachers came out of teaching backgrounds and not performance backgrounds. I defy you to find ANY substantial recordings of her or even her equivalent in the vocal world the now past Richard Miller. There are many of her recorded master classes by the way. Contact the American String Teachers' Association if you need help finding them.
@CountertenorJ NO, my friend? How did DeLay come up in this conversation? Noone ever claimed here that SPANOS is a teacher... or me. So, why is DeLay mentioned? Someone else has been trying to teach here, and that's not me! Was it just a bad example on your side? [...]
@suoidolem DeLay came into this when you were insinuating that if I'm such a good teacher I should have all of my videos on here. I was just showing how there are many successful teachers without videos on here.
@CountertenorJ Exactly... because here, we don't discuss TEACHERS. We discuss performing artists, but I guess you haven't noticed yet. Bravo, you're a successful teacher. :-). Too bad we'll never see how you apply your teachings to your own voice.
@CountertenorJ [...] We are coming from entirely different bases here. I am talking about MUSIC and still, you speak technically. First of all, I believe in a TRUTH beyond your opinion or mine. An OBJECTIVE one. Therefore, we cannot understand each other. You obviously need to scrutinize and analyze every little inch in a voice... forgetting to enjoy it. FORGET chest and head registers and sinuses and cavities for a moment and listen with your heart! For heaven's sake! [...]
@suoidolem Truth, however, is not objective. What is a truth to you may not be one to me. Facts, however, are objective. I speak technically because technique is a very important part of music. Technique is NOT art, but technique allows one to utilizes their instrument in ways to effectively communicate art. I don't listen with my heart. I listen with my ears and mind. If my emotions are moved it is because of communication, not "pretty" noises.
@CountertenorJ TRUTH is OBJECTIVE. OPINION, on the other hand, isn't. You came in this world to suddenly mock all the great seekers of the past that built the entire Philosophy around the search for Truth... My God, you are one of a kind!
Of course you don't listen with your heart. It's obvious. High level communication involves EMOTION, not diafragm support and soft palate lift. Have you revealed ANY emotions so far, or are they technically wrong?
@CountertenorJ [...] I can contradict you all night in statistics and vocal pedagogy. IS THAT THE POINT??? Before you're a teacher, you are a HUMAN BEING. Nobody here cares less about the American String Teacher's Association, I assure you. Are you here to correct everybody or to enjoy music in the making? [...]
@suoidolem I mentioned ASTA because you said there are no videos on DeLay. There are. They can help you find them if you have trouble or don't believe me.
@CountertenorJ Oh, I believe you! You said there aren't any videos ONLINE, not in general, though. :-)
You can put them on YouTube. Bravo, you've done your research. You're going to be an excellent source of reference in the future. BUT, Like I said, that counts for nothing in here. You're in YouTube, NOT in the Academy.
@CountertenorJ [...] e.g. I would take a "No, I don't like this, it doesn't speak to me" comment easily and with respect, but I find the "Callas was a bad techician" comment rather useless, as Callas made - and still makes - the souls of millions of people MOVE. THAT'S the point of art. Besides, her unique artistry made her turn every flaw to her advantage onstage. We've all witnessed that. So please, quit trying to prove how good a teacher you are. It doesn't make any difference in here.
@suoidolem I never said "Callas was a bad technician." She had very many technique wonders, but there were issues she had. Basal-tongue root tension, overdarkening by pressing on the larynx, and oversinging in the chest. These had effects on her upper sustained range (she wobbled when she sustained), and I believe helped destroy her voice by the end of her career. Her artistry wasn't being debated. She did many wonderfully artistic things. That doesn't mean she was faultless.
@CountertenorJ Go on, keep up your blab about Callas' technique. You are probably the only one who cares about the woman's technical problems so much. I guess to you, they are superior to her artistry, so you have to elaborate on them. But, I suppose it's natural to envy what you can't reach, especially when you're aware of that! Nobody is faultles. Not Dumaux, not Cencic, not Spanos, not me, not even you. Not even as a teacher. And, that's the objective TRUTH.
@CountertenorJ ...Plus, I bet not all her students turned out to be geniuses. Those who did, surely did their part in practicing their way into perfection and greatness. Here, we' re talking about a singer, Spanos, and not you. As far as I'm concerned, I don't know you, neither as a pedagogy specialist, nor as a performing artist. People here express opinions, judje and compare artists that DARE be onstage. Where's the "misinformation" you mention? Who misinforms whom about what?...
@suoidolem There is no misinformation here, because we are basically debating values and hyperbole. But there is a GREAT deal of misinformation on youtube regarding vocal technique. I can easily point to most of the comments on Vivica Genaux and Maria Callas. Both of whom have very glaring technical problems (mainly due to tension) but their lovers will claim there is nothing wrong, even though fact stands in the way.
@CountertenorJ ...Being a technician, my friend, doesn't necessarily mean you're a singer. Being a true singer means you're over your major technical issues and thus free to make music that communicates your own self to the audience. That's what I get from Spanos...
@suoidolem This word "true" is highly subjective. Being a great technician indeed does not make one a singer. Being a technician, however can make it much easier to express the music as one sees fit. Look at Dolly Parton, for example, not a great classical voice and some extra technique could help her to realize her songs even better -- although she does a pretty spiffy job already. No one is above fault and criticism. That doesn't mean we have to be mean though.
@CountertenorJ ...I really don't care if sb cracks a note by accident. Music is beyond that. But I do care when sb uses art to promote themselves or if they mock their audience with cheap tricks instead of giving themselves entirely to the flame of art. And Spanos is FULL of that fire, I assure you.
@suoidolem Umm..the fire we're talking about is the fire inherent in aggressive singing, this usually comes from a heavier sound and usually more incorporation of chest voice (if not a chest heavy mix). Not a spirit of personality. I certainly am not debating his spirit, nor was I actually saying anything about his technique. Just that thinking that when someone wants more fire that doesn't mean they want a "baser" or less "refined" or more "primitive" art.
@CountertenorJ Let's talk of "the merit of fact" not "merit of opinion". I'm a teacher too and and know pedagogy. And I teach my students ask first. I asked PK about D's visceral performance. He said not "intensely emotional", but "stirring listeners' guts". According to an AMERICAN dictionary "primirive" -"of or pertaining to an early or original state or state of evolution, etc." Nothing about WILD BEASTS or "baser", "less refined". It's only YOUR interpretation and MISINFORMATION!
@CountertenorJ I use your AMERICAN dictionary again to explain. "Exquisite"- "showing a high degree of craft of excellence". If saying about Dumaux that he is very good is awful, it's only your OPINION against mine! I happen to be SPANOS's true fan and find his art EXQUISITE! Normal fans consider their favourites' art TRUE! And I can express MY admiration where and how I WANT! I won't ask my mom's or husband's permission or YOURS! Like what you prefer but don't presume what I meant!
@serenaluce It's not that you said his art is exquisite. It's that you said someone else's view of art as not -- only based on "wanting more fire" in the voice. The argument you make is not about that. So it fails to meet certain logical standards.
@CountertenorJ Who would talk about logic in this discussion?! You came to this video to bug people just to show off that you are such an expert but you actually show your complete ignorance even in the subject you are supposed to know and which I'll prove! Interprete fire whatever you like. If paulkazey wants more fire in Dumaux's rendition which I called "virtuosic" and "misinformed" somebody let him and you listen D. I find more fire in Spanos's version. What's your problem?
@CountertenorJ This is "the merit of fact". You should be well prepared before giving distant masterclasses to such "ignorant" people like me! So, you failed in music history! How about just HISTORY? If you know yourself what real Tamerlano was why not enlighten PJ's fans that that guy lack of any "fire", temperament and means to create this image?! All he can present is TEDDY BEAR! You just wrote that for you making "pretty noises" is not enough! I
@serenaluce I even gave you the source. But seeming you don't like logic, or probably reason for that matter, I cannot continue discourse with you. People who refuse to listen to logic or reason tend to only follow primal instinct and primal urge alone. Discussion with those cannot happen, they only care about themselves. Have a good day.
@CountertenorJ Buddy, who began this talk about ignorant masses throwing their underwear at their favourites? And now you accuse ME of following "only primal instict and primal urge"?! It's already LIBEL! You definitely should reread your comments! You don't know what logic is! I discuss MUSIC! I also listen with my ears, but if SINGING is appealing to me it reaches my HEART unlike yours who can talk only about sth irrelevant! SPANOS moved my HEART and I don't care about any technical stuff!
@CountertenorJ This is TAMERLANO'S aria! You say Senesino sang it! S is the castrato for whom the role of ANDRONICO was made! The title role was allocated to the castrato ANDREA PACINI! You should comment on NESI's Andronico. Handel composed this opera for the Royal Academy of Music, it was first performed at the King's Theatre! Obviously for you words ROYAL and KING mean places for ignorant masses! When you say who threw their underwear at the performers then you contradict yourself!
@serenaluce You are right. The first performance was by Pacin, but the revival (in which this aria came to what it is today, it was sung by Senesino. You need to read some music history books. Opera was made for the masses. That's just flat out period. Much like today "King Buffet" doesn't mean that kings dine there. It means that you can eat like a king at said buffet. The King's Theatre was a theatre named to honor the king for his subjects, not for his sole attendance.
@CountertenorJ But in your first comment to me you wrote that this role, that is Tamerlano, "was MADE for Senesino. Such a great expert in music history and throwing underwear on stage should be flawless and exact! You need to reread your own comments in the first place and then advise me, such an "ignorant" and "arrogant" person who happen to know what the image of Tamerlano is about, the opera and even Italian to read some history books!
I've tried already several times. We discussed there. Isn't it enough?! It's very good but not outstanding. Spanos's rendition is the best! He doesn't perform back flip somersaults like your gymnast Dumaux in somewhat production you mentioned, but such tricks are not a sign of masculinity, as a woman can perform them too. it's all about MUSIC! And it's absolutely perfect! Dumaux doesn't have such great and smooth technique as Spanos. Ragin is amazing too, but the best Tamerlano is Spanos!
@fourmi1060 Absolutely agree with you here! As you said last time, "electrifying", "thrilling", magical low notes before and also the high note at the end! But I also take it all in their entirety. When it's very appealing to me, it takes me by storm:-), and I don't analyze much ( maybe just a bit) which note on what second was the best:-)
Wonderfully said! I fully agree with you! It's really like that - the more you listen the more this voice becomes fascinating! I would also add to your list 2 just stunning for me pieces - Intorno all'idol mio and Gia' dagli occhi il velo e' tolto. Though, as I said before, I can't name which Spanos's piece is the best...
To my ear there is NOTHING WRONG with technique in this performance! Anyone who can sing these runs accurately with the ease that I hear, is worthy to be up there with the greatest. Congratulations & Best Wishes
Too "hooty"?! You mean the sound made by a train whistle?! Or an owl's cry?! It's the smoothest , most effortless and IMO the most beautiful version! I can agree that you can prefer Daniels's version, as it's wonderful too, but to say "hooty" about Spanos's singing and prefer Mehta's interpretation!!!!... It's only technique, empty vocal acrobatic and NO SOUL, NO BEAUTY whatsoever! Perhaps you listened to Spanos's version with a headache, and it distorted your perception?! Listen to it again!!!
I'm sorry - I didn't make myself clear - I prefer fuller voices, such as Daniels' and Mehta. More operatic voices. This is my taste. And by hooty I meant that for my taste there isn't enough timbre\colour to the voice. No ring, no sqiullo, just like an undertrained countertenor voice. There are much better voices nowadays. I don't say he doesn't have the potential to become a great singer, I just say he needs to study technique with another teacher.
I wonder who YOU are to judge that one of the best countertenors in the world is "undertrained and needs to study technique with another teacher"?! What do YOU understand about countertenor's technique?! What do you understand in fullness of the voice?! I think that there's definitely something wrong with YOUR ears if you can't hear Spanos's unique COLOUR! Your words "not enough timbre" make no sense at all, as any voice has "enough timbre". You can like it or not, but it's a matter of taste!
O dear... You're either the singer's lover or the singer itself, aren't you? LOL
I said at least twice in my former comment that this is MY TASTE! I didn't say that you need to think like me, and I didn't say that my opinion is absolute! There are so many better singers than him out there (you can't disagree about the fact that David Daniels, for instance, is a better singer, and a better artist), so take things in proportions!
O dear... I asked YOU what you understand in countertenors' singing?! You said to YOUR TASTE. So how can you say that I can't disagree that Daniels is a better singer?! My taste is different. I think that Nicholas Spanos is a BETTER singer than David Daniels! Why are you so sure that everybody will agree with you, and that you are righter in this than me?! So take things in proportions too!
I wonder whom you mean by "better voices nowadays"?! What is TRUE ART for you? OK, Daniels, but his voice is not the same as it was 10 years ago! Mehta is a more operatic voice?! So just to show empty technique, be arrogant, sing without any soul, emotions and beauty is a sign of a true operatic singer for you?! Mehta is not "undertrained" concerning true essence of music - to move the heart?! Do you have any idea that the highest art is to make it sound smooth and effortless as if it's so easy?
True art for me is to be able sing sing Handel with a proper singing technique - a term that a lot of baroque singers never heard of (kirkby and bowman for example, who sound as if they never took a voice lesson in their life!). Why should a countertenor sound less full and vibrant than a mezzo soprano or contralto? He shouldn't!
And why do you think that Spanos's technique is not proper to sing Handel?! Why do you think that he doesn't sound full?! His voice sounds FULL to me! Ah, for you the proper technique and being operatic is as much vibrato as possible?! Is it your taste?! You think that as "visceral" as possible is a sign of "better countertenors nowadays"?! I don't agree with you here. I have a different criteria what is a better voice and who is a better artist then! So, you don't know who PJ?!
@counteralto Ahm... well... maybe because HE ISN'T A WOMAN mezzo or contralto? How about that? Different chords, different body and - most important - different psyche? I think those are enough.
@counteralto "True art" has little to do with technique. Technique is just a means to a higher end. Spanos is nothing like Bowman, but he's very close to Daniels' sound. Mehta is just full of hysteria, especially in Tamerlano's aria!!! You think Spanos' voice isn't full??? Try listening to Jaroussky... some countertenors might be ABLE to imitate a woman... the question is: why should they??? I'm not into straight tones, either, that's why I like Spanos!
I still wonder who you are yourself?! An ordinary teacher with a lot of average students?! You want to teach Spanos, who is already great, to sing better in your understanding?! Or you are such a student who tries to sing the same stuff and envies those who do it better, but who thinks that he can criticize great artists? Can you post a video response to show how great YOU are?! Or perhaps you mean that PJ has a fuller voice, more colour and "enough timbre" and one of "better voices nowadays"?!
I just saw the video again and realized it had 4 stars instead of the absolute 5 it deserves. I can't help wondering who would give it less than 5* and be objective. Of course, one has to be ABLE to realize the difference between a TRUE SINGER and a SHOW-OFF. This guy is almost impeccable in technique, plus his music and style just flow effortlessly... can one say the same about other "A dispettos"? Wonder that, before you rate! THIS IS TAMERLANO, a peasant, yet ruler, furious, yet gentle!
@suoidolem I agree. This is TRUE TAMERLANO! The RIGHT IMAGE and THE BEST COLORATURA! NOT a teddy-bear, who doesn't understand at all what he is singing about , like PJ! Not a gymnast like Christophe Dumaux!:-) All the others who tried to sing A dispetto can only dream of such TECHNIQUE!
@serenaluce Well... still, there are fans of other countertenors singing "a dispetto" that rate poorly on Spanos, just because they're obsessed with more superficial elements. It's ok; besides, it takes someone who can really appreciate the essence of music to also understand the difference, like I said before.
Nicholas Spanos is very enrgetic and talented coutertenor! I'm very pleased to listen to every piece of him.And especially I like his lyrics and performances of folks Greek music.Thanks for posting this! Come on Nicholas!
The only confinement is, that most counter tenors sounds to lyrical for the dramatic impact of the scene. The barbarian rouler is furious, tells he will kill the imprisoned king Bajazet and will rape his daughter Asteria while his rival and friend Andronico has to watch him. Less talented counter tenors like Mister Spano might get in danger to sound hyterically. But even the mezzo soprano Monica Bacelli dosn't really hit the right sound. What a pitty Maria Callas never tried singing Handel!
You are so romantic, giving all those heart-rending details! It's still an opera by great Handel! Tamerlano was going to marry Asteria. George Petrou in his "Thoughts on Tamerlano said: "We tried to create a "noble" Tamerlano. After all T is NOT the bad guy in the opera. He is certainly arrogant, spoilt and stubborn. However, although he threatens everybody in the course of the opera (sometimes with graphically detailed threats), he never takes action!... His character should be "lovable"..."
Is it improtant what a conductor wrote about an opera figure? You can't deny, that Tamerlano is angry while he sings "A dispetto d'un volto INGRATO" or can you? So why can't I desirous to hear this rage? Have a better exemple than Maria Callas for breathtaking furious singing? Who knows, at a certain point of her career she would done it quite good?
Of course, it's very important to know what this particular production is about and what image of Tamerlano Spanos is creating to understand it better! I know Italian and have the whole text. Of course, Tamerlano is angry in this aria. But still it's a "noble", "lovable" Tamerlano "who never takes action". So, he is furious enough. If you mean a real hystorical character then you contradict yourself. Do you think that only women can be furious? YOU have no better example of furious singing?!
You've never heard man's furious singing?! Just one example, bu there are many. Kowalski in Venga pur in famous Covent Garden production. Is it not furious enough for you?! So, you still think that Callas would be a perfect furious Tamerlano?! You mentioned that Tamerlano "will rape" Asteria. Then you think that she would be more convincing, potraying a real Tamerlano than a man in this role?! Sorry, but I'm not buying it. Something's wrong with your logic.
I heard Jochen Kowalski in a Lied Recital ath the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele in 1989, know his recording of Handel and Mozart Arias including "Venga pur, minacci e frema" . Shure he can sing like a furious man, even he spells the italian not good.
Относительно фильма "Фаринелли". В фильме использовали 2х певцов - Derek Lee Ragin и сопрано Ewa Mallas Godlewska. Записывали в концертном зале в течении многих месяцев. Затем инженер с помощью компьютера соединил два голоса чтобы они звучали как один постепенно меняя цвет голоса. Поэтому судить о голосах как Ragin так и Godlewska по этим фильмам нельзя. Да и об эталоне говорить - сопрано не очень известная; да и не у многих известных певцов есть достаточно времени над фильмом работать.
jewelmarkess 2 days ago
@jewelmarkess Very good point.How can anybody say that Ragin is the standard and his version of Tamerlano is also the standard only if his voice was used in ONE film Farinelli,il Castrato as a computer created simulated castrato voice which nobody could hear,and it's only Corbieu's fantasy?He used Godlewska's high notes but if not for this film noone would know her.Is she the standard of SOPRANO voice?In"Dangerious liasons" they used Abel Paolo do Nascimento as CASTRATO.Maybe HE is the standard?
serenaluce 2 days ago
Very beautiful performance.
jewelmarkess 3 days ago
В этой арии гораздо предпочтительнее Ragin. Spanos явно не хватает экспрессивности, его низкие ноты также не впечатляют.
lara777ize 1 month ago
@lara777ize I see,you prefer more vibrato and Ragin's less refined technique. Tastes differ, of course.Nobody pushes you to think like me.Ragin is a great artist too, but sorry.It's again only a exchange of opinions,but Ragin's technique is nowhere near.This is a very difficult aria,and make it sound that smooth and effortless is the greatest art!Spanos has all the expressivness and shows anger"E nel petto i tumulti dell'alma" in a very intelligent way which Ragin lacks.His LOW notes FANTASTIC!
serenaluce 1 month ago
@serenaluce Ну, значит я глухая, если не слышу этих "фантастических" низких нот. К чему продолжать эту бессмысленную дискуссию, все равно каждая из нас останется при своем мнении.
lara777ize 1 month ago
@lara777ize Of course, we can't influence each other and convince that what we prefer is better. We can only exchange opinions on YT. If they didn't want people to discuss and reply to each other, even argue they wouldn't invent this option "reply" and give only "comment".Oscar Wilde said:"There's no such thing as a good influence...Because to inluence a person is to give him one's own soul..." No, you are not deaf, but such intelligent and refined singing isn't that appealing to YOUR soul.
serenaluce 1 month ago
@lara777ize Ну,конечно,если бы Ragin не лучшим бы,то ему не предложили бы в фильме озвучивать.Я думаю,режисёр лучше знает,а некомпетентных людей чего ещё переубеждать!
maia529 1 week ago
@maia529 Здесь дело не столько в компетентности, сколько в личном предпочтении. Для некоторых Spanos является кумиром, и они абсолютно уверены в том, что он лучший всегда и во всем. Переубедить таких людей в этом совершенно невозможно, да я и не пытаюсь. Пусть тешат себя.
lara777ize 1 week ago
@lara777ize Предпочитать можно много вещей,но эталон остаётся эталоном!
maia529 1 week ago
@maia529 A prichem tut kakoi-to etalon?Vy voobshe-to kogda-nibud' logiku primenyaete? Fil'm "Farinelli Il Castrato byl snyat v 1994 godu, kogda tomu zhe Spanosu bylo tol'ko 20 let,i on eshe dazhe ne nachal pet' kontrtenorom, to kak zhe mozhno govorit',chto raz rezhisser predpochel Ragin, znachit on samyi luchshii vsekh vremen i narodov!Prichem tut kakikh-to lyudei, v dannom sluchae Spanos's fans pereubedit' nevozmozhno! Vy prosto klyuete na gromkie imena.A mozhet na to vremya Chance luchshe byl?
serenaluce 5 days ago
@serenaluce Спор-это неблагодарное занятие.Вы не эксперт,так что оставайтесь при своём мнении.Всё больше никаких коментов ко мне.Ясно?!
maia529 5 days ago
@maia529 vVy khotite skazat', chto eto vy expert? Odnako vy ne polenilis' napisat' comment na video drugogo pevtsa pro Ragin na osnovanii togo, chto vo vsei istorii muzyki snyali tol'ko ODIN film pro penie castrati, kotorogo nikto, dazhe VY ne slyshali,i kotorogo predpochel tol'ko odin rezhisser Gerard Corbieu. Mnogie sporyat i govoryat, chto seichas mozhno bylo by perezapisat' s golosom togo ili drogogo.I eto obmen MNENIYAMI. A u vas mneniya net! Vy tol'ko verite PROMOTION! YT is pubvic domain!
serenaluce 5 days ago
@serenaluce Вот именно,обмен мнениями,да не с вами.Я по-моему,с lara777ize обменивалась мнением,а вы встреваете.Невежливо!Если бы я у вас хотела совет спросить,сама бы обратилась к вам.Если не обратилась,значит не нужно было...Извините,у всех свой круг общения
maia529 5 days ago
@maia529 Akh ty bozhe moi, kakie my tut obidchivye! Esli by vy tol'ko obmenivalis' mneniyami s lara777, vy by mogli vse eto drug drugu napisat' v personal mails. A vy zabyvaete, chto YT - eto public domain, i vy sdelali vash obmen mneniyami izvestnym vsemu miru, kto ponimaet po-russki. Maneram ne vam menya uchit'. Ya ne k vam na kuchnyu bez priglasheniya vvalilas',gde vy milo s Laroi kofeek popivali i Ragin obsuzhdali. Vam lyuboi mozhet zdes' otvetit'.Eto ne vash kanal.U vas SVOEGO mneniya net!
serenaluce 5 days ago
@lara777ize Da, ya vizhu, kakie tut 2 kompetentnye damochki sobralis'. Odna schitaet Ragin vsegda i vo vsem etalonom tol'ko na osnovanii togo, chto v dalekom 1994 ego odin rezhisser vybral dlya fil'ma Farinelli, Il castrato, a drugaya nikak ne ugomonitsya, chto tastes differ, i skol'ko lyudei, stol'ko i mnenii. Esli vam bol'she nravitsya versiya Ragina, pochemu-to vy schitaete, chto vam mozhno govorit', chto vy ne slyshite nizhnikh not Spanosa.Iskusstvo eto emotsii! Tak chto tesh'te sebya tozhe.
serenaluce 5 days ago
@serenaluce Это я никак не угомонюсь? Я уже давно не хочу обсуждать с Вами тему Spanos, так как это бесполезно. Когда в комментах к каждому видео Spanos Вы говорите, что он гений, и всем остальным КТ до него, как до неба, о чем можно говорить? А что касается уважения чужого мнения, то Вы готовы считаться с ним, если только оно совпадает с Вашим собственным. Надеюсь, на этом, у нас с Вами, тема "Spanos" закрыта. Захотите поговорить о чем-то другом, буду рада.
lara777ize 5 days ago
@lara777ize Net,eto vy nikak ne ugomonites',chto skol'ko lyudei, stol'ko i mnenii, i gotovy so vsemi soglashat'sya, kto lyuboi bred neset, lish' by eto bylo protiv Spanosa!Vy zhe takoi znatok,tak chto zhe vy etu damochku ne prosvyatili, kogda film vyshel,skol'ko tam nedochetov bylo,kakaya tsel' filma byla.Pochemu vy s nei ne posporili, a chto takoe etalon?Ragin tam voobshe byl isporchen verkhnimi notami Godlewskoi.Etalon iskusstvennogo golosa? Ya vam pozhelala teshit' sebya tozhe, chem khotite!
serenaluce 4 days ago
@serenaluce Это не я пускаюсь в анализ, это Вы каждый раз втягиваете меня в Абсолютно бессмысленную дискуссию ни о чем. И почему я не должна говорить, за что мне не нравится то или иное исполнение, или это позволено только Вам? Вы то всем в подробностях рассказываете, как отвратительно поет Jaroussky, или какой ужасный тембр у Mehta. Когда же дело касается Ваших любимцев, нужно либо говорить хорошо, либо молчать. Давайте уже на этом остановимся, спокойной ночи.
lara777ize 4 days ago
@lara777ize Slushaite,vy prosto zanimaetes' demagogiei na video Spanosa.Znachit ya vas vo chto-to vtyagivayu,a vot eta damochka,u kotoroi polnoe otsutstvie elementarnykh znanii i logiki,a tol'ko slepoe obozhestvlenii avtoritetov,nikakogo SVOEGO mneniya,vas nikuda ne vtyagivaet.Da mne vse ravno,kogo vy predpochitaete,tol'ko nado SVOE mnenie vyrazhat'.Nu eto zhe smeshno:esli vybrali dlya filma Ragin,a Spanos eshe voobshe ne pel,Cencic v detskom khore,a kto-to eshe pod stol khodil,to Ragin ETALON!
serenaluce 4 days ago
@lara777ize Na Ragin's version,kotoruyu ya tozhe tsenyu,i s chego eto vse nachalos', ya vas tol'ko sprosila,prezhde chem zayavlyat',chto ona samaya luchshaya, slyshali li vy Spanos's version.Vy mogli by tol'ko skazat', chto da, no predpochitaete Ragin. Tastes differ, bol'she voprosov net.No vy zhe pustilis' v analiz, chto ona samaya dostoinaya i skol'ko ogrekh u Spanosa,kak-budto u Ragin tekhnika ideal'naya.Da,na videos Spanosa ya govoryu, chto on genii, a vy tol'ko ogrekhi staraetes' nakhodit'.
serenaluce 4 days ago
@maia529 Кто лучше, кто хуже - это личное мнение. Никто не совершенен, вопрос только в том что для кого важнее. Единственно что я хочу сказать, это то что приглашение озвучивать фильм ещё не значит что данный певец "эталон". Может быть он просто больше всего понравился режессёру, может быть режиссёр хотел конкретный звук, может быть кто-то другой был просто занят. Инва Мула озвучивала инопланетянку в "5м елементе", но она хоть и хорошая певица никогда не считалась эталоном Лючии.
jewelmarkess 3 days ago
Comment removed
lara777ize 1 month ago
Great tempo, first class technique, clear diction... what more could one ask? I love this version and it has become my reference, the yardstick by which I judge other versions of the same aria. Bravo!
fourmy1060 4 months ago
@fourmy1060 This version is so PERFECT that it makes even ME speechless!:-)Every time I listen to it I wonder how it is possible to do what Nicholas Spanos does here! Just incredible and sounds always fresh to me though for 2 years I've heard it many, many times! He is a genius! What more could one ask?:-) I just can't understand who are those 4 people who didn't like it. Do people have no ears?!..How could nowadays when we have SPANOS and other REAL CTs someone hire women or PJ as TAMERLANO !
serenaluce 4 months ago
very nice!
essenciademusica 6 months ago
Excellent, thanks for sharing!
Vivaldifriend 7 months ago
This amazes more each time I listen to it. The B section is incredible
Baroquepassion 9 months ago
Really fantastic music!
+ good recording, nice "video" and...... a wonderful performance of the singer and the orchestra! Great!
SuperDortmunder 11 months ago
thanks for sharing.
Ferdiphone 11 months ago
Just wonderful.
ichmalealsobinich 1 year ago
nice
baritonnegruopera 1 year ago
Won-der-full da capo!! Very inventive!
Monrealese 1 year ago
Εξαιρετικός! Πράγματι, σε άλλο επίπεδο απ' ό,τι έχω ακούσει ως τώρα. Ευχαριστούμε.
experimentalis 1 year ago
I selected all "A dispetto" performings, available on the Internet, including one by a woman, and can say that Nicolas's singing is BY FAR the best!
182krishna 1 year ago 8
I had favourited Derek Lee Raglin's version of this. Why is it every time I hear Nicholas Spanos singing anything and I compare it to other singers it beats them all hands down? (Rhetorical question). He is in a class of his own.
I have spoken to Greek friends who have either not heard of him or do not realise what a gem they have...it's such a shame.
seempels 1 year ago 2
@seempels Oh, absolutely! Spanos's versions beat all the others only because he is simply THE BEST! And you are so right - he is IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN! It's difficult to compare him with the other great countertenors as he is NOT like ONE OF THEM. He is so DIFFERENT and UNIQUE!... And about Greek friends you are right too: they are either don't know him or don't realize that Spanos is their NATIONAL HERITAGE! For some reason they are so shy to comment that he is THE BEST! I'm not shy for it:-)
serenaluce 1 year ago
Fantastic. Definitely the best version.
tamerlano236 1 year ago
Excellent! A very consistent and powerful sound throughout, and the performance of the de capo is stunning. Five stars, and thanks for posting. :)
HM0880 1 year ago 2
very beautiful
organcomposer 1 year ago
Wonderful indeed!
OldRabit 1 year ago
Στη Λυρική έγινε η παράσταση; αχ το έχασα και λατρεύω Handel.
SilkBoxer 1 year ago
Wnderbar!!!!!!!!!!!! Ein Genuss!
tritonusgesang 1 year ago
@fourmi1060 I couldn't agree more with you. Spanos's sincerity, musicality and innate musicianship is IMO second to none! His technique is extraordinary! I don't know any other countertenor , many of whom I admire too, with such smooth and effortless one! With SUCH approach to BEAUTY! Actually, it's not very important to me where he uses his chest, head, modal voice, mix...all this terminology. He MOVES MY HEART! His singing is PURE MAGIC! An excellent day to everybody indeed!:-)
serenaluce 1 year ago
@fourmi1060 Dear fourmi,Thanks for your remarks.When listening to Nicholas I feel like I 've got a vigour of life.His liquid grained voice , luminous tones and sensitive presentation of baroque music makes him real master of the craft.
spqrmor 1 year ago 2
Bravo!grazie.
piasintei 1 year ago
This is a very beautiful video dear friend Nicholas Spanos.
I must find a place on my channel for your wonderful music.
nujij10 1 year ago 3
It is tryly lovely, thank you very much for sharing.
Love both his voice and your animation, thank you!
Best regards
Satoko
fairlytaleofnewyork 1 year ago 3
GREAT*****
mrAltan9 1 year ago 2
Spanos is good but Dumaux rocks!!
Paulkazey1 1 year ago
On the contrary, Dumaux is good but Spanos rocks!!! But if you like Dumaux so much, happy listening to you! What are you doing on this video? You like something more primitive and visceral, it's your right. Tastes differ. This is for those who can appreciate true, delicate, exquisite art.
serenaluce 1 year ago
@Paulkazey1
Dumaux is superior, check him out folks. Spanos lacks fire I find.
Paulkazey1 1 year ago
@Paulkazey, Sorry.. you look like imposing your opinion to other falks. Idee' fixe??Then would you be so kind to specify what you find superior in Dumaux's version?!
spqrmor 1 year ago 4
@Paulkazey Of course, Spanos doesn't have FIRE on him: don't you know that smoking is bad for the vocal cords of all singers?! LOL But I'm sure at home he has matches and lighters!:-) Poor baby you are so cold that all you can think of is fire?!:-) Then buy a good fire-place. Even Dumaux won't do it for you. But be careful not to burn your fingers:-) Now put on warm clothes and drink hot tea! And don't bother folks with your pushing advices. They can decide for themselves who is superior
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce Surely you can come up with trolling better than that. Even Joachim Quantz spoke about how Senesino (the castrato for whom this role was made) sang "allegros with great fire, and marked rapid divisions from the chest..." While countertenors are not castrati, the same qualities for the roles should be applicable. Paul would like more fire. That is all. Your disdain for someone liking someone other than Spanos is not needed.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ You still can't forgive me for my comments about Cencic! Why not reconcile if we have at least one great favourite in common? I suggested you send me a mail. Paulkazey got everybody with the same statement, not only about Spanos, but e.g. Ragin! Read other people's discussion in Dumaux's video. Also, you don't know all the details of my correspondence with Paul and why I joked like that. That is all! You seem to like just interfering in discussions to express that you dislike ME!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce This has nothing to do Cencic's comments. I don't idolize singers as you do. I merely study them. This has everything to do with the fact that anytime someone says something that they don't like about Spanos you go all cock-a-hoop. Chastisement or sardonic hyperbole are not conducive to constructive musical discourse.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ I don't idolize singers either. I don't have an alter at home and don't worship them! I never call female singers goddesses, and countertenors angels or gods! But I don't merely study them like you. I listen to them! And I'm very passionate about great singing in general! Concerning what people sometimes reply you wouldn't call it a sardonik hyperbole:-) First read comments in Dumaux' video. When the same again and again it's annoying, even if Dumaux is a good CT.
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce I read it. That however does not change what I said one iota. Nor does it change the fact that you said he may like "primitive" music (for liking someone other than Spanos); whereas, you claim this (and imply only this or something of YOUR choosing) can only be considered "true" and "exquisite" art. As if you, or anyone else, holds a monopoly for that. Opera, until the 20th century, was a music for the masses, not just the self-style elites.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Opera has never been art for masses! Folklore is. Baroque was only for elite. No, I don't claim anything! If you prefer Dumaux, it's your right. But IMO it's not that smooth and effortless, not that exquisite as Spanos's work. Do you have this CD? I have it and the one with Ragin. Before I thought it's impossible to sing Tamerlano better. But Spanos convinced me more! As for "fire", if you don't feel enough here, listen to his recitatives, especially in the 3d act. It's so great!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce You might want to re-read some history (or read it in the first place). You don't know it. The elite do not throw their undergarments on stage. This was a common practice in opera during those times. I am merely taking up for someone's opinions that you want to call primitive, base and obviously lacking taste -- which you are not the dictator of. Your flippant remarks do nothing to help you. I've told you this before. Debate the merit of fact, not the merit of opinion.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ So, that paulkazey must be your friend if you know that he "has thrown his knickers at Dumaux" and must know what he answered me in a private mail. I hope you won't revive this "common practice" and won't throw your underwear to defend your favourites! Let's really talk about MUSIC! Not about masses's instincts of the past! Concerning your activities, you attack people too who compare Cencic with e.g. Horne in that Rossini video. Why don't you apply the same rule to yourself?
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce You absolutely fail at music history and reading comprehension. But that isn't surprising.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ I suggested we communicate in mails, reconcile. If your only purpose is to show that I understand nothing in music history by appealing to discuss MUSIC in this video and not instincts of the masses, and you only use this "platform" for it, go ahead. But why don't you chase me in bigger platforms with more views? So that more people can see it. Why not contradict me in that Cencic's video? All subjective! I have no monopoly on it. But keep in mind that folks also see who YOU ARE!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce When you give me clear reference to what I said, to whom, and how it was inappropriate I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. I haven't actually chased you as of yet. You just happen to post in a bunch of videos that I listen to (coincidentally almost all of them are of Mr. Spanos). Luckily, I think Mr. Spanos is a wonderful artist, so I come back to them anyway.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ And why not then comment in Spanos's videos what a wonderful artist he is instead of arguing with me? Why not ignore me? We have two great favourites in common. Let's reconcile at last!:-)
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce Sometimes it's better to have a gulp of fresh sparkling water of modern art then drawing out old crocodiles from a swamp of music history.
spqrmor 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ I have watched this argument closely. Peace be with you both. Spanos doesn't need defense, nor is he vulnerable to scholar criticism. His singing speaks for itself. Music is a practice, not a theory. However, I assure you, Spanos knows his history and is a very complete musician who only cares about bringing service to the music and not to himself first, unlike many others. So, try to enjoy him and take what he has to offer...
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem Suoidem, if only I was rushing to Spanos's defense...I wasn't. And I agree, no artist actually needs defense unless he is being maligned with misinformation. You may want to watch the argument a little more closely and see that I was defending another poster's opinion.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Dear countertenorJ, please be a man at last and reply to me personally to my mail! Spanos really doesn't need any defense as his art speaks for itself. Neither paulkazey needs it from you. If he is offended he can send me another personal mail. Are you an official PK's laywer? There is such an option on YT to share opinions. I didn't spread any misinformation. I didn't say anything awful about CD or PK. You don't answer to me personally. Let's use a bigger "platform" for it!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce You did say something awful and misinformed. You claimed, as I said multiple times, that you listen to "true art" and "exquisite" art and that it's "fine/okay" that he prefers "primitive" sounds...primitive sounds like that of gorillas or other wild beasts and not the refined sense that you alone seem to have. It's pretentious and arrogant. I told you before I have no want to speak with you via mail. Don't hassle me there.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Well, if you are such a great expect, I'm NOT the most ignorant, misinformed and arrogant person on YT. If what I wrote in this video sounds awful to YOU, it's only YOUR OPINION! But what you declare here is real misinformation. You just speculate. Show me where I wrote about that primitive sounds "like that of gorillas...." You think that I'm eager to communicate?! If you don't want peace, don't worry I'll find a bigger platform for YOUR arrogance and EVERYBODY will see it!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ ...I have seen many online "masterclasses" on YT from "teachers" that do not show their own singing; it's rather ridiculous, I find.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem Dorothy Delay was one of the most influential violin instructors in all of modern history. See if you can find any clip of her playing online. You won't. She wasn't hired at Julliard because she had grand skill as a performer, but mainly because she had an uncanny ability to teach. She has taught a huge deal of world-class violists. Your argument is bunk. And if you were speaking to me about my singing, when my management feels I should post vids of me on here, they will.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ I see you know your history, but... your arrogance has no limits at age 28. She died in her 80s, so you need many more years of experience and numerous accomplished students to compare yourself to her. Besides, Dorothy DeLay was A GREAT TEACHER, true, but nothing more. She may have taught Perlman and Mintz and many other big names but, as you won't find any clip of her playing online, you won't find her TEACHING online either...
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem No one was comparing anyone to her. I was merely showing you that a great many teachers came out of teaching backgrounds and not performance backgrounds. I defy you to find ANY substantial recordings of her or even her equivalent in the vocal world the now past Richard Miller. There are many of her recorded master classes by the way. Contact the American String Teachers' Association if you need help finding them.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ NO, my friend? How did DeLay come up in this conversation? Noone ever claimed here that SPANOS is a teacher... or me. So, why is DeLay mentioned? Someone else has been trying to teach here, and that's not me! Was it just a bad example on your side? [...]
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem DeLay came into this when you were insinuating that if I'm such a good teacher I should have all of my videos on here. I was just showing how there are many successful teachers without videos on here.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Exactly... because here, we don't discuss TEACHERS. We discuss performing artists, but I guess you haven't noticed yet. Bravo, you're a successful teacher. :-). Too bad we'll never see how you apply your teachings to your own voice.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ [...] We are coming from entirely different bases here. I am talking about MUSIC and still, you speak technically. First of all, I believe in a TRUTH beyond your opinion or mine. An OBJECTIVE one. Therefore, we cannot understand each other. You obviously need to scrutinize and analyze every little inch in a voice... forgetting to enjoy it. FORGET chest and head registers and sinuses and cavities for a moment and listen with your heart! For heaven's sake! [...]
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem Truth, however, is not objective. What is a truth to you may not be one to me. Facts, however, are objective. I speak technically because technique is a very important part of music. Technique is NOT art, but technique allows one to utilizes their instrument in ways to effectively communicate art. I don't listen with my heart. I listen with my ears and mind. If my emotions are moved it is because of communication, not "pretty" noises.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ TRUTH is OBJECTIVE. OPINION, on the other hand, isn't. You came in this world to suddenly mock all the great seekers of the past that built the entire Philosophy around the search for Truth... My God, you are one of a kind!
Of course you don't listen with your heart. It's obvious. High level communication involves EMOTION, not diafragm support and soft palate lift. Have you revealed ANY emotions so far, or are they technically wrong?
suoidolem 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ [...] I can contradict you all night in statistics and vocal pedagogy. IS THAT THE POINT??? Before you're a teacher, you are a HUMAN BEING. Nobody here cares less about the American String Teacher's Association, I assure you. Are you here to correct everybody or to enjoy music in the making? [...]
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem I mentioned ASTA because you said there are no videos on DeLay. There are. They can help you find them if you have trouble or don't believe me.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Oh, I believe you! You said there aren't any videos ONLINE, not in general, though. :-)
You can put them on YouTube. Bravo, you've done your research. You're going to be an excellent source of reference in the future. BUT, Like I said, that counts for nothing in here. You're in YouTube, NOT in the Academy.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ [...] e.g. I would take a "No, I don't like this, it doesn't speak to me" comment easily and with respect, but I find the "Callas was a bad techician" comment rather useless, as Callas made - and still makes - the souls of millions of people MOVE. THAT'S the point of art. Besides, her unique artistry made her turn every flaw to her advantage onstage. We've all witnessed that. So please, quit trying to prove how good a teacher you are. It doesn't make any difference in here.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem I never said "Callas was a bad technician." She had very many technique wonders, but there were issues she had. Basal-tongue root tension, overdarkening by pressing on the larynx, and oversinging in the chest. These had effects on her upper sustained range (she wobbled when she sustained), and I believe helped destroy her voice by the end of her career. Her artistry wasn't being debated. She did many wonderfully artistic things. That doesn't mean she was faultless.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Go on, keep up your blab about Callas' technique. You are probably the only one who cares about the woman's technical problems so much. I guess to you, they are superior to her artistry, so you have to elaborate on them. But, I suppose it's natural to envy what you can't reach, especially when you're aware of that! Nobody is faultles. Not Dumaux, not Cencic, not Spanos, not me, not even you. Not even as a teacher. And, that's the objective TRUTH.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ ...Plus, I bet not all her students turned out to be geniuses. Those who did, surely did their part in practicing their way into perfection and greatness. Here, we' re talking about a singer, Spanos, and not you. As far as I'm concerned, I don't know you, neither as a pedagogy specialist, nor as a performing artist. People here express opinions, judje and compare artists that DARE be onstage. Where's the "misinformation" you mention? Who misinforms whom about what?...
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem There is no misinformation here, because we are basically debating values and hyperbole. But there is a GREAT deal of misinformation on youtube regarding vocal technique. I can easily point to most of the comments on Vivica Genaux and Maria Callas. Both of whom have very glaring technical problems (mainly due to tension) but their lovers will claim there is nothing wrong, even though fact stands in the way.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ ...Being a technician, my friend, doesn't necessarily mean you're a singer. Being a true singer means you're over your major technical issues and thus free to make music that communicates your own self to the audience. That's what I get from Spanos...
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem This word "true" is highly subjective. Being a great technician indeed does not make one a singer. Being a technician, however can make it much easier to express the music as one sees fit. Look at Dolly Parton, for example, not a great classical voice and some extra technique could help her to realize her songs even better -- although she does a pretty spiffy job already. No one is above fault and criticism. That doesn't mean we have to be mean though.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ ...I really don't care if sb cracks a note by accident. Music is beyond that. But I do care when sb uses art to promote themselves or if they mock their audience with cheap tricks instead of giving themselves entirely to the flame of art. And Spanos is FULL of that fire, I assure you.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem Umm..the fire we're talking about is the fire inherent in aggressive singing, this usually comes from a heavier sound and usually more incorporation of chest voice (if not a chest heavy mix). Not a spirit of personality. I certainly am not debating his spirit, nor was I actually saying anything about his technique. Just that thinking that when someone wants more fire that doesn't mean they want a "baser" or less "refined" or more "primitive" art.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Let's talk of "the merit of fact" not "merit of opinion". I'm a teacher too and and know pedagogy. And I teach my students ask first. I asked PK about D's visceral performance. He said not "intensely emotional", but "stirring listeners' guts". According to an AMERICAN dictionary "primirive" -"of or pertaining to an early or original state or state of evolution, etc." Nothing about WILD BEASTS or "baser", "less refined". It's only YOUR interpretation and MISINFORMATION!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ I use your AMERICAN dictionary again to explain. "Exquisite"- "showing a high degree of craft of excellence". If saying about Dumaux that he is very good is awful, it's only your OPINION against mine! I happen to be SPANOS's true fan and find his art EXQUISITE! Normal fans consider their favourites' art TRUE! And I can express MY admiration where and how I WANT! I won't ask my mom's or husband's permission or YOURS! Like what you prefer but don't presume what I meant!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce It's not that you said his art is exquisite. It's that you said someone else's view of art as not -- only based on "wanting more fire" in the voice. The argument you make is not about that. So it fails to meet certain logical standards.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Who would talk about logic in this discussion?! You came to this video to bug people just to show off that you are such an expert but you actually show your complete ignorance even in the subject you are supposed to know and which I'll prove! Interprete fire whatever you like. If paulkazey wants more fire in Dumaux's rendition which I called "virtuosic" and "misinformed" somebody let him and you listen D. I find more fire in Spanos's version. What's your problem?
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce Logic should be a part of EVERY discussion! You are so full of crap it stinks.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ This is "the merit of fact". You should be well prepared before giving distant masterclasses to such "ignorant" people like me! So, you failed in music history! How about just HISTORY? If you know yourself what real Tamerlano was why not enlighten PJ's fans that that guy lack of any "fire", temperament and means to create this image?! All he can present is TEDDY BEAR! You just wrote that for you making "pretty noises" is not enough! I
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce I even gave you the source. But seeming you don't like logic, or probably reason for that matter, I cannot continue discourse with you. People who refuse to listen to logic or reason tend to only follow primal instinct and primal urge alone. Discussion with those cannot happen, they only care about themselves. Have a good day.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ Buddy, who began this talk about ignorant masses throwing their underwear at their favourites? And now you accuse ME of following "only primal instict and primal urge"?! It's already LIBEL! You definitely should reread your comments! You don't know what logic is! I discuss MUSIC! I also listen with my ears, but if SINGING is appealing to me it reaches my HEART unlike yours who can talk only about sth irrelevant! SPANOS moved my HEART and I don't care about any technical stuff!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ
Όποιος μπορεί...δημιουργεί, όποιος δε μπορεί...διδάσκει.
Those who can do, those who can't teach. (George Bernard Shaw)
JUDGING IS VERY SIMPLE AND SOMETIMES CHEAP,
CREATING IS HARD BUT ALWAYS DIVINE….
plavos 1 year ago 10
@CountertenorJ This is TAMERLANO'S aria! You say Senesino sang it! S is the castrato for whom the role of ANDRONICO was made! The title role was allocated to the castrato ANDREA PACINI! You should comment on NESI's Andronico. Handel composed this opera for the Royal Academy of Music, it was first performed at the King's Theatre! Obviously for you words ROYAL and KING mean places for ignorant masses! When you say who threw their underwear at the performers then you contradict yourself!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce You are right. The first performance was by Pacin, but the revival (in which this aria came to what it is today, it was sung by Senesino. You need to read some music history books. Opera was made for the masses. That's just flat out period. Much like today "King Buffet" doesn't mean that kings dine there. It means that you can eat like a king at said buffet. The King's Theatre was a theatre named to honor the king for his subjects, not for his sole attendance.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
@CountertenorJ But in your first comment to me you wrote that this role, that is Tamerlano, "was MADE for Senesino. Such a great expert in music history and throwing underwear on stage should be flawless and exact! You need to reread your own comments in the first place and then advise me, such an "ignorant" and "arrogant" person who happen to know what the image of Tamerlano is about, the opera and even Italian to read some history books!
serenaluce 1 year ago
@serenaluce You can find information of Senesino's reprisal of Tamerlane in The Life of Handel By Victor Schlcher.
CountertenorJ 1 year ago
Try Christophe Dumax's rendition. He is amazing too!
Paulkazey1 1 year ago
I've tried already several times. We discussed there. Isn't it enough?! It's very good but not outstanding. Spanos's rendition is the best! He doesn't perform back flip somersaults like your gymnast Dumaux in somewhat production you mentioned, but such tricks are not a sign of masculinity, as a woman can perform them too. it's all about MUSIC! And it's absolutely perfect! Dumaux doesn't have such great and smooth technique as Spanos. Ragin is amazing too, but the best Tamerlano is Spanos!
serenaluce 1 year ago 2
spqrmor 2 years ago 24
@spqrmor :-))))))))))))))))))))))) ja!
tritonusgesang 1 year ago
@spqrmor
What a creative--and accurate!--description of Nicholas. :)
HM0880 1 year ago
@HM0880 I agree. It's just brilliant and very creative! I wish I could be that accurate in my descriptions:-)
serenaluce 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
182krishna 1 year ago
@fourmi1060 Absolutely agree with you here! As you said last time, "electrifying", "thrilling", magical low notes before and also the high note at the end! But I also take it all in their entirety. When it's very appealing to me, it takes me by storm:-), and I don't analyze much ( maybe just a bit) which note on what second was the best:-)
serenaluce 2 years ago 2
Wow, the high note at the end :O
suffiice 2 years ago
Wonderfully said! I fully agree with you! It's really like that - the more you listen the more this voice becomes fascinating! I would also add to your list 2 just stunning for me pieces - Intorno all'idol mio and Gia' dagli occhi il velo e' tolto. Though, as I said before, I can't name which Spanos's piece is the best...
serenaluce 2 years ago
To my ear there is NOTHING WRONG with technique in this performance! Anyone who can sing these runs accurately with the ease that I hear, is worthy to be up there with the greatest. Congratulations & Best Wishes
Christine
christineannemarsden 2 years ago 2
Beautifully done!! Congratulations...
aaround 2 years ago 2
Too "Hooty" for my taste. I prefer Mehta's and Daniels' renditions.
counteralto 2 years ago
Too "hooty"?! You mean the sound made by a train whistle?! Or an owl's cry?! It's the smoothest , most effortless and IMO the most beautiful version! I can agree that you can prefer Daniels's version, as it's wonderful too, but to say "hooty" about Spanos's singing and prefer Mehta's interpretation!!!!... It's only technique, empty vocal acrobatic and NO SOUL, NO BEAUTY whatsoever! Perhaps you listened to Spanos's version with a headache, and it distorted your perception?! Listen to it again!!!
serenaluce 2 years ago 2
I'm sorry - I didn't make myself clear - I prefer fuller voices, such as Daniels' and Mehta. More operatic voices. This is my taste. And by hooty I meant that for my taste there isn't enough timbre\colour to the voice. No ring, no sqiullo, just like an undertrained countertenor voice. There are much better voices nowadays. I don't say he doesn't have the potential to become a great singer, I just say he needs to study technique with another teacher.
counteralto 2 years ago
I wonder who YOU are to judge that one of the best countertenors in the world is "undertrained and needs to study technique with another teacher"?! What do YOU understand about countertenor's technique?! What do you understand in fullness of the voice?! I think that there's definitely something wrong with YOUR ears if you can't hear Spanos's unique COLOUR! Your words "not enough timbre" make no sense at all, as any voice has "enough timbre". You can like it or not, but it's a matter of taste!
serenaluce 2 years ago 2
O dear... You're either the singer's lover or the singer itself, aren't you? LOL
I said at least twice in my former comment that this is MY TASTE! I didn't say that you need to think like me, and I didn't say that my opinion is absolute! There are so many better singers than him out there (you can't disagree about the fact that David Daniels, for instance, is a better singer, and a better artist), so take things in proportions!
Peace!
counteralto 2 years ago
O dear... I asked YOU what you understand in countertenors' singing?! You said to YOUR TASTE. So how can you say that I can't disagree that Daniels is a better singer?! My taste is different. I think that Nicholas Spanos is a BETTER singer than David Daniels! Why are you so sure that everybody will agree with you, and that you are righter in this than me?! So take things in proportions too!
serenaluce 2 years ago
By the way, did you mean the singer's FAN by this "the singer's lover"? You have problems with your English?
serenaluce 2 years ago
I wonder whom you mean by "better voices nowadays"?! What is TRUE ART for you? OK, Daniels, but his voice is not the same as it was 10 years ago! Mehta is a more operatic voice?! So just to show empty technique, be arrogant, sing without any soul, emotions and beauty is a sign of a true operatic singer for you?! Mehta is not "undertrained" concerning true essence of music - to move the heart?! Do you have any idea that the highest art is to make it sound smooth and effortless as if it's so easy?
serenaluce 2 years ago
True art for me is to be able sing sing Handel with a proper singing technique - a term that a lot of baroque singers never heard of (kirkby and bowman for example, who sound as if they never took a voice lesson in their life!). Why should a countertenor sound less full and vibrant than a mezzo soprano or contralto? He shouldn't!
counteralto 2 years ago
And why do you think that Spanos's technique is not proper to sing Handel?! Why do you think that he doesn't sound full?! His voice sounds FULL to me! Ah, for you the proper technique and being operatic is as much vibrato as possible?! Is it your taste?! You think that as "visceral" as possible is a sign of "better countertenors nowadays"?! I don't agree with you here. I have a different criteria what is a better voice and who is a better artist then! So, you don't know who PJ?!
serenaluce 2 years ago
@counteralto Ahm... well... maybe because HE ISN'T A WOMAN mezzo or contralto? How about that? Different chords, different body and - most important - different psyche? I think those are enough.
suoidolem 1 year ago
@suoidolem
Well, you should listen to singer's like David Daniels, Bejun Mehta, Michael Maniacci, Jeoffrey Gall. Why are they able, and Mr. Spanos isn't?
counteralto 1 year ago
@counteralto "True art" has little to do with technique. Technique is just a means to a higher end. Spanos is nothing like Bowman, but he's very close to Daniels' sound. Mehta is just full of hysteria, especially in Tamerlano's aria!!! You think Spanos' voice isn't full??? Try listening to Jaroussky... some countertenors might be ABLE to imitate a woman... the question is: why should they??? I'm not into straight tones, either, that's why I like Spanos!
suoidolem 1 year ago
I still wonder who you are yourself?! An ordinary teacher with a lot of average students?! You want to teach Spanos, who is already great, to sing better in your understanding?! Or you are such a student who tries to sing the same stuff and envies those who do it better, but who thinks that he can criticize great artists? Can you post a video response to show how great YOU are?! Or perhaps you mean that PJ has a fuller voice, more colour and "enough timbre" and one of "better voices nowadays"?!
serenaluce 2 years ago
PJ=?
counteralto 2 years ago
5 estrellas :D
gracias
ishhf 2 years ago
Great performance and a great voice
Thank you
5*
louloubeb 2 years ago
He gets better and better.
wowmom1976 2 years ago 4
Fantastic!!!
pelikaaann 2 years ago 3
A remarkably gifted young man! Wonderful singing. Thanks for sharing.
velvetcaress 2 years ago 7
Great voice!
theprof1958 2 years ago 2
thank you so much!
vivascargill 2 years ago 2
Thank you for sharing this performance!
podkivanok 2 years ago 3
Excellent work and beautiful music, congratulations!!
All stars!
Thank you!
MiCanaldeArte 2 years ago 6
Very impressive performance.
sfkcbf 2 years ago 3
Great performance!
Herur22 2 years ago 3
A great voice.
Thank you.
gracek703 2 years ago 3
I give absolultely 5 stars, without any condition. This is an absolute perfect performance
carosaxone 2 years ago 5
I just saw the video again and realized it had 4 stars instead of the absolute 5 it deserves. I can't help wondering who would give it less than 5* and be objective. Of course, one has to be ABLE to realize the difference between a TRUE SINGER and a SHOW-OFF. This guy is almost impeccable in technique, plus his music and style just flow effortlessly... can one say the same about other "A dispettos"? Wonder that, before you rate! THIS IS TAMERLANO, a peasant, yet ruler, furious, yet gentle!
suoidolem 2 years ago 5
@suoidolem I agree. This is TRUE TAMERLANO! The RIGHT IMAGE and THE BEST COLORATURA! NOT a teddy-bear, who doesn't understand at all what he is singing about , like PJ! Not a gymnast like Christophe Dumaux!:-) All the others who tried to sing A dispetto can only dream of such TECHNIQUE!
serenaluce 2 years ago 4
@serenaluce Well... still, there are fans of other countertenors singing "a dispetto" that rate poorly on Spanos, just because they're obsessed with more superficial elements. It's ok; besides, it takes someone who can really appreciate the essence of music to also understand the difference, like I said before.
suoidolem 2 years ago 4
Nicholas Spanos is very enrgetic and talented coutertenor! I'm very pleased to listen to every piece of him.And especially I like his lyrics and performances of folks Greek music.Thanks for posting this! Come on Nicholas!
spqrmor 2 years ago 16
Amazing Coloratura!
Go for it!
christineannemarsden 2 years ago 5
bueno, en realidad a esto era lo que me referia, la coloratura es algo que un buen contratenor debe manejar y aqui hay un buen manejo de voz¡
richard8114 2 years ago 5
Wonderful! I loved that high note, gotta figure out which one it was! :-)
mradaChris 2 years ago
The only confinement is, that most counter tenors sounds to lyrical for the dramatic impact of the scene. The barbarian rouler is furious, tells he will kill the imprisoned king Bajazet and will rape his daughter Asteria while his rival and friend Andronico has to watch him. Less talented counter tenors like Mister Spano might get in danger to sound hyterically. But even the mezzo soprano Monica Bacelli dosn't really hit the right sound. What a pitty Maria Callas never tried singing Handel!
Veneziaenapoli 2 years ago
You are so romantic, giving all those heart-rending details! It's still an opera by great Handel! Tamerlano was going to marry Asteria. George Petrou in his "Thoughts on Tamerlano said: "We tried to create a "noble" Tamerlano. After all T is NOT the bad guy in the opera. He is certainly arrogant, spoilt and stubborn. However, although he threatens everybody in the course of the opera (sometimes with graphically detailed threats), he never takes action!... His character should be "lovable"..."
serenaluce 2 years ago 2
Is it improtant what a conductor wrote about an opera figure? You can't deny, that Tamerlano is angry while he sings "A dispetto d'un volto INGRATO" or can you? So why can't I desirous to hear this rage? Have a better exemple than Maria Callas for breathtaking furious singing? Who knows, at a certain point of her career she would done it quite good?
Veneziaenapoli 2 years ago
Of course, it's very important to know what this particular production is about and what image of Tamerlano Spanos is creating to understand it better! I know Italian and have the whole text. Of course, Tamerlano is angry in this aria. But still it's a "noble", "lovable" Tamerlano "who never takes action". So, he is furious enough. If you mean a real hystorical character then you contradict yourself. Do you think that only women can be furious? YOU have no better example of furious singing?!
serenaluce 2 years ago 2
You've never heard man's furious singing?! Just one example, bu there are many. Kowalski in Venga pur in famous Covent Garden production. Is it not furious enough for you?! So, you still think that Callas would be a perfect furious Tamerlano?! You mentioned that Tamerlano "will rape" Asteria. Then you think that she would be more convincing, potraying a real Tamerlano than a man in this role?! Sorry, but I'm not buying it. Something's wrong with your logic.
serenaluce 2 years ago
I heard Jochen Kowalski in a Lied Recital ath the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele in 1989, know his recording of Handel and Mozart Arias including "Venga pur, minacci e frema" . Shure he can sing like a furious man, even he spells the italian not good.
Veneziaenapoli 2 years ago