"A fine tenor indeed, but sorry, no where near as good as Bjorling, but he's still young and will improve, so who knows?"
Nobody loves Jussi more than I do and I've always held him incomparable, but with Calleja I find myself actually comparing...and with a smile. JC is the heir to JB and, in my ears the greatest Tenor alive although, yes he still has a ways to go before he reaches the Olymp of Jussi.
Wow! Artistry, a lovely voice and great technique! Please, please I pray don't force this great talent into the sprinto and dramitco range too early. Let's keep this thrilling freshness for as long as possible.
I find that this happends when you are coming to a lower part of the notes and in order not to fall down wih the voice you close the mouth to keep it on plays.Could then be a bit nasal. I am a soprano but can have the same problem with certain notes and vocals. It´s so important to use the konsonant in those moments.The passion and feelings will come!
I find that this happends when you are coming to a lower part of the notes and in order not to fall down wih the voice you close the mouth to keep it on plays.Could then be a bit nasal. I am a soprano but can have the same problem with certain notes and vocals. It´s so important to use the konsonant in those moments.
@petion2010 Yes, I completly agree there is a similarity to the voice and style and I didn't mean by my comments that I don't think he has a promising career ahead, he is without doubt one of the finest young tenors around today, I really hope for his sake that he doesn't take on too many heavy roles and ruin the wonderful voice he is so lucky to have.
@TheVaughan5 Villazon did take on heavy roles early on, and his voice was almost ruined. Another tenor that I think takes on to many roles and repertoires that don't suit him is Kaufmann. His voice is heavy, and he just sounds weird and out of place in some of the role he takes.
@PastaAndPavarotti No one can speak another language like your childhood language. Pavarotti is my favorite of all time, but as someone who grew up speaking French, I must say that his French diction was awful. I listen to him singing "La Fille du Regiment" and "Pourquoi me Reveiller." His pronunciation left something to be desired, nevertheless, his singing was flawless. Try not to be too picky.
Love his voice... saw him the other night in Boheme at the Met... his voice reminds me of Bjoerling's live. I was blown away by him. It's good to see this kind of singing again!
I saw his name being advertised on CP24 and he is going to perform in Toronto. I just searched his name on youtube. Fantastic tenor! Reminds me of the Bjorling masterful technique.
@Cantormatis I think what people find in him is the same way of singing of Jussi, which is quite a great compliment, you have to admit. Similar technique and sensitivity. Very centered, focus and in the mask, not in the mouth like so many modern singers.
For me Jussi is the quintessence of singing and I'm very happy to see that finally, a contempory singer understood something about natural, focus singing and putting music before ego...
Of Schipa, Gigli said "ALL TENORS" should take their hats off to him. This fellow does not have the same artistic approach and there is an odd frequency in his tone quality.
Despite rumors to the contrary, there are many wonderful tenors alive and singing beautifully and Calleja is certainly one of the finest. Squillo, masculinity, power, youth, musicality, refinement. What a beautiful future if he paces himself properly.
westerwood, Tito Schipa was a very fine artist, but I think you are being a little disingenuous, Schipa never had a voice remotely as beautiful as this. Nor as strong.
Bravo bravissimo. So happy to hear a lyric tenor building his voice gradually. The passaggio gets a tiny bit nasal, but since there are so few singers who can even support their voices that softly, this is the perfectionist in me writing. I was doing research for my blog to find an example of a modern singer who sings with "morbidezza" and I came across your clip. Extremely impressive, Sir!
OK. I'm silly. What you do is so extraordinary that I should not have made that comment about the slight nasality. The voice teacher in me can't resist. I listened to some more of your clips and find your stuff absolutely fabulous.
I look forward to many years of your excellent talent. Reminds of Bjoerling and Gigli all in one.
The 2nd pavarotti.. Joseph , me and our cousins as you know we're completely amazed with you performances and we're proud for you !, i never had a chance to spend sometime with you as my cousins did because i was younger but know that i've grown up i want to get to know you more :).
Thanks Elohsha. I know I'm in the minority here, but there's always been something about GDS' voice that just lost me. Just not my cup of tea perhaps. Maybe I need my ears checked but whenever I play a GDS clip, I have to turn it off after a few moments frustrated that I'm not hearing this awesome beauty that everyone else seems to be catching.
LOLOL.. I was about to respond back and say that JC was only 26 years old before I realized I was dealing with 3-year-old information!! Hello! Still, I would have to say that we haven't heard a voice come down the pike with this much honeyed sweetness for several DECADES.
OK. Gigli, Tagliavini, Kraus? No. Not yet. First of all, the Italian language is not idiomatic. He should nail all his double consonants, all the thrilled R's and rolled R's and their difference. Peerce and Tucker got away singing Italian at this level, but today's is a different world. That said, this is a gorgeous voice, at times it tends to go nasal, but, in time, he will get that under control. My caveats have to do with those of you who get carried away with the comparisons.
I actually like him a whole lot better than Tagliavini who basically never took his dynamics above mezzo-forte or Kraus. I don't know why he should be negatively to them at all. And I most DEFINITELY enjoy listening to him to the VASTLY overrated DiStefano.
i love his version of this piece! I was with the choir for this concert..it was such a great night!! btw how the hell did you get yur hands on this dvd? there is a law suit going on about this i believe!! thanks anyway...
Bravo Joe! The voice has really settled in and sounds grounded and strong. Very beautiful singing, and so intelligent as well. Joe really knows the idiom and pays homage to the great singers of the past with his interpretations...love it!!!
Horrible....
fabiantenor 2 days ago
@the vaughans
"A fine tenor indeed, but sorry, no where near as good as Bjorling, but he's still young and will improve, so who knows?"
Nobody loves Jussi more than I do and I've always held him incomparable, but with Calleja I find myself actually comparing...and with a smile. JC is the heir to JB and, in my ears the greatest Tenor alive although, yes he still has a ways to go before he reaches the Olymp of Jussi.
Bjorlingmiracle 5 months ago
Wow! Artistry, a lovely voice and great technique! Please, please I pray don't force this great talent into the sprinto and dramitco range too early. Let's keep this thrilling freshness for as long as possible.
donaldrose 6 months ago
bravo:davvero fa pensare a Gigli :-)))
66cecilia 8 months ago
I find that this happends when you are coming to a lower part of the notes and in order not to fall down wih the voice you close the mouth to keep it on plays.Could then be a bit nasal. I am a soprano but can have the same problem with certain notes and vocals. It´s so important to use the konsonant in those moments.The passion and feelings will come!
prince2000ful 8 months ago
I find that this happends when you are coming to a lower part of the notes and in order not to fall down wih the voice you close the mouth to keep it on plays.Could then be a bit nasal. I am a soprano but can have the same problem with certain notes and vocals. It´s so important to use the konsonant in those moments.
prince2000ful 8 months ago
questa voce nel naso è tremenda mamma mia!...
liEder89 11 months ago
A fine tenor indeed, but sorry, no where near as good as Bjorling, but he's still young and will improve, so who knows?
TheVaughan5 11 months ago
@TheVaughan5 We don't mean as good as Bjorling. We mean that his technique and style are similar to Bjorling.
petion2010 11 months ago
@petion2010 Yes, I completly agree there is a similarity to the voice and style and I didn't mean by my comments that I don't think he has a promising career ahead, he is without doubt one of the finest young tenors around today, I really hope for his sake that he doesn't take on too many heavy roles and ruin the wonderful voice he is so lucky to have.
TheVaughan5 11 months ago
@TheVaughan5 Villazon did take on heavy roles early on, and his voice was almost ruined. Another tenor that I think takes on to many roles and repertoires that don't suit him is Kaufmann. His voice is heavy, and he just sounds weird and out of place in some of the role he takes.
petion2010 11 months ago
Vocally, he's OK here (bleat under control). However, he could pour some more passion into this piece!
DonPaolissimo 11 months ago
как похож на Бьёрлинга ! 0-0
svkorban 1 year ago
Sorry-Italian pronunciation needs work. Get a coach or listen to Pavarotti.
PastaAndPavarotti 1 year ago
@PastaAndPavarotti No one can speak another language like your childhood language. Pavarotti is my favorite of all time, but as someone who grew up speaking French, I must say that his French diction was awful. I listen to him singing "La Fille du Regiment" and "Pourquoi me Reveiller." His pronunciation left something to be desired, nevertheless, his singing was flawless. Try not to be too picky.
petion2010 1 year ago
Love his voice... saw him the other night in Boheme at the Met... his voice reminds me of Bjoerling's live. I was blown away by him. It's good to see this kind of singing again!
tenorissimo25 1 year ago
Joseph, I paused the video to correct you: It's "cercando io vo" NOT, "cercandio vo"
Otherwise you are a fine tenor young man. Nice Bnat at the end. You nailed it. BTW, my copy of this aria has "penar" not soffrir. Bravo
joelweisberg 1 year ago
I saw his name being advertised on CP24 and he is going to perform in Toronto. I just searched his name on youtube. Fantastic tenor! Reminds me of the Bjorling masterful technique.
alexmz123 1 year ago
Mr Calleja is very unique and most talented. Wish him luck and I am very proud to share the same name. Joseph you are the man.
jocal43 1 year ago
He sounds nothing like Bjoerling. He sounds like Calleja- and I rather like his sound for what he is.
Cantormatis 1 year ago
@Cantormatis I think what people find in him is the same way of singing of Jussi, which is quite a great compliment, you have to admit. Similar technique and sensitivity. Very centered, focus and in the mask, not in the mouth like so many modern singers.
For me Jussi is the quintessence of singing and I'm very happy to see that finally, a contempory singer understood something about natural, focus singing and putting music before ego...
freespiritQC 1 year ago
Very interesting and beautiful voice!
Karlott
Alfifa 2 years ago
a very beatifull voice. He is young and can improve
a lot . but must be carefull not to take too many
engagements permitting a rest to his thoat.
Alguso
alguso 2 years ago
He is wonderful.. and his sound .. reminds me of Bjorling.. BEautiful and .. every word of the text is ennuciated.. and..meant.
kgarmaker123 2 years ago
Every word articulated, every word with meaning, and no mannerism, I really liked it.
nispen 2 years ago
Some inaccuracies apart very good.
Something in the voice reminds Gigli and Bjoerling.
chaiter1 2 years ago
Of Schipa, Gigli said "ALL TENORS" should take their hats off to him. This fellow does not have the same artistic approach and there is an odd frequency in his tone quality.
796824 2 years ago
Sure. I mean, sobbing has its place, but on the whole one can do without.
flaze3 2 years ago
He commits to every word passionately without sacrificing the musical line.
Leonnidik 2 years ago 4
Despite rumors to the contrary, there are many wonderful tenors alive and singing beautifully and Calleja is certainly one of the finest. Squillo, masculinity, power, youth, musicality, refinement. What a beautiful future if he paces himself properly.
marlyharris 2 years ago 2
He got the words wrong!!!
Englishtenor2 2 years ago
Beautiful voice!
GhuToB 2 years ago
excellent techniqued singer!
flaze3 2 years ago
Bravo. The new Tito Schipa.
westerwood07 3 years ago
westerwood, Tito Schipa was a very fine artist, but I think you are being a little disingenuous, Schipa never had a voice remotely as beautiful as this. Nor as strong.
hiyadroogs 2 years ago
Schipa had a far better line and much better phrasing though.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
Excelsa interpretacion.
JorPove 3 years ago
Calleja's voice is the most beautiful voice in opera today. I fail to hear anyone who is even close.
Ameans2anend 3 years ago
Kemm hu tajjeb!
altomaltes 3 years ago
Fine example of Swedish-Italian voice technique. The best ever. Bjoerling, Gedda, Flagstadt. Nilsson, all trained under these vocal concepts.
listeningtoit 3 years ago 8
Bravo bravissimo. So happy to hear a lyric tenor building his voice gradually. The passaggio gets a tiny bit nasal, but since there are so few singers who can even support their voices that softly, this is the perfectionist in me writing. I was doing research for my blog to find an example of a modern singer who sings with "morbidezza" and I came across your clip. Extremely impressive, Sir!
Toreadorssong 3 years ago 5
OK. I'm silly. What you do is so extraordinary that I should not have made that comment about the slight nasality. The voice teacher in me can't resist. I listened to some more of your clips and find your stuff absolutely fabulous.
I look forward to many years of your excellent talent. Reminds of Bjoerling and Gigli all in one.
Toreadorssong 3 years ago 7
@Toreadorssong
Doesn't he though?! I'm always saying that Calleja is the heir to Jussi's long vacant throne.
Bjorlingmiracle 5 months ago
And btw i forgot .. Say hi to your lovely wife tatiana and kids .. hope to see u soon kugin!
biankinu 3 years ago 4
The 2nd pavarotti.. Joseph , me and our cousins as you know we're completely amazed with you performances and we're proud for you !, i never had a chance to spend sometime with you as my cousins did because i was younger but know that i've grown up i want to get to know you more :).
From your cousin..
Philip Bianco
biankinu 3 years ago 4
I bet his favorite tenor is Jussi Björling - there are a lot of similarities in their style of singing, vibrato, and voice colour.
Operafiend22 3 years ago 5
Bellissimo. Io no l'ho mai ascoltato. Mi ha ricordato Gigli. Voce meravigliosa e lui canta con molta emozione.
Unbuonamico
unbuonamico 3 years ago 5
A lovely lyric tenor. In the mold of Schipa and Tagliavini. Let's hope he sticks to the repertory that suits him.
Tsaraslondon 3 years ago 6
Samurai probably went to the end, where - yes, Calleja "belts it out" and very nicely so. Along with the high B first incorporated by Gigli :)
Pawelp 3 years ago
Nicely controlled instrument and very well produced, if somewhat colorless, sound. Reminds me a bit of Tagliavini. Verismo is not for him.
iriisblue 3 years ago
I have actually checked this "sofrir" and "penar" business. It appears that "tanto sofrir" is the original line in the score.
seb8791 3 years ago
No es "tanto penar"?? por que dijo "tanto sofrir"?
CarlaUY 3 years ago 2
Can't get enough of that laser beam of a high B!
Pawelp 3 years ago 5
salvando las distancias más me recuerda a bjorling
federvarela 4 years ago
Here He reminds me Beniamino Gilli
sandrik100 4 years ago
I just said the same on another of his posting. Let's hear his "Non ti scordar di me".
Agorante 4 years ago
they dont sing it cause it is not written. they both have a bnatural! cheers
operabitch77 4 years ago
Love my cousin . keep it on cous if ure just though here :D gl
lukebianco 4 years ago
Thanks Elohsha. I know I'm in the minority here, but there's always been something about GDS' voice that just lost me. Just not my cup of tea perhaps. Maybe I need my ears checked but whenever I play a GDS clip, I have to turn it off after a few moments frustrated that I'm not hearing this awesome beauty that everyone else seems to be catching.
kmillard 4 years ago
LOLOL.. I was about to respond back and say that JC was only 26 years old before I realized I was dealing with 3-year-old information!! Hello! Still, I would have to say that we haven't heard a voice come down the pike with this much honeyed sweetness for several DECADES.
kmillard 4 years ago
OK. Gigli, Tagliavini, Kraus? No. Not yet. First of all, the Italian language is not idiomatic. He should nail all his double consonants, all the thrilled R's and rolled R's and their difference. Peerce and Tucker got away singing Italian at this level, but today's is a different world. That said, this is a gorgeous voice, at times it tends to go nasal, but, in time, he will get that under control. My caveats have to do with those of you who get carried away with the comparisons.
bandidocat 4 years ago
I actually like him a whole lot better than Tagliavini who basically never took his dynamics above mezzo-forte or Kraus. I don't know why he should be negatively to them at all. And I most DEFINITELY enjoy listening to him to the VASTLY overrated DiStefano.
kmillard 4 years ago
oh please!his italian language is just perfect.
BariTenoreDram 4 years ago
i find something of kraus in him ... but his voice is more round
BariTenoreDram 4 years ago
At 29years he hasn't reach his acme but with a voice like his he'll soon be crowned king.Marvelous voice and marvelous interpretation. sav9816
saviour9816 4 years ago 3
Great talent from Malta. The conductor is also a great Maltese talent: Brian Schembri
kebon 4 years ago 4
yes viva malta
biff4046 4 years ago 2
Finally he starts to push himself...that's great.
frenchyfrench 4 years ago 3
i love his version of this piece! I was with the choir for this concert..it was such a great night!! btw how the hell did you get yur hands on this dvd? there is a law suit going on about this i believe!! thanks anyway...
AlisonDee 4 years ago 2
This guy gets better and better! I just love it!
Thanks for posting.
edgardodiravenswood 4 years ago 4
Bravo Joe! The voice has really settled in and sounds grounded and strong. Very beautiful singing, and so intelligent as well. Joe really knows the idiom and pays homage to the great singers of the past with his interpretations...love it!!!
txtenor 4 years ago 4
Bjorling?!!!
vickersman 4 years ago
Bravíssimo!
dalferr 4 years ago 3
Bravíssimo! Pawelp, thank you so much... he is 100% maravilhoso!!!
dalferr 4 years ago 3
The high B blew me away!
Pawelp 4 years ago 2