Luciano Pavarotti - Questa o quella

[djalil48]

stupid and pedantic youtube critics...

[mariomandini87]

better than kraus

[quis178]

Kraus' rhytmic accuracy and thoughfull use of rubato and shading brings a playfull and sarcastic mood to the aria.Pavarotti's phrasing is unidiomatic.His musicality was nothing special and that's a fact.

[Nater389]

You think this one is good, listen to the 1966 Rome version. Pavarotti...Amazing.

[Mooorhe]

I think this one is much better.

[Nater389]

In what way?

[Nater389]

Man, I respectfully have to disagree. He sings it with ease in 1966. Well, he does here as well! The tempo is slower in the 1966 version and is perfect for his younger voice.

[Mooorhe]

He has just as much ease with it here, even more in my opinion actually. Listen to his cadenza at the end, despite the faster tempo, he holds the breath much longer AND he goes back up for the little high note at the end of the cadenza which he doesn't do on the 1966 RAI rendition. I think this voice can be considered his 'younger voice', up to 1979, and I think he's developed that wonderful ringing quality more here.

[Nater389]

True he does go back up for the high note. He did that in the 1971 studio recording as well. Not sure when he started doing that live, or not sure why he didn't do it in the 1966 version. Is that part of the cadenza something that isn't written in by the composer? That's the only thing I could think of.

[Mooorhe]

He did it live in Moscow in 1964, the recording proves that. I don't think it was a case of developing as a habit, so much as deciding whether he had the breath for it. He did it in the 1990 Met Rigoletto, it was more like a shout though.

I can't remember what Verdi's score calls for, I remember looking and thinking it was strange. I think it was just a sustained B flat. I'll check at some point.

[Nater389]

I suppose it could also depend on the tempo chosen by the conductor. The Rome version is a slower tempo, therefore, he may have just not been able to. Like you said, lacking the breath.

[Nater389]

I think there are places in this version where he seems out of breath/control, unlike the same place in the 1966 version. Like from 1:07-1:10, in Rome he lets that little note fall-off a bit and it sounds wonderful and he doesnt sound rushed.

[Mooorhe]

This is a faster tempo of course, I don't think he gets out of control anywhere.

Both are excellent, but I'm partial to this one though.

[archiloque]

I disagree, I think Mooorhe is right, it is a matter of faster tempo : the reason why he can't let that note "fall-of" is the fact that the conductor has already moved to the next one ! But I kind of like this tempo. Of course, not everyone can sing it so fast, so round and so sharp at the same time.

[Nater389]

I would say it is easier to sing faster. For example, directly contrast certain performances by Domingo and then Pavarotti. If you use Pavarotti's slower tempos early in his career as a standard, Domingo must sing the same works faster because he can't draw the phrase out lacking the breath and perhaps some techique (bel canto/legato). I still like 1966is better, also because I think I like his younger voice (1961-1969-70ish) before the so called "ring" developed. It's all opinion really.

[maxcitta74]

Incredible...incredible sound!

[aguacun]

Qué maravilla!!!

[Mortimer123]

So light, elegant, charming. Incredible!

[libro07]

The voice that sparkled like a sword!

[pianoandpipes]

Goodness he can just stay up there forever.

And boy can that voice move...

[LordMoe9]

the greatest tenor ever

[7up4me]

He really is spectacular! What a shame the video is not better - it's the only flaw.

[janejones11]

Stunning singing! This is the Pavarotti to remember: gleaming, fresh, even tone, perfect diction,ringing high notes and musical, idiomatic phrasing. He was certainly one of the greatest Dukes on record.

[drdre333]

Great post!

[hotazzoperastud]

This was Pavarotti at his best. His voice was still fresh and young. What a treat. RIP

[sevoflurane]

Really "squillante"!