Beniamino Gigli gives a little bel canto masterclass

[edwardtagg]

Pity -no english translation - havent got a clue??????????

[foxofthebahia]

Thank you so much beautiful!

[TheVerdiBaritone]

Jussi Bjoerling's wife said her favorite tenor voice was that of Beniamino Gigli!!

[deutschefach]

@TheVerdiBaritone He solved the most important problem. Gigli learned to sing on the voice at all times. He sings pianos like Garcia advised "la voce di petto in testa". He is a master of opening the vowels at all volume levels and flowing rather than bottling up either air pressure or muscle resistance. But the key is the opening of the vowels to their max. This allows the chest voice to connect to the head tones with no gear shifting. Schipa did this as has Gedda. For me Gigli is best.

[griffithafrank]

...this dudes voice begins at a frigging middle C. No wonder singing an A was so easy for him...

[AnnaBill2009]

Great!...Thanks 4 sharing lots of techniques in singing for this Video..

Thanks for the share Voiceitaliano...

[cantatore11]

the best masterclass all time it is of verita!!!!

[SHICOFF1]

SWEET AS HONEY Was his voice!

[orlando098]

When he says a breath without the diaphragm, I think he means the out-breath - he is saying in the first case the sound is just supported on the breath , simply; in the second, where he needs a big sound, he uses "the disaphragm"- by which I suppose he means the abdominal muscles - as, scientifically-speaking, you can't not use the diaphragm in breathing as it is just a sheet of muscle at the bottom of the lungs, which goes down as you take a breath

[orlando098]

Interesting video thank you. Regarding the translation though, I would say "quando mi devo impegnare" -- means something like "when I've got some hard work to do" or "when I've got to really go for it" - I found it interesting that he says you don;t need a lot of effort from the "diaphragm" when singing gently - I've heard some people suggest you need even More, but I don;t see what's wrong with this simple style he uses here on the piano part.

[sopranosd]

Opera is a big, big house, and there is room for all talent there. Gigli, Pavarotti, Di Stefano, Bjorling, Corelli, et al. -- each is wonderful in his unique way.

[b00i00d]

Operataste, you shouldn't be apologising for your english, it is us who should be extra-thanking you, not only for posting this amazing clip but also going into the trouble of translating too!... My Italian is very rusty so your info has been great. Not being a trained singer, I'm still not sure what is meant by "breath without diaphragm" - I thought all singing uses the diaphragm and support muscles to control the voice. But still, thank you very much for a great post. Mille gracie!

[operataste]

What Gigli did was not to repeat: he used to pass from the full voice to the falsetto without any effort, it was simple to him. He used to make light phrases without the diaphragm (sul fiato), that means only focusing at the words on the lips, and using the same force as an popular singer singing very "piano". But he was unique, what was easy to him can be a disaster to other singers. My advise is: run away from this!

[breton2]

@operataste I think you are totally right, your advise is just fine.

[deutschefach]

@operataste I can not disagree with you more. If one wants to sing at Gigli's level, it can not be done without solving this problem. This is a problem that makes or breaks a singer. Fear is not a solution. Finding a solution to this is what makes a singer like Gigli or Gedda superior "technically" to Pavarotti. This is the difference between Del Monaco and Corelli. It has to do with vowels remaining open at low as well as higher volumes, and "con sofiato" singing.

[deutschefach]

Respond to this video... The point he is making is not that one makes the support but that the support follows the production. If the production is light, there is support ma non troppo. He sings open regardless of the volume and does not add weight. He does not cramp his body or the sound. It flows. That is what he is saying. La differenza: E la voce di petto in testa. Non e sola la voce in testa."

[sangiorz23]

@freespiritQC  I wanted to congratulate your sensible and balanced response, and I accidentally hit the thumb down! I'm sorry I don't know how to reverse that!

[mariologo]

ha detto una grande cavolata, l'appoggio diaframmatico nelle mezze voci è fondamentale, mah........ Gigli usava l'appoggio solo per gridare... buono a sapersi.....

[AleBro83]

ma che cosa dici ????GIGLI HA DETTO UNA CAVOLATA ??? solo per urlare ???? ti ricordo che stai parlando con uno dei tenori del secolo, e se dopo ci sono stati grandi tenori lo devono anche a LUi perchè tutti i più grandi si sono ispirati a GIGLI ... IGNORANTE porta rispetto

[mariologo]

sei tu l'ignorante, ciò che ha detto è errato e basta. infatti non canta come spiega, secondo te per cantare piano bisogna spoggiare??? si vede che non sei un cantante

[nnsochedirti]

ma sei scemo, sordo o ci fai?

ti vuoi mettere tu a posto di Gigli? Del Monaco diceva che era il più grande tenore lirico esistito!

E tu osi mettere bocca? ma canti meglio di lui? facci sentire a tutti come sai abbaiare, cane..

Certe cose tienitele per te, fai più bella figura!

[EdmundStAustell]

It is very important to remember that Gigli starting singing very young as a boy soprano. In his first opera role (I forget the name) at the age of 15, he dressed up like a woman and sang a woman's part. That is the background which makes that fabulous falsetto or head voice possible. Not everone can do it so easily. For him, however, it worked wonders.

[freespiritQC]

Well, it does make sense to me. He means that when he wants to sing piano or a «hold bakc» sound, he leaves the thorax (I would use that term) still and breaths on top of that position. When he sings forte, he pushes the sound from there, getting the lungs empty. The other way, he always keep some air in the lungs. My teacher used to describe this as if you were a barrel full or air and would only let out a small amount when singing. Anywaysm the demonstration is talks by itself...

[uniqueattack]

being a fabulous singer does not mean you're automatically a fabulous teacher. duh!!!

[flaze3]

you can't produce sound without the diaphragm, except for champing your jaws together. What he must have meant is that you need very little breath to produce pianissimo.

[canagalilaeae]

It's no question of "ego". I simply did an observation about what he was teaching. No doubt Beniamino Gigli was one of the greatest tenors of all time, but his great skill don't mean that he couldn't be mistaken in his way of teaching! Cantare sul fiato, yes! But If you don't use your diaphragm in wich way do you control your fiato? No?

[arcot9]

Fool teaching??? You have to be kidding.....or not informed!

This is a master talking!

Listen and put your ego aside!!!!

[canagalilaeae]

Does singing "sul fiato" mean that diaphragm is unnecessary? Fool teaching. It's exactly the contrary.

[phantom4087]

Fool!!!!????

Well, first of all, he is one of the greatest tenors who ever lived. Second of all, maybe that's just the imagery he uses. That's how real masters teach.

[sirenadellopera]

Grande, grande, grandissimo Gigli!!!!

[aguacun]

I like more his voice with the diaphragm

[carusohimself]

Gigli talks about falzettino in which he was also a great master.

Not evry tenor is capable to sing both ways

[viverito]

Wow. Wow. Wow. God I love Gigli.

[gahualli]

Oh My God!!! if just 1% of us, singers of today, could apply this!!!... how wonderful!

Thank you Operastate very much!

[Sanrus]

WOW!!!!!!! What a treasure to be found here!

[345murphy]

There is only one word in the English language

for Gigli which is IRREPLACEABLE. Gigli had the voice with the diction, and phrasing all combined together. No tenor will be able to ever match Gigli's very unique gift his voice.

[796824]

Bravo. Truer words were never spoken

[philomelodia]

Very informative. Where's the rest of it? Can it be purchased? Nessuno che canta ancora canta di questa facia in i momenti pianissimi col suspiro. Sempre si trovanno molti che si apogianno in il diaframo. E domaggio, veramente per che l'emozzione e piu forte in momenti intimi cuando si impiega il pianissimo come lo impiegavva Gigli.

[drewski67]

In regards to his schooling, I have a signed and dated photo of him that he dedicated to Rosati saying "to the true master of the bel canto method, with love and affection of a son, B. Gigli"

[drewski67]

While I was never a fan of the many affects Gigli added to his singing, you can't deny that he was in absolute control of his instrument and knew it inside and out. His voice was in fine working order up until the day he died. Practically EVERY great tenor (Corelli, Pavarotti, Bjorling, et al) revere him as as true master.

[bilstew]

anyone out there try to get his book"Memoirs"He sang here in Belfasts Uuster Hall and was most impressive.His book tells how he was lucky to get into the college of St Cecilia in Rome because he didnt play piano.He was just a humble saxofonist(hope ive spelt that right)in the local band.He loved to read the critics on his performances in the opera ,and always said that your critics should be treated as friends,What a man What a book...bilstew Ireland...

[345murphy]

Listen and learn the greatest tenor of the world Gigli. No one was better than Gigli in this kind of singing today. It is already a century since his passing and we mourn you Gigli from your admired public.

[Aetion]

30/11/1957 - 30/11/2007: Already half a century without Beniamino Gigli.

RIP, Maesto!

[Samurai9]

Gigli seems to be saying that he can sing piano or headvoice with very little muscular support (which he calls diaphragmic) but when singing full voice, he needs full support. To get the light, floating quality of Gigli's soft singing, you must have a very relaxed throat and good placement of the sound in the nasal cavities. No one was better than Gigli in this kind of singing, rarely heard today.

[796824]

Suggest that you acquire THE VOICE of the MIND by Herbert Caesari which has an article by the great Gigli. It is revealing

[sedahedonja]

...what he's actually saying is that for a light sound like the first one needs only the support Without "ENGAAAAGE" him/herself, than u nees the diafragma...

[Dergobuzov]

to J.D.Florez and others: listen and learn!!!

[operataste]

Someone that had never learned can't teach how to do anything. Gigli is one of the best singers of all times, his technique was perfect. He used to sing more than 30 pieces (between arias and songs) at one recital, without loosing his voice. That's the real technique! Like him, there were few others.

[abednego20]

¿Alguien ha oido una versión completa de "Una furtiva lacrima" interpretada por Gigli? ¿Sabéis si la cantó alguna vez entera? Estoy loco por encontrarla.

[operataste]

There are two or three complete studio records of the aria, and many others live recorded.

[abednego20]

Gracias, ya encontré una.

[Glenmed]

Someone was enthusing to Corelli about how he was the best tenor ever. Corelli's reply: "Oh! have they forgotten about Gigli already?"

[796824]

The splendid tenor Beniamino Gigli studied with the greatest teacher of his era, ENRICO ROSATI, who also taught Karin Branzell, James Melton and a host of other fine singers. There is not one singer on the stage today, nor has there been for a long while, who could match Gigli.

[Gioten]

Gigli was a great singer already when he got to Rosati, because he had studied with the TRULY GREAT Antonio Cotogni.

[796824]

Gigli sang as a boy soprano in a church. But he credited Rosati for his singing. Other Cotogni students did not acquire the same technique as Gigli had.

[bradleyjenks]

Yeah, okay....ever heard of a guy called Luciano Pavarotti? I get it that Gigli was great. But Pavarotti on a bad day still sang better than most on their best day.

[philomelodia]

Pavarotti's style was entirely different. I'm a devoted fan of Pavarotti but, I gotta hand it to this guy. He was fantastic. Pavarotti himself acknowledges him as a master. I'm just glad nobody has dared compare Paul Pots to this guy. Lots of uninformed fans of his out there are making outrageous claims that he excels any number of the greats. It's bosh but people are going for it nonetheless.

[crapfacejoe]

@philomelodia How can anybody be devoted to Pavarotti when there are voices like Gigli, Caruso, Lanza, Del Monaco, Corelli, Schipa... Pavarotti fans are almost as ridiculous as Paul Potts.

[RudySunseeker]

If, for just a heartbeat of a second, you thought Pavarotti could challenge, let alone eclipse Gigli, you have disqualitied yourself from this or any other forum. Rest assured Pavarotti never thought so himself.

[bradleyjenks]

Um, yeah, Pavarotti held him in high esteem technically, preferred di Stefano musically, and was himself one of the greatest singers that ever opened his mouth. They belong in the same ranks, absolutely, any person that doesn't acknowledge that is not just silly, they are a snob, fascinated by minutiae of recorded history, firmly convinced that everything of value 'came before'.

[RudySunseeker]

You are right, they play in the same division, maybe the best ten ever. Let´s leave it at that that and enjoy. Thanks.

[operataste]

To sing is a technique that the singer amount a large set of feelings, memorize them when they produce good efect and avoid them, when the results are not good. The human anatomy really helps to the singer understand more about what happens in his(her) body, but isn't enough to sing. I know that nobody said that it's enough, but I can't consider that Gigli was wrong. Someone is right if the human knowledge goes up to that. When something new is discovered, then the truth "changes".

[uniqueattack]

which came first the chicken or the egg?

[bilstew]

The chicken evolved first over time and the egg was used as a means of re-production..BILSTEW

[JusPrimaeNoctis]

by the way, any of you teachers understand italian? I don't think so...

[JusPrimaeNoctis]

You cannot explain how to have a great talent people

[Cantachepassa]

We do have some doctors in youtube,this is a miracle.

''Wow'' Now I can really learn how to sing.

Post more of this crap comments please.

[Samurai9]

I have sung tenor with professional groups for 35 years. Many successful singers, such as Gigli, Caruso, and Corelli, were unable to clearly explain their technique or teach it. If you did any research or knew anything about singing, you would know I am right about the diaphragm. But you are a rude ignoramus. I won't waste any more time on you.

[Holovanov]

You are absolutely right, but in the past they were unable to explain scientifically the process of singing that's why they relied on feelings and comparisons.This is the same lack of knowledge that mixes support from the diaphragm(which does not exist )with abb muscles support. Empirically they came to the same singing tips as the science today.....

[Pollione88]

So how do you explain the fact that Gigli taught his daughter, if he was unable to explain his technique? And how do you know that Gigli, Caruso and Corelli were unable to explain or teach it in the first place? Did you take lessons from them, were you there, do you really know?

[Holovanov]

I would advise Mr. Pollione to read more carefully, before making comments or objections. What he is saying does not make sense in the context of what I have written.

[Pollione88]

I was not replying to you, that is the reason.

[bradleyjenks]

You are totally right Samurai9, the diaphragm is used principally in the intake of breath, but the lower abs and pelvic muscles are the ones most involved muscles in the exhale, which, of course, is the breath one sings on. =) Anyone who has seen a baby cry, knows that is true.

[Samurai9]

Gigli is wrong about the diaphragm, which is a largely passive muscle which merely divides the lung area from the intestine area of the body. The muscles used in speaking and singing are the big abdominals ("abs"). But his point is clear and interesting. When singing piano, Gigli used very little muscular support. But when he sang forte, the stomach muscles were fully engaged.

[Pollione88]

People like you who cannot sing should shut up when people who can actually sing, like Gigli, say something about technique. It doesn`t matter if you know the entire human anatomy down to the cell structure, you still cannot sing and you don`t know how it is achieved. Stop giving advice!

[uniqueattack]

just because you can sing doesn't mean you can teach

[Pollione88]

Not everybody who can sing can teach, but everybody who can teach can sing. Trust me on this! ;)

[agnellodei]

That's not true, have you heard of "those who can do, those who can't...teach"?

Yeah, I know a voice teacher like that. She ruined her voice with bad technique...now she is a voice teacher, figure that one out.

[Pollione88]

That's exactly what I said. There are people who can do(sing), but can't teach, because they don't have the talent to explain. In the case you stated the woman has a bad technique (she cannot sing) and therefore can't teach. She just calls herself a voice teacher, but she isn't.

[gspaulsson]

Many people who are very good at things have natural talent and can't actually explain what they're doing to someone to whom it doesn't come naturally. Someone who has spent years studying technique but just hasn't got the voice might well be a better teacher.

[operamusicfan]

How do you know whether he can sing or not? And yes, diaphragm is involuntary - you can't push it or relax it. That happens by itself during breathing and every one does it, not only singers.

[Pollione88]

It's easy to see if someone can sing or not, let your teacher sing "La donna e mobile" (in case he is a tenor of course) to test his ability for clean attack especially in the passagio region and high notes and let it follow with "je crois entendre encore" to test his ability to sing softly throughout the range without tiring or losing beauty of tone. If he can do it, then you can continue and see if he can pass his knowledge on to you. If he can't, you must look out for another teacher...

[js59695]

you are way off. As a teacher being a tenor its not all about stamina. What if you are a light lyric do you really think that you can sing through La donna e mobile and then turn around and sing je crois...thats bs...singing it doesnt make you a good teacher. some great singers simply cant teach. good pedagogy is a good start. Some music even without a full orchestra is naturally heavy. take amor ti vieta for instance. Hardest "A" i have ever attempted and that was just with piano

[Agorante]

Actually my ex-wife came to this country to study with just such a tenor - Leopold Simoneau. I knew a lot of his students from the conservatory too. Everyone agreed - wonderful singer, lousy teacher.

His "je crois entendre encore" recording remains one of the best ever. Alas he couldn't somehow make any of his students sing as well as he had.

I love Gigli's recordings. I would however be surprised to learn that he had been able to teach someone how to be the next Gigli.

[Samurai9]

Gigli was a brilliant singer with perfect technique but that does not guarantee that he could explain his own singing correctly. Breath support from the abdominals is always required, to produce ANY vocal sound, but forte singing requires much more muscular energy than soft singing. Gigli was a master at singing at all dynamic levels.

[Pollione88]

Gigli taught his daughter Rina Gigli who sang along him in many Operas. Does that guarantee that he could explain his own singing? Maybe? No? Ok you are right, that doesn't prove anything, Gigli couldn't do it!

[33blueberries]

And if your teacher is a soprano, let her sing the mad scene from Lucia di Lammermoor to test her middle voice, flexibility, and sostenuto, as well as dynamic control. Then, have her sing through Isolde's Liebestod to show her command of the particular skills needed for Wagnerian phrases and orchestration. And then, let her sing Zerbinetta's aria to show command of the extreme top range, as well as intellectually difficult music. Then, watch as she kicks you in the balls for being a JACKASS.

[eyebeams2007]

thank you

[mrrk]

What a voice. The greatest ever.

[Bondinero]

thank YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS !!!!!!!!!!

[operataste]

- "Therefore, I'll do a breath, a breath without diaphragm. I'll tell you that I'll do that over the breath:

- M'ama, sì m'ama lo vedo... lo vedo

(highlight of the aria Una Furtiva Lagrima, from L'Elisir D'Amore - Donizetti).

It's not necessary the diaphragm. Why? I'll say: this 'canto' is supported only over the breath, over the 'fiato', but when:

- quando...

now is necessary, when is need to pledge, is necessary to find the diaphragm."