Neil Shicoff "Legend of Kleinzach" Les contes d'Hoffmann

[jojojo943]

As with so many greats, he sounded so much more thrilling in the house, particularly in a role like this, at which he was absolutely brilliant. In NY around this time, I heard both Shicoff and Domingo at their peaks singing this role, I think in the same season, but I'm not sure. Heard them both do the lead in Luisa Miller, too, and both were fabulous. That's a show that should be done more often.

[LorenzoOpera]

Florence, 1980

[SHICOFF1]

He was the greatest Lyric tenor I ever heard in the house! Heard him first in 1979 in Chicago and many times over the next 25 years. I heard his voice grow and mature and it was really amazing how he always could act and play the part with such emotion and Squillo in his voice.

[SHICOFF1]

Very fine here and his 1988 Met. performance was his best, also on you tube. He was very fine in all his years in this country. He moved to Europe in the late 80's- early 90's and was a lead tenor with the Vien. opera.

[jeannef1968]

He´s my absolute favorite tenor of all times. I adore him and met him first in ´84 with Hoffmann in Hamburg.From the start I was stunned and forgot everything - was so grateful my uncle-who sang in the Hamburger Staatsoper Chorus-had convinced me to join him listening to the performance that evening instead of watching Domingo´s Otello which was on TV.And I can tell you,it (Neil!) changed my life!!! Now, at the age of 43,I still adore him and he still moves the bottom of my heart as no one else

[furiosoTenore]

GENIALNY <3

[du6053]

The very best Hoffman!!!!

[Kievest]

Schicoff was a subperb singing/actor.

I prefer to remember him that way.

Thanks for the posting.

[pearlmuth3]

Caruso's last recording was great, his voice was very dark, Tucker takes no back seat to him live in 1973 complete and the 74 recording of the aria, being Jewish he had a feeling for it,sang it also wonderfully. Caruso went to a rabbi to study it you know. I liked Shicoff in the role but this of course shows a young fine lyric voice with great top notes and he was not yet in his prime. Check out his 88 met Hoffman on the right, it was fantastic also. BRAVO! thanks for this.

[pearlmuth3]

He has had a long career and a great one his 88 Hoffman at the met was also very fine and was a great production. Here he sounds terrific, young and lyric. Some of it was posted recently, check it out on the right and thanks for this great one, hope to hear more he can sing and act.

[hswatnik]

I agree somewhat with Mr. musicalparola, Shicoff was quite popular in NYC during the 70's last I saw him on You Tube he was making a fool of himself in La Juive- the Crater laker for Jewish tenors into which they sink never to reappear-in fact if you haven't yet why not dig up some "Rachels Quand Du's" the first one I ever heard was caruso's- still the best in that Halavey halavah.

[MusicaParola]

Your comment is as accurate as it is funny. How true! Tucker's last recording (1974)was a disc of highlights from this opera; he died a year later. Caruso's last performance before his death was as Eléazar on December 24, 1920. Naturally, he was a goy. His recording of the aria is a gem. Maybe the opera is the curse of all tenors. :)

[hswatnik]

I think the primary tenor aria in La Juive causes tremendous reverberations in the cranium and disposes of those singers who wade into its rapids- if fact much of the singing is done in mid and lower registers- even caruso's tin can recording has a tremedous sonority when compared to other recordings he made around the same time- I do appreciate your comments greatly- cordially H

[MusicaParola]

It is wonderful to see a 30 year old Shicoff in one of his greatest roles. His voice remains just as beautiful today, after long years of personal and artistic difficulties. He will be gracing the stage of Gran Teatre del Liceu in Simon Boccanegra later this year; he is scheduled to sing Manrico at the Liceu in 2009. A beautiful performance in this clip, with high honors in acting and singing. Bravo Shicoff!