Gaetano Donizetti - Don Pasquale - "Cerchero lontana terra" (Francisco Araiza)

As I have already poured all of my enthusiasm on obtaining these two recordings in the previous posts, I've decided to return to my favorite type of description :).

Ernesto's role in "Don Pasquale" is, in many ways, similar to Lindoro's in "L'italiana". They are both young men, both can be easily classified as "Pierrot-type" characters, both are very nice people but lacking in control over their own lives (unlike their respective lovers); both are given wonderfully beautiful music to sing. And both are a bit overshadowed by the basses and the heroines. Indeed, Ernesto has the smallest part of all four main soloists in "Don Pasquale". But the music more than makes up for what the part may lack in size.

Ernesto's poignant Second Act aria would have to be one of the best pieces Donizetti ever wrote for the tenor voice. It's a typical succession of "cantabile - cabaletta" but an excellent one at that. That is especially true of the cantabile with its "crying" accompaniment and sentimental text. The section is actually quite short but it is infused with such strong emotions that one feels a very good balance between the size and depth of the aria. The cabaletta may seem a bit jolly at first, but the sadness is brilliantly hidden between the lines in the sudden bursts of solo instruments. Francisco Araiza's excellent portrayal present a very fine Ernesto indeed :)!

Uploaded on a request (I'll post more, if anyone wants to hear something particular).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Donizetti
• coloratura
• belcanto
• tenor
• classical

[Operaphile]

Oh wonderful!!!!!!! I totally wasn't expecting him to the C# at the end!!! I can't decide who's better - Florez, Araiza or Kraus?!?!?! They're all brilliant! THANK YOU for uploading this. i will have to hunt for the CDs. What label are they on?

[LindoroRossini]

The real thanks goes to RCA Classics (that's the label) for releasing this :)!

[LeTraveler09]

WOW!! I love this song! So, let me say it, beautiful. Beautiful singer and the perfect instruments. Could you possible have made it any better. Thank you so much for posting it. I could listen to this over and over again. Muchos Gracias

[tannhaeusser]

excellent! wonderful!! perfect interpretation and such a C# as a crown.

Considering the colourfullness of the voice and the versatility in the interpretation, Araiza is the best!!

Thank you very much for posting it.

[ktarvertenor]

really perfect!

[tenorsanyone]

I believe this was recorded in 1979.

[SonoPortoricano]

Please,can anyone tell me what year was this?

[Mercury26222]

suuper :))) 5

[aida2004]

El mas grande belcantista de todos los tiempos!!!