Gioachino Rossini - La scala di seta - "Vedro qual sommo incanto" (Ramon Vargas)

As in the case of Raul Gimenez's performance of the tenor's aria from "La pietra del paragone", this relatively obscure cavatina from "La scala di seta" is only highlighted by the soloist's (a young Ramon Vargas to be precise) complete ease with the material and vocal security.

The aria follows Dorvil as he muses on his love for Giulia (what else, one might ask :)?). The piece, set to the classical cantabile - tempo di mezzo - cabaletta, is enchantingly melodious and, truly, constitutes one of Rossini's (during his first few years of composing) most romantic tenor scenes.

Ramon Vargas is, in a word, a revelation, gently sighing through the andante and then navigating the coloratura with ease. This selection is even more special for the superbly lively playing from the English Chamber Orchestra headed by Marcello Viotti. Hope you'll enjoy (is there a small series of tenor arias forming here :)?).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rossini
• coloratura
• belcanto
• classical

[danbar73]

I believe this is from RV's very first opera recording in which his performance of the role of Dorvil was highly acclaimed by critics everywhere. It was perhaps his best demonstration of the art of the tenore di grazia in his most lyrical,sweetest and brightest tone. His superb technique, dynamic control, musicality and intelligence were already much in evidence here and in ensemble numbers as well. At such a very young age, he was already called Untouchable in the best sense of the word.

[Operaphile]

Superb!!! The diminuendo at 2:18 is fantastic!!! The early Ramon Vargas bel canto recordings should not be so rare and hard to find - they are soooo damn good!!!! Bravo Vargas!!!!! A lesson to any young tenor!!!

[operahip]

This is fabulous! I must dig out the debut recital disc I have of RV. I've just sent you a video response of the English Tenor Alexander Young singing the same aria recorded back in 68. While not as Italianate as Vargas and despite the cut towards the end, its is a beautiful recording and as good as any English tenor I've ever heard singing Rossini.

[prosdocimo]

I agree 100% with you LindoroRossini. I love this aria. Mateuzzi sings a wonderful rendition as well. I think JDF has not sung it because it is not a mega-star type o rossini role as barbiere, lindoro (italiana) or Idreno. This is a very difficutl and beautiful aria thou, so I hope he sings it at least in concert :)

[oscarnotwild]

JDF is an excellent Rossini tenor, but he has not sung La scala di seta . JDF's voice is very different from Senor Vargas'.

We are lucky to have tenors like them.

[oscarnotwild]

This is from the complete recording of La Scala di Seta released by Claves in 1996. This recording is a sparking gem. It can bright any day. It is one of my favorite RV opera recordings. The other outstanding singer in this recording is Alessandro Corbelli.

Thanks LindoroRossini for posting this!

[mediterraneo1000]

mucho mejor en todos los sentidos que juan diego florez