Sherrill Milnes "Si puo, si puo?" Pagliacci

Opera for Africa. Arena di Verona, 18 August 1985

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Opera
• Leoncavallo
• Pagliacci
• Tonio
• Sherrill
• Milnes

[ForteLink]

Maybe it's because I'm a baritone too, so I see it a little bit more readily, but notice that all of the notes where people are saying he's using "diphthongs" are in the upper part of the baritone range - the answer as to why is obvious - it's just vowel modification to make singing those notes easier. While usually you want to try and make it not so obvious, it's a normal part of vocal technique, for all voice types.

[ForteLink]

This being said, Sherrill Milnes does have a habit of making it obvious too often, and yes, he should probably have worked on that aspect of his technique more. But hey. Is my voice half as good as his? Not hardly. lol.

[MrAndredekock]

Undoubtedly one of THE baritones of the 20th century! Did you know he has a perfect and almost effortless top C? My only criticism of this GREAT voice and even GREATER artiste, is that he just dragged on too long and it became painful to listen to him. But here is sheer beauty and mastery of the voice with an impeccable technique and being a baritone myself I can appreciate him all the more. His acting ability and interpretation were better than any baritone before him, except perhaps Warren.

[Beth29252]

Wonderful performance and every bit as good as the revelation that was the 1978 Met performance of that amazing prologue. He sings Si Puo beautifully, with a very secure legato line and that A flat epitomises one of many reasons why I love and admire him as much as I do, which is his amazing and very thrilling top. Also I love his vocal expression(not just here but in general), he is just superb at acting with the voice and always has been. Same with his acting, even in concert he is compelling.

[taylorfremont]

@redgrapeskins No I have not!! Is it anywhere online?!?!?!

[VinylToVideo]

@rovingdesertfox I'm not a trained operatic singer so that's no great feat. Even Mingo (where's the Do?) could sing better than me (probably) on his worst night.

[rovingdesertfox]

@VinylToVideo You should be able to sing as well as this man's worst night. Check out his Ernani form 83 ....

[montallio]

@Harrycoppola How else can singers (in this case) develop their art if not for critism, their own, their teacher's or other people's? It's also possible to enjoy music and be critical. If you are unable please MOVE ON, yours is the most counter productive of all comments.

[montallio]

@Harrycoppola How else can singers (in this case) develop their art if not for critism, their own, their teacher's or other people's? It's also possible to enjoy music and be critical. If you are unable please MOVE ON, yours is the most counter productive of all comeents.

[redgrapeskins]

seems like a very personable fellow-- I saw him years ago in a segment on 60 Minutes I believe- He was singing'vocalizing in the subway-- he loved the acoustics! Any one else see that ???

[qwertyoop]

i really like his voice.. then, but like every singer with age the voice obviously can darken more, and change some more than others, but He will always be on of my personal favourites, thanks for uploading :)

[stevevandien]

@stevevandien I must add that he comes through it quite well. His top tones in particular retain their uniquely cascading quality. Overall, no, he isn't as good as in his prime. But this is still a first-rate performance, well beyond those of most contemporary baritones, not to mention most in 1985:) --