Giacomo Meyerbeer - Il crociato in Egitto - "Suona funerea" (Bruce Ford)

Meyerbeer's "Il crociato in Egitto" features an especially good role for a baritenor, Adriano. A father-hero in Armando's life, he is a sharp contrast to the unsure hero of the opera: heroic, knowing and powerful. His music is no different.

I already posted an insertion cavatina some time ago, now it comes to an aria (or a part of a grand scene, to be exact) that actually made its way into the original score. I'm talking about Adriano's wonderful (very wonderful, in fact) prayer.

The scene is set in a dungeon where Adriano and his men await their death. The prayer is actually a part of a grand scene for Adriano that also includes a full aria (after the prayer). Using a superb harp accompaniment set against grave horns and foreboding strings in its' first section, the prayer is wonderfully solemn, perfectly setting up the hopelessness of the situation. The first section is then suddenly broken up by a more joyful tune as the warriors ask God to take pity on their souls. The second section also utilizes an unusual combination of flute (symbolizing the rising hope) and drums (reminding us of the situation). The prayer is then repeated to a different text, with additional ornaments for the tenor voice and more presence for the chorus. The scene progresses beautifully from Adriano's personal scene into a full choral number.

Bruce Ford takes up the role of Adriano and creates (with the help of a very responsive chorus and orchestra) a most profound singing experience. Enjoy :)!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Meyerbeer
• belcanto
• coloratura
• classical
• il
• crociato
• in
• egitto

[ditantipalpiti]

raramente ho provato un'emozione così intensa.... è in assoluto una delle cose più belle che abbia mai ascoltato... 

[raigekimaru]

@Cantormatis

lol, such a provoked response, but I will answer it nonetheless.

1) yes, I am a baritone and proud ;)

2) no, I am not generally jealous of tenors, with the exception of Corelli and Vinay ^v^ but overall, sacrificing the sexy lower register of the baritone is just not worth the high notes

3) I am just a fledgling undergrad right now, but I have talked with a number of professional tenors who have agreed with all the points I've made

[Cantormatis]

This is a lovely scena. I never heard Bruce before- a very fine tenor! Do you think this is so baritonal or just written in a lower tessitura than perhaps Rossini would have? Certainly it's more middle voice, at least in this arioso. Is the whole role like this? It may have been because he was writing for an older tenor, not just an older character.

[Cantormatis]

@raigekimaru You have no idea what you're talking about. You obviously have not listened to many good tenors, or have no idea what you are listening to... or you're a baritone, and you're jealous.

[raigekimaru]

I enjoy music written for tenors in a lower tessitura. they don't sound like someone has them by the balls. in fact, rossini was appalled by the idea of full voice high Cs (which I can understand, hardly anyone does them correctly). tenor music in a lower key sounds more heroic and graceful. thanks for posting =)

[MrLupo23]

bravo

[jsierra88]

excelente

[Robertirobbie]

Bravo Maestro...