Giovanni Martinelli Sings Lensky's Aria From Eugene Onegin. 1921

When Martinelli was a young man, singing in London, music critic Herman Klein said of him that "he has that rare gift—a true tenor voice. It remains the finest tenor heard in England for years." And that is of course true. Martinelli always sounds like a true tenor, no matter the role. His particular kind of open phonation, or as many call it, a white voice, was easily and healthily produced, and the top was reliable. In some ways, his essential sound is like that of an Eastern European or Russian tenor. All of which makes this particular aria an absolute natural for him. Also, it lies right in the middle of his voice, which was very strong.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Giovanni
• Martinelli
• tenor
• opera
• Lensky's
• Aria

[EdmundStAustell]

@meltzerboy Thank you. Good comment. I know what you mean. Yours is the reaction of many to GM's open phonation, which many like, but which others feel is not squarely enough focused on pitch. But this is one of the world's most famous tenors we are talking about, and as you say,his artistry is undeniable.

[meltzerboy]

There is a tightness or throatiness in the voice of Martinelli that limits one's pleasure in hearing him, at least for some listeners. I am ambivalent about his voice because of this and a certain white quality despite its magnificence at times. However, there is no ambivalence on my part regarding Martinelli's singing and artistry. He is without doubt a great interpreter. Thanks for sharing this, Edmund.