Salvatore Baccaloni (1900-1969) was probably the greatest basso buffo of all time, with one major difference: he could also sing! This difficult bass aria is proof of that!
@seancoxen Yes, that''s true. But remember he was essentially a buffo, not a singing bass in the classic sense of the phrase. And he doesn't articularte the German language at speed. That's a big part of the problem. To hear him at his most characteristic, you might want to check out his "Udite,o rustici," which I also have posted.. He displays himself to much greater advantage there.
@BorisGodunov Ha, ha. Oh yes, I know. He's certainly no Ezio Pinza, but it was his comic abilities that people enjoyed. He could sing, but as you say, he was certainly not celebrated as a basso cantante:-) I think you would be much more impressed by his "Udite, o Rustici," from The Elixir of Love, which I have also posted.
@sonofjohn56 Yes, he was a gifted comic who could also sing quite well. And, as you can imagine, he was a notorious scene-stealer! Thanks for the comment.
@seancoxen Yes, that''s true. But remember he was essentially a buffo, not a singing bass in the classic sense of the phrase. And he doesn't articularte the German language at speed. That's a big part of the problem. To hear him at his most characteristic, you might want to check out his "Udite,o rustici," which I also have posted.. He displays himself to much greater advantage there.
EdmundStAustell 1 year ago
Jeez! Why so far behind the beat? Atrocious German, too. Better low notes than I suspected, though.
seancoxen 1 year ago
@BorisGodunov Ha, ha. Oh yes, I know. He's certainly no Ezio Pinza, but it was his comic abilities that people enjoyed. He could sing, but as you say, he was certainly not celebrated as a basso cantante:-) I think you would be much more impressed by his "Udite, o Rustici," from The Elixir of Love, which I have also posted.
EdmundStAustell 1 year ago
Well his German is terrible, and he seems incapable of keeping tempo. But he definitely has a voice!
BorisGodunov 1 year ago
@sonofjohn56 Yes, he was a gifted comic who could also sing quite well. And, as you can imagine, he was a notorious scene-stealer! Thanks for the comment.
EdmundStAustell 1 year ago
As far as I know, this is truely a comic releaf. A Basso Buffo or a Basso Comico. I like it.
sonofjohn56 1 year ago