Tibbett & Milnes Largo al Factotum Sing-Off

Lawrence Tibbett (1896-1960)
followed by
Sherill Milnes (1935-)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Primobaritono
• Sing-Off

[voltape]

They are USA people singing in Italian. Italian, like Spanish, are direct descendants of Latin and have an unequalled sonority that underdeveloped languages like English can never attain. A tour de force for a baritone is singing the last part of Largo al Factotum: USA singers usually fail in "ah bravo Figaro, bravo bravissimo" They just can't pronounce the "R" 's, which for Italians or Spaniards is a cinch. Not even the best USA tenor could approximate Juan Diego Flores singing Italian

[primobaritono]

I strongly disagree.

[lpvcrcd]

You are right! Sherrill Milnes couldn't carry Tibbett's music! Milnes tone no where near Tibbets, Milnes sang flat often. I don't understand the fascination with Milnes! Tibbett is a giant of opera, a legendary voice!Milnes just a contract Verdi baritone.

[bigus]

this is poor recording it tibbett and he wasnt on his game even tho tibbet overall was probably the superior baritone. on the other hand this is a great recording of milnes and he has terrific high notes, he was very good in his younger years they are both incredible singers. milnes technique has become more driven in later years where i dont recal tibbet ever becoming driven in the sound. in this recording linup i have to give it to milnes bravo.

[tomgeydan]

Sherrill Milnes has some of Leonard Warren’s voice quality ! Unfortunately, I never heard the latter live, but I adore his voice, and I never tire of listening to his recordings. How wonderful it is to be able to find, to enjoy, and to compare, all the great singers, past and present, on YouTube! Thank you, YouTube, and thanks also to all the dedicated people who make the effort in uploading these magnificent selections from all works of art; ...an inestimable service to millions!

[MrCrs713]

I really thought Tibbett sang Largo al factotum faster than Milnes' rendition.

Milnes' Largo was much more spacious and enticing. I am sure it had to do

with the recording quality.

[MrCrs713]

I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Milnes and I have seen him in person. Tremendous baritone. Lawrence Tibbett is par excellence.

[Beth29252]

@Beth29252: That is not to say Tibbett is not an opera giant. He is absolutely, with a charismatic presence and an extraordinarily powerful voice top and bottom. But other reasons why I prefer Milnes' interpretation are the quality of the recording, his diction and the speed. And I loved the improvised top C and how he says Figaro.

[bodiloto]

@ngordon88 50 Hampson = 1 Tibbett e ancora!

[Beth29252]

Very interesting comparison. I enjoyed both performances, but I give Milnes the slight edge. Tibbett gives an entertaining and lively performance, however, the bravissimo section isn't as solid as the rest of the performance, some of it felt rushed and it sounded as though as he was struggling with the Italian, though in fairness that is the hardest part of the piece. Milnes however gives a wonderful rendition, with interesting expression to the voice, and he pretty much nails the bravissimo bit

[bodiloto]

Tibbett- il migliore baritono americano nella storia della lirica italiana!

Sublime,magnifico,ineguagliabi­le Tibbett!

Milnes dal vivo era un pessimo prodotto americano.

Confronto inesistente.

[Lassannn]

@voltape I speak fluent Italian, taught to me by polyglot from the Bologna area. I sound just like him. Quindi chiuda la scopata in su.

[mutatron]

I'm just not feelin' the Tibbett. I far prefer the quality of Milnes' voice, his acting, his variety. Tibbett's tremolo bugs me, maybe that's just a style from a different time, but he kind also gets messed up in the "bravo, bravissimo" part, especially at the "non manchera" stage.

[jglsd1]

Tibbett OWNS. All you need to do is listen to 3:52. No "la la la" filler! Amazing deep rich warm and velvety, non overbearing voice.