Luciano Pavarotti/Martina Arroyo - Teco io sto - Live 1971

Luciano Pavarotti and Martina Arroyo offer an extremely thrilling rendition of the famous Un ballo in maschera duet.

Pavarotti here was making his debut as Riccardo (a role he adored). The combination of these two voices is really very thrilling. While Arroyo is spinto and Pavarotti lyric, the voices blend wonderfully. You can hear just how underrated Arroyo was, a gorgeous, sumptuous full sound. Pavarotti here rings like a bell with a glorious brightness in the voice that only Pavarotti ever had.

The whole thing is glorious (despite the very small flaw when Arroyo goes for a diminuendo that winds up slightly messy), they climax with two gorgeous ringing high Cs and you can hear the audience roar with appreciation.

San Francisco Opera Orchestra conducted by Charles Mackerras

Category:

Music

Tags:

• teco
• io
• sto
• ballo
• duet
• pavarotti
• riccardo
• amelia
• in
• maschera
• luciano
• martina
• arroyo
• 1971
• live
• opera

[Juancarlosderrico]

I love how everyone here is commenting on Pav-- I guess it shows the power of the media. Most opera lovers and singers know, respect and appreciate the artistry and voice of Martina Arroyo as well. This recording is a great example of her work. I suggest listening to her Forza del Destino with Domingo-- or her Aida with Domingo. Great singer in her prime!

[Mooorhe]

The power of the media?

Could it not be that Pavarotti is simply outstanding here, and people are appreciating the incredible operatic artist he was before he got wound up in all the popera mess?

I agree with you though, Arroyo is incredible here, and it's a shame she always got overlooked by people who preferred Price. She is among my favourite sopranos though, an incredible voice.

[FoggyRoad81]

Thank you! It's extremely irritating. It's a duet, not an aria. No doubt part of what makes Pav sound so wonderful is he realized he had to bring his A game to sing with Arroyo that day who, no doubt, had just floored the audience with her preceeding aria. I think they sound wonderful, have excellent vocal chemistry and like only great singers can push each other to soaring heights. Brava Pav and Martina!

[Mooorhe]

You are correct, the audience went crazy for her after that aria, both were in incredible form. Pavarotti was an artist who depended on the influence of others to bring out his full (and incredible) dramatic potential, Arroyo brought out the best him and vice versa, it's little wonder that Arroyo herself treasures this recording.

[jenni4claire]

Had to listen to this another dozen times or so, just because I like it that much. Isn't Youtube a wonderful thing?

[Mooorhe]

Indeed, you can't just listen to this once. The number of times I've listened to it must be in the hundreds. The problem is that this duet is 10 minutes long, so when I finally come out of musical paradise, 10 minutes have gone - it adds up!

[OettingerCroat]

WOW!!!

i always considered this duet to be one of the most dynamic in the standard repertoire. right up there with "Sarò la più bella... tu, tu, amore, tu?" from Manon Lescaut. and it has nothing to do with the high C sometimes sung here. it is simply very good music... it screams Verdi in all directions!

this is also an extremely engaging duo; Arroyo was one of the most vocally emotive sopranos in my opinion, and Pavarotti was EXTREMELY good in the role. this video was a true pleasure.

[tenorbear60]

My mother took me to this production - my first live opera - when I was 11 years old. I will NEVER forget the sound of Pavarotti's voice; it was so resonant everyone could feel the vibrations on their bodies, no kidding! What a treasure to find this recording now.... fantastic sound.

[violinistx100]

She was our "musician of the day" in Jazz Band ^-^ today. She's awesomeness.

[ElliePearl]

They sound amazing together.

[BazzasBest]

Magnificent and a wonderful partnership.

[malamutet]

Luciano,nel 71,era nel massimo del suo splendore vocale.Un grande Riccardo,soprattutto perchè live.

[1988dongiovanni]

This is wonderful. I wonder why Arroyo's performance on the studio recording with Domingo is so tame in comparison? same with her Forza del Destino. She must have been a stage animal - rising to the occasion in ways that her studio versions do not begin to suggest. She is the best of all the Amelias Pavarotti sang with I think. More vocal weight than Ricciarelli, shinging tone more suited than with Verrett. Both Tebaldi and Leontyne Price were a little past their best in their versions with Pav.

[aroncooker]

This is such brilliant beautiful singing from both! They are so great together! My favorite recording of this. I hope to meet Ms. Arroyo very soon!

[aroncooker]

@Operaddict a lot has changed, for the worse unfortunately. Dont worry, it will change. It's time for good singing to come back!

[Operaddict]

Oh God! I sure wish I had been there in person to hear this! BTW...what the HELL has happened to opera in the past 40 years??? There sure ain't nothing like this anymore!

[assindiastignani]

@Vendimi3 The hottest Ballo 2. Akt Duett I ever heard was Richard Tucker and Gilda Cruz-Romo at the MET in 1973. Of course, Bergonzi and Price were also electric.This really smokes too.

[tebaldicallas]

Too bad she did not made many recordings. She was underated.

Great Voice.