I have not written in this Web log forever. It is time to get it started again.
Last night Howard and I got listening to "O Holy Night." OK, I got listening to it and I foisted it on him. But Howard likes great tenors and that is who is on the Internet singing "O Holy Night."
Jussi Bjorling ... Like a steam engine.
Franco Corelli, I like the Italian twist he gives to it. Also how he can go forever on a single breath. Thrilling. He does not however sail up to that high note.
Caruso could sing it standing on his head.
You know what, Bjorling is this marvel, but I like how Caruso sings it. He has a sensual, laid-back quality that makes me see his appeal. You often do not get that from listening to old scratchy records.
And the second-to-last "Noel, Noel," he has the second answer the first. He has his own operatic concept of the song.
Sometimes it is a good idea to listen to some song you really know to get an idea of the artist.
Reluctantly we turn to living artists. Jonas Kauffmann is a latter-day tenor I love. Listen to how he ends the first verse. Also he takes the melody up at times when you would think he would be taking it down.
That is a powerful voice!
And a friend loves Juan Diego Florez. I am rather partial toward him myself.
I still give the edge to my old hero, Jussi. That command that he had, I have yet to hear anyone top it. Still ...
Imagine having any of these gentlemen at your Lessons and Carols.
Swoon, swoon!
