I totally agree with your favorite, Franco Corelli. I was so fortunate to hear him live at the New York State Theater at a concert performance with the NY Philharmonic in 1966. It remains an unforgettable highlight of my classical music and opera enjoyment. I love Pavarotti, too, but the qualities of Corelli's voice and technique are unbeatable in my view. Thanks for your list!
What about Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor? Best tenor in my opinion. The famous duet from the Pearl Fishers he sang with Robert Merrill from America was breathtakingly beautiful.....
JUSSI BJORLING SHOULD BE IN THAT LIST! ONE OF THE FREATEST VOICES AND ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MUSICIANS AND THEREFORE FOM THE BEST SINGERS EVER PAST THROUGH LIFE !!!!! AND TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOUND BEEN SO FAR FAR BEHIND THEN! HE WAS A TRUE "T R O V A T O R E" ! (Trovador) "ONE OF A KIND" HE HAD THE "ITALIAN HEART"
Fritz Wunderlich, couldn't agree more! LOVE Franco!!! I'm also constantly impressed with Rolando Villazon. Thank you for all of this wonderful color and all that you do!
If those are your 5 favourites of all time; to each his own I guess. But you got to be absolutely joking if you think Jussi isn't among the top 5 greatest all time and all the more considering that your number 1 said that he was just a mere human that couldn't be compared to Bjorling !
A top 5 list without Björling is like a car without an engine. Björling was considered the leading tenor for a period called the Golden era of tenors. The end of the 30's to a bit into the 60's. Here you will find most of the great classical tenors.
I enjoyed your video I am 85yo. Living in NJ I have had the greatest pleasure and enjoyment in seeing some of your choice mostly at a tv program called voice of Firestone. Yes Franco was my favorite too. Thank you again I hope we meet face to face soon to discuss our favorite. Chuck in NJ
You may also enjoy young British Tenor Jonathan Antoine singing "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" as a tribute to his dear friend Helga. Also, Jonathan singing "Io Si/Seen" per Grammy award winning Diane Warren's request! He sings the harmonies too. BEAUTIFUL!!! It debuted at #1 on itunes Classical Chart.
I am thrilled to hear Fritz Wonderlich was second on your list. He is first on mine. When I was a kid in the 50s we had an album of hard plastic 78s of his. When he died my mother held it and wept. It wasn't until the advent of the Internet I was able to hear again that beloved voice and truly appreciate what he meant to my parents.
@@ducadimantua Yes, Wunderlich never recorded on 78's as that ended by the late 1940s completely and Wunderlich was born in Sept . 1930, so in 1949 he was still in his teens.
Your list demonstrates your youth and inexperience -- firsthand -- of the people who made it into your "honourable mentions." Neither Domingo nor Pavarotti measure up to most of them. But if you'd not heard them in person and been bombarded all your life with "the three tenors" well -- it shows.
I enjoyed your listing, although I might understandably have a few others. But I loved what you said about Corelli. I got to know him later in his life, and got to share some fun times with him and his wife Loretta. A very quick Corelli memory I have. When we would get together, often at Jerome Hines home, I would bring an early phonograph and records. One time we were listening to Caruso. Suddenly Franco started singing along with Caruso. It was a surreal moment. As I knew him after his retirement. A lovely man, and a friend. BTW I certainly enjoy your lyric tenor voice. All good wishes.
This is beautiful! I love Pavarotti but to hear these tenors side by side is just amazing! It is an education. Your comments are perfect. You provided just enough information and all of it was interesting. Thank you.
What a beautiful break down what a beautiful tribute. You introduced me to one new tenor whom I had never heard of ....your first I heard Pavarotti sing twice live in the late 70s and early 80s at the height of his power and I remember thinking that I cannot believe this voice is coming out of a human being.....and of course I’m a fan of Corelli as well. For you to magnanimously allow Pavarotti to take the single spot at the top for what he did for the opera, even though you prefer Corelli’s voice...that is a true sign of hubris and generosity and for that I say “Bravo” to you brother
I have a dear friend, 87, who heard all of the greats. She heard Pavarotti live 5 times. Without a doubt, the very finest voice. His voice, heard live in the opera house and in concert halls, far surpassed his recordings. She counts these performances as the highlights of her life. It is a good thing to remind ourselves that we listen to opera singers under a variety of circumstances: recent recordings, older recordings; in this opera house, or that opera house; on a good day, on a poor day; at the height of a career, in the twilight of a career; studio recordings, opera house recordings, concert hall recordings, stadium recordings; a challenging aria, a simple aria, and so forth. It's almost impossible to compare two singers under the same circumstances. All things will never be equal.
JUSSI BJÖRLING IS APART FROM ALL THE OTHER GREATEST TENORS...HE REACHED HEIGHTS IN VOICE RICHNESS, CONTROL, AND EMOTION IMPARTING QUALITY, THAT STANDS APART AND ABOVE ALL OTHER TENORS; HE IS NOT ONE MORE TENOR MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTANDING THIS...
Difficult to narrow it down to the top five, but here it goes (in no particular order): Bjorling, Caruso, Corelli, Del Monaco, and Giuseppe di Stefano.
Agree only with the first two; not Corelli and di Stefano for me, but Fritz Wunderlich it's a must, he died so young and he was already on the very top, had he lived longer, then we would have been much richer.
You can’t have a top five of tenors But…these are my top several Jussi Bjorling* (voice) Mario del Monaco* (drama) Franco Corelli* (pathos/dedication) Giuseppe do Stefano* (truth of sound and acting) Enrico Caruso* (enough said) Mario Lanza* (verisimilitude/evolution of voice) Luciano Pavarotti* (versatility) Giacomo Lauri Volpi Cesare Valletti Kurt Böhme Mario Fillipeschi And the list could keep going but theses are just a few
The first tenor I heard and watch at the movies was "Mario Lanza." I loved him for his expressive form and hitting those incredible notes that makes one cry for joy!
Lanza hatte eine tolle Stimme, aber er war leider nur ein Schlager und Filmtenor - meines Wissens nach hat er nur 2 oder 3 mal eine Oper durchgehalten...
Gigli and Bjorling may belong on your list. The poster did say,'' you may not agree'', but it’s “his top 5” not anyone else’s. Why can’t you and others on this page understand this?
A reasonable list. The one tenor missing who has to be included somehow is Bjoerling. Otherwise you did well and some of the tenors mention by other commentators are very misguided (e.g- Shicoff)
No list is complete without Giuseppe Di Stefano. The warmth of the voice, impeccable diction and those exquisite high pianissimo supported from his chest made him unique.
No question he was outstanding. La Scala recently honored Caruso, Corelli, and Di Stefano. Interesting they omitted Pavarotti, who remains my personal preference. I do agree with TheBrandon425. Well said!
I agree 100% and as an ancient grandma ( back in my Salad Days ) was a student member of Covent Garden Opera House . I have been fortunate enough to see and hear the very best . Giuseppe Di Stefano , Pavarotti , Carrera , Domingo , Caruso and that much loved British comedian and devout Christian Tenor Harry Secombe (spelling prob ) . I have a little stack of Theatre Programmes from those beautiful few years when my career in London was at its peak and my house mates , best friends and lovers are as clear as yesterday . In my mind they are forever young . ack in my salad days ,
Even Pavarotti stated clearly that he looked to recordings of Bjorling as his guidepost to sing a roll. The good news here is this poster caused an outpouring of profound appreciation for Bjorling.
Your list is exactly the same as mine! I was lucky enough to sing with the great Pavarotti and also the marvelous Plácido. I almost (!) sang with Corelli when a soprano got taken ill in a Carmen performance in Miami (Micaela), but I was 7 months pregnant at the time and it wouldn’t look exactly good on Micaela! What frustration… but I did get to stand backstage and watch him perform up close. I chose that rare opportunity rather than first row tickets… What a thrill!
Franco Corelli is my favorite operatic tenor, i.e. performed at the Met. Mario Lanza is my favorite Hollywood tenor who may have been able to perform at the Met, had he not died so young at the age of 38 in 1959 in Rome. Lanza cut off his ties to Hollywood and intended to pursue Grand Opera. He was so great that Caruso's own son stated that only Lanza could play his father in the movie The Great Caruso. Lanza had an enormous impact on such tenors as Jose Carreras who did a Tribute to Mario Lanza at Radio City Music Hall which I attended. That being said, my favorite operatic tenor, Franco Corelli owned Nessun Dorma, which became Pavarotti's signature song. Pavarotti stated that Corelli had vocal cords of steel and would have been as popular as the Three Tenors if there was available TV coverage at that time.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Enrico Caruso, Jr, stated in 1991 that " I can think of no other tenor, before or since Mario Lanza, who could have risen, with comparable success, to the challenge of playing Caruso in a screen biography". The film was made in 1951. I don't think Caruso's son was pursuaded by the money 40 years later. Also, in 1951, there were very few, if any Tenor/actors who could have successfully played Caruso. Lanza held his own throughout the film as he performed with Metropolitan Opera stars on screen. The film was a great success for MGM and many opera stars credit Lanza and the film as the inspiration for them to become opera singers, Carreras and Domingo especially. Lanza also looked the part since he and Caruso were similar in height and build. Lanza's voice was as extraordinary as Caruso's. You should see the movie. It is great.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Why were you surprised that Lanza played the part of Caruso? I saw the film in 1951 over and over again. I was only 13 and I was mesmerised. He had a superb voice and there has never been anyone like him before or since.
The judge here is way off the mark. Just like the poster below, I agree with what he posted. Without Jussi, why post this? Jussi Bjorling is the only tenor that came close to having a Stradivarius in his throat. He was phenomenal.
I pulled out the Klemperer/Wunderlich /Ludwig Mahler 'erde' today after hearing of the passing of Christa Ludwig... No tenor I have heard even comes close to it in that amazing work.
@@rosannarisi622 Lanza ?Fenomeno mediatico americano. Cantante lirico da film(s) musicali... Un epigono ? Bocelli qui da noi, che seppur ha cantato opera in teatro, per tecnica e vocalità non può minimamente essere accostato a un tenore diciamo... "normale" di corrente carriera operistica. Non faccio nomi, che già si sanno.
@@pablodemarcos5379Lanza did sing one role in theatre, but opted for movies. There is no doubt Lanza could have performed on stage as every great tenor would claim & many contemporary opera singers & conductors of his age.
I am the son of professional opera/classical singers and have listened at length to all the singers you mentioned. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on one's musical preferences as to who one's favorites would end up being. Just like Picasso is different than Van Gogh, most singers are trying to paint a picture with their voice that is unique within the music of their choosing.
I totally agree with you, but you see, you can't name the 5 greatest painters of the world without mentioning Van Gogh; as well you can't name the 5 greatest opera tenors without mentioning Jussi Björling. This guy, the "tenor" who is making the statements doesn't say that these 5 are his favourites, he means that they are the greatest and he even puts Corelli as one of them, that is really stupid because Corelli is not a first class tenor, this is for sure.
@@ZENOBlAmusic After 12 years of classical voice training as a tenor, though I appreciate your opinion and thank you for sharing it, I think I agree with Pavarotti.
This is what happens when a younger person puts together a greatest tenor list. Jussi being Swedish and passing away in 1960, means he has not gotten the exposure and airplay of many other tenors, so tends to be overlooked. He was voted the favorite worldwide male operatic singer in the 20 th century, which the author of this video is wholly unaware of.
Corelli is unsurpassed Calaf ! As if maestro Puccini, havi g travelled in a" time machinine ", happened to hear Corelli sing, which fact imspired him to composing Turandot, the one and only Calaf.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Agree, he is one of my first three; Mozart is my favourite composer, maybe it make sense, but Wunderlich sings the most beautiful Granada too and other amazing things.
My neighbor is a tenor, he sounds mostly like a strangled cat. A shame Wunderlich died so very young. He would have been the best. My favorite for sure.
Wunderlich was a Miracle, unfortunately he had an unhappy childhood and a terrible tragic death by an accident at a very young age. Had he lived longer, the face of the Opera World would have looked different. Huge, huge talent! RIP Fritz Wunderlich!
Love that you included Corelli. Such an interesting man. Very nervous, suffered greatly from stage fright, which led to his earlier-then-necessary retirement -- so I understand. I"m also a fan of Roberto Alagna in opera roles (not outside of opera). He is a wonderful but understated actor.
He didnt retired early because of stage fright,he over came his fear by constantly practicing ,remember he starting singing at 33,you are absolutly right about Roberto
@@raulc398 i don’t think he ever overcame his performance fear issues but you’re right it wasn’t garden variety stage fright. It wasn’t fear of the audience. It was anxiety that his performance wouldn’t be 100 percent of what he expected of himself and know he was capable of. And although he did retire earlier than people expected him to, (age 55) it was prompted by his own concerns about his vocal decline and in fact he did experience some discernible decline within a few years. So, my comment was off the mark.
@@epona9166 I don't think it is that simple. The stage fright grew over the years, and I think that effected his vocal performances. His vocal performances was still better then most, he could easily have continued, he did not lose any range and never sang with a wobble in the voice. His breath control. one of his strongest attributes were affected. He sang a few recitals at the age of 60 and his voice sounded better then ever, the time away from the constant pressure of the opera stage seemed to cause added stress that effected his voice.
???????. Where is Jussi Bjorling, the finest tenor to ever grace the planet. His slow version of Nessum Dorma in 1944 is the finest operatic performance in history. Do your homework, child.
Thanks for your list, but in my list there other greatest voices. 1.- Bianimino Gigli. For mi The Best. 2.- Luciano Pavarotti 3.- Jussi Bjorling 4.- Franco Corelli 5.- José Carreras
Here's the way I see it: if one were to rank tenors exclusively on the basis of BEAUTY of voice, my top three picks would be Jussi Björling, Fritz Wunderlich, and Giacomo Aragall (interestingly enough, not one of them was/is Italian). However, I don't necessarily regard these men as the greatest tenors per se. There is more to being a *great* tenor than simply having a naturally beautiful instrument. Consider sopranos: nobody really thinks of Maria Callas as having possessed an exceptionally beautiful voice (indeed, even she didn't especially like her own voice). Plenty of sopranos had/have more beautiful voices than she; yet, Callas clearly wins the battle hands down as THE greatest soprano of all time.
It's your list... but if we're doing 20th century... I think Bjorling has to be there, and what about my personal favourites, Alfredo Kraus ... and Nicholai Gedda... (I know, I prefer the sweeter, lighter tenors....) - if we're doing 21st century, I think Carreras was unfairly eclipsed by the more famous 2 of 3... Botcelli has had his moments... but if I pick 3 ... Villazon, juan diego florez and Kaufmann??? - and if you have the time... I can see that there is something of a matter of "taste'... something I hear differently, and please.. if you look back at this, I will be looking for your answer
When you had given it the title "My greatest 5 tenors", it would be ok. Now it is for several reason just stupid. Not only because any list without Jussi Bjorling has no value, but the idea that one can make a list with the 5 greatest tenors all time is just insane. because it shows that you have no clue about what kind of music 'classic' tenors sings. Besides the fact that there are several total different kind of operastyles and they all need different voices., then are the oratorie and the songs, they also ask completely different voices. Then before the opera we had other classic music, we also have the religious song music.. Bach wrote a lot of them...again, you need a total different kind of voice to sing them. I mean, you have Italian opera, French opera, German opera, American opera I'm quite sure Pavarotti would not sing "Nixon in China" very well. We have Russian, Slavian and so on songs and what ever.. To sing Mahler you need again another voice.The same for Monteverdi and Bach and so on... The statement "The 5 Greatest Tenors of All Time" includes that you asume that one kind of music is more worth or important than the other. When I see the list, you're just a follower of Pavarotti thinking that that is the only music we should talk about. And by the way... Pavarotti considered Jussi Bjorling and Del Monaco as the greatest tenors... I did not see them on your list (I stopped the video on 0:23 )
FRANCO CORELLI! BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED... My man! Bis bis bis.. I agree Pavarotti was the best marketing and successful... But CORELLI gets my #1 spot
Did you ever hear of Lauritz Melchior, Georges Thill or Beniamino Gigli? Closer to our time, Jussi Bjoerling. All of your tenors are great singers, great tenors, great voices (except for Domingo, a great singer but vocally, Pavarotti and Corelli had it over him.
I know bupkes about opera except for Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma but I LOVE your passion and found this very interesting. You have inspired me to delve! Thank you! ❤️👍
I saw / heard Cura as Samson and he gave a stellar performance, born for the role perhaps. Cura unfortunately was an inconsistent performer and music directors began to shy away from hiring him. Here on TH-cam one can see his sensitive but powerful Turridu (with W. Meier).
@@phil2u48 Have you seen the 2000 live “La Traviata” with Cura? There were some rough spots, but I loved it - very cinematic (even tho the plot is pretty ridiculous).
@@rawvision6701 Loved Cura's first recording, saw him in London at the Festival Hall and he was great, but then he lost his touch somewhere along the way. Bit like Jonas Kaufman - wonderful at first, now I have to turn off the radio if he's singing.
Thank you for the very good video! Once again everyone can see that Pavarotti is simply unmatched! I can't look at or listen to Pavarotti without crying. He was so cute, I just want to hug him. Now he sings for the angels. 🥰😭🥰😭🥰😭🥰
I totally agree with your favorite, Franco Corelli. I was so fortunate to hear him live at the New York State Theater at a concert performance with the NY Philharmonic in 1966. It remains an unforgettable highlight of my classical music and opera enjoyment. I love Pavarotti, too, but the qualities of Corelli's voice and technique are unbeatable in my view. Thanks for your list!
All good....thank you for your programme....my favourites are Caruso, di Stefano, Gigli and Bjorling
Great choices
And what about Bjoerling, Lauri Volpi. Pertile, Gigli, Tagliavini....... the list goes on?
True
Let's not forget Mario Del Monaco and Giuseppe Di Stefano
What about Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor? Best tenor in my opinion. The famous duet from the Pearl Fishers he sang with Robert Merrill from America was breathtakingly beautiful.....
I’m searching for a modern pairing for the Pearl Fishers duet that compares. Nothing yet.
Best none Italian tenor. But most of the greatest tenors have been Latino / Hispanic.
@@stephenalderson6279 who are most of the Greatest tenors that have been Latino, Hispanic?
@@dellonman How about David Bryne and Rufus Wainwright....old school
@@johnroberts4078 not for me, way too thin. Lacks richness of tone in both voices.
Jussi Bjorling is the only tenor that came close to having a Stradivarius in his throat. He was phenomenal.
I heard a collection of tenors render Nessun Dorma. Bjorling stood out as the one with the best vocal line. No one else came close.
Remove Placido, and then add Jussi!
Completely agree Jussi was the greatest
Absolutely RIGHT ON
And he put him in the honorable mentions while mediocre Domingo is in the list. Some people I cannot understand.
JUSSI BJORLING SHOULD BE IN THAT LIST! ONE OF THE FREATEST VOICES AND ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MUSICIANS AND THEREFORE FOM THE BEST SINGERS EVER PAST THROUGH LIFE !!!!! AND TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOUND BEEN SO FAR FAR BEHIND THEN! HE WAS A TRUE "T R O V A T O R E" ! (Trovador) "ONE OF A KIND" HE HAD THE "ITALIAN HEART"
Giacomo Lauri Volpi was the Trovatore, he had a real heroic voice.
I could not have said it better.
And: DI STEFANO, BJOERLING, GIGLI, KRAUS, SCHIPA, MELCHIOR, BONISOLLI, VINAY, VICKERS AND MANY OTHERS?
who was his idol, jussi björling
Where is Jussi Björling???
Fritz Wunderlich, couldn't agree more! LOVE Franco!!! I'm also constantly impressed with Rolando Villazon. Thank you for all of this wonderful color and all that you do!
When did you last hear Villazon sing anything? His voice is trashed and he was impossible to watch.
My list would have to include Jussi Björling.
YES!!!!!
Of course!!
@@sugarbist I know it's not my fucking list. I didn't say it was my list.
@@andrewblackmore9705 Nice!
@@sugarbist Correct, no Tucker etc. but it's his list and picks, no big deal.
If those are your 5 favourites of all time; to each his own I guess. But you got to be absolutely joking if you think Jussi isn't among the top 5 greatest all time and all the more considering that your number 1 said that he was just a mere human that couldn't be compared to Bjorling !
Caruso, Bjorling, Di Stefano, Gigli, Corelli
A top 5 list without Björling is like a car without an engine. Björling was considered the leading tenor for a period called the Golden era of tenors. The end of the 30's to a bit into the 60's. Here you will find most of the great classical tenors.
And what about the great tenors from before the thirties???
@@carlosmonzo4102 Just fine!
Bjorling great, Volpi Great, Coreli Great, Martineli, Tauber great Caruso great but I think the greatest tenor was Francesco Tamagno
@@carlosmonzo4102 Correct, Gigli, Lauri Volpi, Martinelli, Jadlowker, etc.
@@shicoff1398 ...und alle vergessen immer George Thill...
The only difference of opinion is switching Domingo with Björling.
I enjoyed your video I am 85yo. Living in NJ I have had the greatest pleasure and enjoyment in seeing some of your choice mostly at a tv program called voice of Firestone. Yes Franco was my favorite too. Thank you again I hope we meet face to face soon to discuss our favorite.
Chuck in NJ
Quite a few other names could justifiably be included, two being Alfredo Kraus and Nicolai Gedda. And two others: Jussi Björling and Jerry Hadley.
Carlos Bergonzi
meine liste der besten Caruso, Aureliano Pertile, Tito schippat.jussi Björling and Richard Tucker
You may also enjoy young British Tenor Jonathan Antoine singing "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" as a tribute to his dear friend Helga. Also, Jonathan singing "Io Si/Seen" per Grammy award winning Diane Warren's request! He sings the harmonies too. BEAUTIFUL!!! It debuted at #1 on itunes Classical Chart.
It’s obvious Bjorling made a mark on all of us lovers of the Tenor voice
Franco Corelli - no doubt the best in dramatic Italian opera!
I am thrilled to hear Fritz Wonderlich was second on your list. He is first on mine. When I was a kid in the 50s we had an album of hard plastic 78s of his. When he died my mother held it and wept. It wasn't until the advent of the Internet I was able to hear again that beloved voice and truly appreciate what he meant to my parents.
He died in 1966. Wunderlich recorded on LPs. Maybe you're thinking of Richard Tauber? He was also a fabulous tenor.
@@ducadimantua Yes, Wunderlich never recorded on 78's as that ended by the late 1940s completely and Wunderlich was born in Sept . 1930, so in 1949 he was still in his teens.
A list without Bjorling and Tucker is incomplete in my opinion.
Agreed
Great list, Franco Corelli is my favourite as well. Massively powerful voice, but his voice also had a great beauty. He sang with incredible passion.
Thank you. My mother died one week ago, and listening to the tenors is just like heaving a very small, but defined look into heaven.
I'm very sorry for your loss! Opera music helps.
@@marinellabakken7491 Thank you ❤️
The extremely short life of Fritz Wunderlich and his impact on today’s tenors who claim his technique as their ideal is still amazing
That's ridiculous list ! No Jussi Bjorling ??‽ Even Pavarotti has acknowledged he was best of all times
Leon doesn’t know Jussi Bjorling , too bad
The greatest of them all - The most beautiful of voices - JUST SIT DOWN AND LISTEN... JUSSI BJOERLING
1 Bjoerling
2 Corelli
3 Caruso
4 Wonderlich
5 Gigli
Shame on you not to have added Jussi Bjorling, of whom, when Pavarotti was asked what he thought about him, he replayed: 'I am only human'
Yes, indeed!!
Dang. Sorry I never got to know that dude.😮😢
Your list demonstrates your youth and inexperience -- firsthand -- of the people who made it into your "honourable mentions." Neither Domingo nor Pavarotti measure up to most of them. But if you'd not heard them in person and been bombarded all your life with "the three tenors" well -- it shows.
I enjoyed your listing, although I might understandably have a few others. But I loved what you said about Corelli. I got to know him later in his life, and got to share some fun times with him and his wife Loretta. A very quick Corelli memory I have. When we would get together, often at Jerome Hines home, I would bring an early phonograph and records. One time we were listening to Caruso. Suddenly Franco started singing along with Caruso. It was a surreal moment. As I knew him after his retirement. A lovely man, and a friend. BTW I certainly enjoy your lyric tenor voice. All good wishes.
That must have been a great experience!
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. I trained with Jane Hobson, mezo. She was tough but kind.
@@ZENOBlAmusic yes it was. We used to get together and sometimes just sing around the table. I learned so much from Franco and Jerry Hines.
@@hbarfarkle They were of a different breed.
@@jfs78 true but both very exciting and wonderful
WHAT? You left Jussi out of your list? Yes I too sing opera with a 6 octave range, & I once hit 7.
Thank you for interesting and charming information. But.......where was Jussi Björling???
And Mario DelMonaco? Not on this list? How about Jussi Bjorling?
This is beautiful! I love Pavarotti but to hear these tenors side by side is just amazing! It is an education. Your comments are perfect. You provided just enough information and all of it was interesting. Thank you.
What a beautiful break down what a beautiful tribute. You introduced me to one new tenor whom I had never heard of ....your first
I heard Pavarotti sing twice live in the late 70s and early 80s at the height of his power and I remember thinking that I cannot believe this voice is coming out of a human being.....and of course I’m a fan of Corelli as well. For you to magnanimously allow Pavarotti to take the single spot at the top for what he did for the opera, even though you prefer Corelli’s voice...that is a true sign of hubris and generosity and for that I say “Bravo” to you brother
I have a dear friend, 87, who heard all of the greats. She heard Pavarotti live 5 times. Without a doubt, the very finest voice. His voice, heard live in the opera house and in concert halls, far surpassed his recordings. She counts these performances as the highlights of her life. It is a good thing to remind ourselves that we listen to opera singers under a variety of circumstances: recent recordings, older recordings; in this opera house, or that opera house; on a good day, on a poor day; at the height of a career, in the twilight of a career; studio recordings, opera house recordings, concert hall recordings, stadium recordings; a challenging aria, a simple aria, and so forth. It's almost impossible to compare two singers under the same circumstances. All things will never be equal.
JUSSI BJÖRLING IS APART FROM ALL THE OTHER GREATEST TENORS...HE REACHED HEIGHTS IN VOICE RICHNESS, CONTROL, AND EMOTION IMPARTING QUALITY, THAT STANDS APART AND ABOVE ALL OTHER TENORS; HE IS NOT ONE MORE TENOR MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTANDING THIS...
Difficult to narrow it down to the top five, but here it goes (in no particular order): Bjorling, Caruso, Corelli, Del Monaco, and Giuseppe di Stefano.
I agree!!!! Love your list!!!
Agree only with the first two; not Corelli and di Stefano for me, but Fritz Wunderlich it's a must, he died so young and he was already on the very top, had he lived longer, then we would have been much richer.
You can’t have a top five of tenors
But…these are my top several
Jussi Bjorling* (voice)
Mario del Monaco* (drama)
Franco Corelli* (pathos/dedication)
Giuseppe do Stefano* (truth of sound and acting)
Enrico Caruso* (enough said)
Mario Lanza* (verisimilitude/evolution of voice)
Luciano Pavarotti* (versatility)
Giacomo Lauri Volpi
Cesare Valletti
Kurt Böhme
Mario Fillipeschi
And the list could keep going but theses are just a few
I like your list in just that order and would add Gigli.
The first tenor I heard and watch at the movies was "Mario Lanza." I loved him for his expressive form and hitting those incredible notes that makes one cry for joy!
Pavarotti was also a huge Mario Lanza fan.
I went on TH-cam to find some Mario Lanza, in my mind #2 with Enrico Caruso #1
Lanza hatte eine tolle Stimme, aber er war leider nur ein Schlager und Filmtenor - meines Wissens nach hat er nur 2 oder 3 mal eine Oper durchgehalten...
Thanks, Anthony, for a very listenable commentary!
gigli and bjorling surely belong on the list
Gigli and Bjorling may belong on your list. The poster did say,'' you may not agree'', but it’s “his top 5” not anyone else’s. Why can’t you and others on this page understand this?
@@sugarbist its fun, silly
@@johnroberts4078 Yes it is
This is his list but I had a very old vinyl record of Il Trovatore with Amelia Gallicurci and Gilgi, I cried every time I listened to it.
A reasonable list. The one tenor missing who has to be included somehow is Bjoerling. Otherwise you did well and some of the tenors mention by other commentators are very misguided (e.g- Shicoff)
No list is complete without Giuseppe Di Stefano. The warmth of the voice, impeccable diction and those exquisite high pianissimo supported from his chest made him unique.
No question he was outstanding. La Scala recently honored Caruso, Corelli, and Di Stefano. Interesting they omitted Pavarotti, who remains my personal preference. I do agree with TheBrandon425. Well said!
I agree 100% and as an ancient grandma ( back in my Salad Days ) was a student member of Covent Garden Opera House . I have been fortunate enough to see and hear the very best . Giuseppe Di Stefano , Pavarotti , Carrera , Domingo , Caruso and that much loved British comedian and devout Christian Tenor Harry Secombe (spelling prob ) . I have a little stack of Theatre Programmes from those beautiful few years when my career in London was at its peak and my house mates , best friends and lovers are as clear as yesterday . In my mind they are forever young .
ack in my salad days ,
I will say this. Nobody had better vocal control than Di Stefano, who could go from fortissimo to pianissimo seamlessly.
@@cynthiavalasin6199 I can't understand why Pav would be a personal preference. He lacks both the size and emotion to be the best.
Hi John. He was. Di Stefano sang for my uncle and his friends in 1944. My uncle was an ambulance driver.
Wheres Jussi Bjorling?No one came close to him as far as technique and purity of voice is concerned
I AGREE WITH YOUR CHOICES BUT WOULD ADD # 6, BJOERLING
Any list not beginning and finishing with Bjorling is not listening. Silly stuff here.
Even Pavarotti stated clearly that he looked to recordings of Bjorling as his guidepost to sing a roll. The good news here is this poster caused an outpouring of profound appreciation for Bjorling.
Your list is exactly the same as mine! I was lucky enough to sing with the great Pavarotti and also the marvelous Plácido. I almost (!) sang with Corelli when a soprano got taken ill in a Carmen performance in Miami (Micaela), but I was 7 months pregnant at the time and it wouldn’t look exactly good on Micaela! What frustration… but I did get to stand backstage and watch him perform up close. I chose that rare opportunity rather than first row tickets… What a thrill!
Eehh…you forgot Björling
Jussi Bjorling and Fritz Wunderlich.
Sorry, you just missed the biggest of them all - Jussi Bjorling!
Thanks so much-That is fantastic! I look forward to watching more of your work! :-)
Franco Corelli is my favorite operatic tenor, i.e. performed at the Met. Mario Lanza is my favorite Hollywood tenor who may have been able to perform at the Met, had he not died so young at the age of 38 in 1959 in Rome. Lanza cut off his ties to Hollywood and intended to pursue Grand Opera. He was so great that Caruso's own son stated that only Lanza could play his father in the movie The Great Caruso. Lanza had an enormous impact on such tenors as Jose Carreras who did a Tribute to Mario Lanza at Radio City Music Hall which I attended. That being said, my favorite operatic tenor, Franco Corelli owned Nessun Dorma,
which became Pavarotti's signature song. Pavarotti stated that Corelli had vocal cords of steel and would have been as popular as the Three Tenors if there was available TV coverage at that time.
Mario Lanza was wonderful. Never been anybody like him since.
Surprised to hear Lanza in the role of Caruso. His son was probably persuaded by the $ on that score.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Enrico Caruso, Jr, stated in 1991 that " I can think of no other tenor, before or since Mario Lanza, who could have risen, with comparable success, to the challenge of playing Caruso in a screen biography". The film was made in 1951. I don't think Caruso's son was pursuaded by the money 40 years later. Also, in 1951, there were very few, if any Tenor/actors who could have successfully played Caruso. Lanza held his own throughout the film as he performed with Metropolitan Opera stars on screen. The film was a great success for MGM and many opera stars credit Lanza and the film as the inspiration for them to become opera singers, Carreras and Domingo especially. Lanza also looked the part since he and Caruso were similar in height and build. Lanza's voice was as extraordinary as Caruso's.
You should see the movie. It is great.
@@williamrbuchanan4153 Why were you surprised that Lanza played the part of Caruso? I saw the film in 1951 over and over again. I was only 13 and I was mesmerised. He had a superb voice and there has never been anyone like him before or since.
@@maryleone2023 The movie was a hit in when it came out in 1951 and the recordings Lanza made for it in 1950 are available and still popular today.
The judge here is way off the mark. Just like the poster below, I agree with what he posted. Without Jussi, why post this?
Jussi Bjorling is the only tenor that came close to having a Stradivarius in his throat. He was phenomenal.
In my opinion pavarotti, Caruso and corelle were far way better.
No Bjorling? No Stefano? No Monaco? But Domingo and Pavarotti….hum……
I pulled out the Klemperer/Wunderlich
/Ludwig Mahler 'erde' today after hearing of the passing of Christa Ludwig... No tenor I have heard even comes close to it in that amazing work.
Bravo, I absolutely agree with you. I have the CD. Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada
For me: 1. Lanza 2. Corelli 3. Bjoerling 4. Pavarotti 5. Di Stefano
Lanza, tenor de peliculas.
No de teatro.
El teatro es la Tarea !
@@pablodemarcos5379 Perché non lo hai ascoltato dal vivo! Hai perduto una grande occasione!
@@rosannarisi622 Lanza ?Fenomeno mediatico americano. Cantante lirico da film(s) musicali...
Un epigono ?
Bocelli qui da noi, che seppur ha cantato opera in teatro, per tecnica e vocalità non può minimamente essere accostato a un tenore diciamo... "normale" di corrente carriera operistica.
Non faccio nomi, che già si sanno.
@@pablodemarcos5379Lanza did sing one role in theatre, but opted for movies. There is no doubt Lanza could have performed on stage as every great tenor would claim & many contemporary opera singers & conductors of his age.
I am the son of professional opera/classical singers and have listened at length to all the singers you mentioned. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on one's musical preferences as to who one's favorites would end up being. Just like Picasso is different than Van Gogh, most singers are trying to paint a picture with their voice that is unique within the music of their choosing.
A beautiful informative statement
@@sugarbist Yes--- he is spot on!
Excellent comment !
I totally agree with you, but you see, you can't name the 5 greatest painters of the world without mentioning Van Gogh; as well you can't name the 5 greatest opera tenors without mentioning Jussi Björling. This guy, the "tenor" who is making the statements doesn't say that these 5 are his favourites, he means that they are the greatest and he even puts Corelli as one of them, that is really stupid because Corelli is not a first class tenor, this is for sure.
@@marinellabakken7491 My dad loved Bjorling the most, and saw him a few times in recital.
Jussi Björling, according to Pavarotti, called Jussi thee best Bel Canto Tenor
Well Pavarotti was wrong Bjorling was not a bel canto tenor, he sang in the German style.
@@ZENOBlAmusic After 12 years of classical voice training as a tenor, though I appreciate your opinion and thank you for sharing it, I think I agree with Pavarotti.
Jussi Björling is the greatest imo. Listen to his interpretation of Nessun Dorma and O Holy Night
And "Il trovatore", "Rigoletto" (for me the best Duca di Mantova ever, although I also like Alfredo Kraus).
This is what happens when a younger person puts together a greatest tenor list. Jussi being Swedish and passing away in 1960, means he has not gotten the exposure and airplay of many other tenors, so tends to be overlooked. He was voted the favorite worldwide male operatic singer in the 20 th century, which the author of this video is wholly unaware of.
Of course, bjoerling is a greatest of all times ....
There are many other tenors who sings Nessun Dorma better.
Corelli is unsurpassed Calaf ! As if maestro Puccini, havi g travelled in a" time machinine ", happened to hear Corelli sing, which fact imspired him to composing Turandot, the one and only Calaf.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wunderlich will always be my favorite tenor.
Agree, he is one of my first three; Mozart is my favourite composer, maybe it make sense, but Wunderlich sings the most beautiful Granada too and other amazing things.
@@marinellabakken7491
I absolutely agree with you.
His Granada is out of this world.
Greetings from Montreal, Qc, Canada
My neighbor is a tenor, he sounds mostly like a strangled cat.
A shame Wunderlich died so very young. He would have been the best. My favorite for sure.
Hahaha sounds like a strangled cat! Sooo funny!!
Wunderlich was a Miracle, unfortunately he had an unhappy childhood and a terrible tragic death by an accident at a very young age. Had he lived longer, the face of the Opera World would have looked different. Huge, huge talent!
RIP Fritz Wunderlich!
If Fritz had lived to the age of 45, you would have never, ever heard of Pavarotti.
If the cat was strangled wouldn't it be silent as in ex-cat?
Without Caruso, Benjamino Gigli and Jussy Bjorling ?
I just loved your video
Thank you so mucg. Please do more of the same.
Love that you included Corelli. Such an interesting man. Very nervous, suffered greatly from stage fright, which led to his earlier-then-necessary retirement -- so I understand. I"m also a fan of Roberto Alagna in opera roles (not outside of opera). He is a wonderful but understated actor.
He didnt retired early because of stage fright,he over came his fear by constantly practicing ,remember he starting singing at 33,you are absolutly right about Roberto
@@raulc398 i don’t think he ever overcame his performance fear issues but you’re right it wasn’t garden variety stage fright. It wasn’t fear of the audience. It was anxiety that his performance wouldn’t be 100 percent of what he expected of himself and know he was capable of. And although he did retire earlier than people expected him to, (age 55) it was prompted by his own concerns about his vocal decline and in fact he did experience some discernible decline within a few years. So, my comment was off the mark.
@@epona9166 I don't think it is that simple. The stage fright grew over the years, and I think that effected his vocal performances. His vocal performances was still better then most, he could easily have continued, he did not lose any range and never sang with a wobble in the voice. His breath control. one of his strongest attributes were affected. He sang a few recitals at the age of 60 and his voice sounded better then ever, the time away from the constant pressure of the opera stage seemed to cause added stress that effected his voice.
Thanks for this. I got here right after watching Pavarotti and James Brown performing together.
???????. Where is Jussi Bjorling, the finest tenor to ever grace the planet. His slow version of Nessum Dorma in 1944 is the finest operatic performance in history. Do your homework, child.
Well said, probably this is the most correct to say, he didn't do his homework properly.
The finest operatic performance? It is not even the best Nessun Dorma.
@ZENOBlAmusic I don't argue with the ignorant.
Thanks for your list, but in my list there other greatest voices.
1.- Bianimino Gigli. For mi The Best.
2.- Luciano Pavarotti
3.- Jussi Bjorling
4.- Franco Corelli
5.- José Carreras
Se Pavarotti è più grande di Corelli, allora siamo nel mondo all' incontrario.
Sorry mate, without Bjorling you cannot be taken seriously!!!
Where is Bjorling?! Come on,
I see he added Bjoerling to the opening -- after complaints he hadn’t been included?
I dunno, Jussi? A top tenor list without Björling?
Here's the way I see it: if one were to rank tenors exclusively on the basis of BEAUTY of voice, my top three picks would be Jussi Björling, Fritz Wunderlich, and Giacomo Aragall (interestingly enough, not one of them was/is Italian). However, I don't necessarily regard these men as the greatest tenors per se. There is more to being a *great* tenor than simply having a naturally beautiful instrument. Consider sopranos: nobody really thinks of Maria Callas as having possessed an exceptionally beautiful voice (indeed, even she didn't especially like her own voice). Plenty of sopranos had/have more beautiful voices than she; yet, Callas clearly wins the battle hands down as THE greatest soprano of all time.
I like a lot Maria Callas's voice. She was a complete artist.
@SnFanForever There exists a recording of Maria Callas in rehearsal: titled, "Callas Dallas." To my ears it is remarkable!
No way was Callas the greatest, her Visi D'arte is absolutely beautiful but a really good soprano needs to have more than one string to her bow.
@@helenakeane2449 Callas did sing as a coloratura, mezzo, soprano and dramatic soprano. That's a lot of bows.
@@sugarbist Along with extreme weight loss, added to her early decline
It's your list... but if we're doing 20th century... I think Bjorling has to be there, and what about my personal favourites, Alfredo Kraus ... and Nicholai Gedda... (I know, I prefer the sweeter, lighter tenors....) - if we're doing 21st century, I think Carreras was unfairly eclipsed by the more famous 2 of 3... Botcelli has had his moments... but if I pick 3 ... Villazon, juan diego florez and Kaufmann??? - and if you have the time... I can see that there is something of a matter of "taste'... something I hear differently, and please.. if you look back at this, I will be looking for your answer
When you had given it the title "My greatest 5 tenors", it would be ok. Now it is for several reason just stupid. Not only because any list without Jussi Bjorling has no value, but the idea that one can make a list with the 5 greatest tenors all time is just insane. because it shows that you have no clue about what kind of music 'classic' tenors sings. Besides the fact that there are several total different kind of operastyles and they all need different voices., then are the oratorie and the songs, they also ask completely different voices. Then before the opera we had other classic music, we also have the religious song music.. Bach wrote a lot of them...again, you need a total different kind of voice to sing them.
I mean, you have Italian opera, French opera, German opera, American opera I'm quite sure Pavarotti would not sing "Nixon in China" very well. We have Russian, Slavian and so on songs and what ever.. To sing Mahler you need again another voice.The same for Monteverdi and Bach and so on...
The statement "The 5 Greatest Tenors of All Time" includes that you asume that one kind of music is more worth or important than the other. When I see the list, you're just a follower of Pavarotti thinking that that is the only music we should talk about.
And by the way... Pavarotti considered Jussi Bjorling and Del Monaco as the greatest tenors... I did not see them on your list (I stopped the video on 0:23 )
But there are a few tenors who sang many styles. Although they mostly tend to be spinto tenors.
FRANCO CORELLI! BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED... My man! Bis bis bis.. I agree Pavarotti was the best marketing and successful... But CORELLI gets my #1 spot
The best marketing singer today is Jonas Kaufmann (probably a multimillionaire).
Yes, Corelli had the beauty AND the passion. Pavarotti's voice - even great - always sounded cold and I felt it had no heart.
th-cam.com/video/aM3ySVZPrqY/w-d-xo.html
Just watched this for the second time, really interesting and informative. Thanks for putting this together🤗
Did you ever hear of Lauritz Melchior, Georges Thill or Beniamino Gigli? Closer to our time, Jussi Bjoerling. All of your tenors are great singers, great tenors, great voices (except for Domingo, a great singer but vocally, Pavarotti and Corelli had it over him.
Jussi??
I an so glad that Mario Lanza is included! He needs to be!
Thks for this video ! We really missed the big man!
I know bupkes about opera except for Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma but I LOVE your passion and found this very interesting. You have inspired me to delve! Thank you! ❤️👍
Ok here is my list. Jussi Bjorling, Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, Nicolai Gedda, Franco Corelli. This is just my opinion.
The one for me is Jussi Bjorling.
All preferences are subjective. My list Bjorling Bergonzi Shicoff Florez.
YES. Another Shicoff fan!!
@@thesilvershining me too!
Agreed, not Florez but add others .
Nice video. Enjoyed it. What about Jussi?
Thank you so much for this interesting review. Fabulous 💞
Two of the great Swedes on your honourable mentions! Well, Jussi will always be the greatest to me.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I look forward to your next production.
In Oder: Bjorling, Pavarotti, Caruso, Gigli, Corelli, Then Di Stefano, Wunderlich, Gedda, Kraus, Then, Lanza, Mc Cormack,
Agree on your #1 and #2 completely!
Great video!!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 bravo!
Jussi Bjorling and Giuseppe Di Stafano would be on my list.
Jussy Bjoerling us MISSING!!!
Bjorling! I also loved Cura, but no one else seems to have heard of him.
I saw / heard Cura as Samson and he gave a stellar performance, born for the role perhaps. Cura unfortunately was an inconsistent performer and music directors began to shy away from hiring him. Here on TH-cam one can see his sensitive but powerful Turridu (with W. Meier).
@@phil2u48 Have you seen the 2000 live “La Traviata” with Cura? There were some rough spots, but I loved it - very cinematic (even tho the plot is pretty ridiculous).
Cura's career was short-lived, so he didn't leave much of a legacy.
@@rawvision6701 Loved Cura's first recording, saw him in London at the Festival Hall and he was great, but then he lost his touch somewhere along the way. Bit like Jonas Kaufman - wonderful at first, now I have to turn off the radio if he's singing.
@@phil2u48 Saw him sing Samson long ago in Chicago, not really greatly impressed, he was OK though.
Estas verde, Gigli ,Nicolai Gedda , Bjoerling se pasa a todos ellos por el arco del triunfo!
Completely agree with you, Franco also my favorite, and Luciano also on my list for the best
You are wrong. Nummer 1 is Jussi Bjørling.
You are so right about Corelli. I would add some other tenors but then it would be a top 10 list ;-)
Jussi Bjorling, Placido Domingo, and Neil Shicoff are my favorites ♥️
interesting, I saw all 3 of them, JB first in 1958.
@@shicoff1398
You were so lucky! I would have liked so much to see Björling, but had no chance at all, should have been born earlier.
@@marinellabakken7491 well, yes I have my memories and still the interest in opera!
Thank you for the most enjoyable and FUN video sharing your favorite tenors. You are so gifted.
Pavarotti was the top tenor for all time no one ever reached the notes he did so please put him on TOP !!!!
Got to love TH-cam. It is where I learned to love Opera.
Thank you for the very good video! Once again everyone can see that Pavarotti is simply unmatched! I can't look at or listen to Pavarotti without crying. He was so cute, I just want to hug him. Now he sings for the angels. 🥰😭🥰😭🥰😭🥰