Such a remarkable man. A true vocal sage. Everything he said is true. He was talking about conductors who experimented with 'effects' in studio recordings instead of focusing on real musicianship and interpretation, and it's something they could not have possibly afforded in theatre (it is actually prevalent anyway in nowadays opera houses due to amplification).
I can imagine how horrified he would be now with the lowering of singing standards and total disregard for the composer’s intention. As far as I’m concerned opera as an art form has reached a new low (with too few exceptions) from which it might never recover. Maria predicted this not long before her untimely death.
MacNeil was highly intelligent, he had no affectation. I read an interview with him in the 1980s so clear about the opera business and pure opera art form
The year of this interview was the same year that three great baritones died: Warren, Tibbett, and JC Thomas, as well as the tenor Jussi Bjorling and the soprano Lucrezia Bori, among other opera artists. It was one of the saddest years for opera lovers. On the flip side, Cornell MacNeil was a rising star. I heard him on stage in the 1960's and still believe he had the most beautiful baritone voice among contemporary singers. His only rival in terms of sheer sound was Robert Merrill.
I absolutely love that 38 is young for a baritone!! He only debuted at The Met the year before at age 37, which isn't uncommon at all! As a 25 year-old baritone, I better take up knitting in the meantime besides that whole singing thing. ;)
One of the real great baritones. His speaking voice is also very pleasant to listen to also.
Such a remarkable man. A true vocal sage. Everything he said is true. He was talking about conductors who experimented with 'effects' in studio recordings instead of focusing on real musicianship and interpretation, and it's something they could not have possibly afforded in theatre (it is actually prevalent anyway in nowadays opera houses due to amplification).
I can imagine how horrified he would be now with the lowering of singing standards and total disregard for the composer’s intention. As far as I’m concerned opera as an art form has reached a new low (with too few exceptions) from which it might never recover. Maria predicted this not long before her untimely death.
MacNiel would clearly say that the modern recording industry has single-handedly destroyed opera by ruining our ears... and he's right!
MacNeil was highly intelligent, he had no affectation. I read an interview with him in the 1980s so clear about the opera business and pure opera art form
I fully agree.
By chance was this the interview? www.bruceduffie.com/macneil.html
@@trrill YES! I was very impressed!
Thank you for sharing. He was such a class act.
Huge beautiful voice and he was very dramatic.
Wow! Thanks for sharing!!
What a fantastic and interesting interview! Thank you for posting.
What a gem!!
The year of this interview was the same year that three great baritones died: Warren, Tibbett, and JC Thomas, as well as the tenor Jussi Bjorling and the soprano Lucrezia Bori, among other opera artists. It was one of the saddest years for opera lovers. On the flip side, Cornell MacNeil was a rising star. I heard him on stage in the 1960's and still believe he had the most beautiful baritone voice among contemporary singers. His only rival in terms of sheer sound was Robert Merrill.
Thank you for sharing this! I didn't realize it existed.
He's YOUNG here. Only 38.
I absolutely love that 38 is young for a baritone!! He only debuted at The Met the year before at age 37, which isn't uncommon at all! As a 25 year-old baritone, I better take up knitting in the meantime besides that whole singing thing. ;)
@@ChrisStockslager he also looks quite young in the photo.
Along with Giuseppe Taddei and Robert Merrill one of my favourite baritones.
Among the greatest. He is so missed.
Babbone¡!!!! Had not ever heard this. Thank you for posting this!!!!
Very welcome! (Is this Susan, by the way?)
trrill Yes
Great singer!
Bravo.
Alan Wagner sounds like Seth McFarlane.
So... what was MACs other job? Anybody know?
He worked at the Bulova watch factory in Queens.
@@trrill what? Bullova watches are made in Queens? Lol
What was the “other work” that he did to make ends meet?
I believe he worked in the Bulova watch factory.
@@trrill Thanks.