cornucopia2 (September 30, 2008 at 5:35 pm)

Ma come "NO" ! E' l'unico che possa avvicinarsi alla magnificenza di Gigli: per favore, questo non è terreno per Corelli, Del Monaco e co. !

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 8:56 pm)

Perhaps you're right about that. I've not seen or heard her enough to offer a qualified opinion. What I did hear didn't sway me in any strong direction. Of course she's Italian and so am I, so I'll give her more attention:)

rovingeye5 (September 26, 2008 at 7:53 pm)

Frittoli has a way to go maybe but she's an impressive actress- good emotional content, heart soul. Of course it's hard to beat Stratas Scotto for those qualities too, not to mention their impeccable musicianship.

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 7:36 pm)

If you've not already watched it, Scotto's final scene from Suor Angelica is in my favorites. There's nothing quite like it. Sorry to go off the topic.

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 7:33 pm)

Very nice; Scala is a good start. No I don't care for Frittoli, although it is a pleasant enough voice tonally, I find the rest of a bit bland, and the top is getting a bit sketchy. Listen, I've seen Stratas and Scotto sing Angelica. After that it's not easy to be impressed.

rovingeye5 (September 26, 2008 at 6:39 pm)

I think you'd like James Valenti if you like Bergonzi. He debuted this summer at La Scala. I also like Barbara Frittoli. Have you heard her in Suor Angelica?

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 6:17 pm)

I've not heard of him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was touted as the next best thing to sliced bread, and turned out to be unleavened wheat. I'll be fair about it, just like I have so many times with the "new", but I doubt I'll be all that impressed. As far as any inheritance of Bergonzi's throne, let's just say that seat is permanently taken.

rovingeye5 (September 26, 2008 at 6:04 pm)

maybe the "new" american tenor James Valenti will inherit the Bergonzi throne. Have you heard? His voice is huge.

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 5:28 pm)

NO!!

Andante735 (September 26, 2008 at 5:27 pm)

You may be right! If not, it's extremely close. What a master - when he sings it's a lesson in perfection. I certainly cannot imagine anyone singing this aria any better.