Most probably know this but Nessun Dorma charted at number 2 in the UK in June 1990. So even though it is 'opera' it is popular in the mainstream.
Nessun Dorma
On the back of Italia '90 though.
Shame it didn't inspire the Azzurri, I'm a huge fan!
Sorry, I digress.....
xverso xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shame it didn't inspire the Azzurri, I'm a huge fan!
Sorry, I digress.....
xverso xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I don't think opera is popular in the mainstream. As someone said, it was the theme tune to the world cup and played at the beginning and end credits of every match, for still didn't make number 1 though, eh. What beat it to the top, 1990....hmm Whigfield? Think that was a bit later than 1990, was it Mc Hammer? Jason Donovan? Snap? Craig McClouglin? 
Think it was Elton John's "Sacrifice" actually, jeez I'm a font of useless knowledge today!
Elton was knocked off the top spot by the classic Partners in Kryme, "Turtle Power". From the sublime to the ridiculous!
I'll quit it with the randomness now peeps!
xverso xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Elton was knocked off the top spot by the classic Partners in Kryme, "Turtle Power". From the sublime to the ridiculous!
I'll quit it with the randomness now peeps!
xverso xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was being sung by the Master of Tenors, Senor Pavarotti, that time, though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.
Originally Posted by hobbituk:
“It was being sung by the Master of Tenors, Senor Pavarotti, that time, though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.”
“It was being sung by the Master of Tenors, Senor Pavarotti, that time, though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.”
I think it sounded more than ok! I've listened to the mp3 of this song and it sounded fantastic.
You can't compare Jon's voice to that of Pavarotti right now -I am no expert but having spoken to people here who know a lot about operatic voices the operatic voice matures as you get older and with Jon only being 22 years old his voice has to mature more and will sound a bit different in years to come - even better than it is now. I hope that makes sense?
I suggest you take a listen to the songs recorded by young operatic stars with talent - take a listen to Pavoritti in the early 70's.
Face it folks, G4 are more King's Singers than the new Pavarotti.
Does anybody who has a serious interest in Opera (defined, say as having seen an Opera and/or owning at least 15 opera CDs) actually like G4.
Richard.
PS I'm not an opera purist by any stretch of the imagination, Pavarotti's contribution to The Passengers' "Miss Sarajevo" always gives me goosebumps.
Face it folks, G4 are more King's Singers than the new Pavarotti.
Does anybody who has a serious interest in Opera (defined, say as having seen an Opera and/or owning at least 15 opera CDs) actually like G4.
Richard.
PS I'm not an opera purist by any stretch of the imagination, Pavarotti's contribution to The Passengers' "Miss Sarajevo" always gives me goosebumps.
Have to agree with you there, Richard. I don't wish G4 ill, but all this over-hyping does irritate me. I'd never claim to be an expert on opera, nor do I deny that Jon has a good voice, but it sounds no better than several young tenors I've heard sing with, say, English Touring Opera. That is, it's probably good enough for a second (or third)string opera company, but there is a significant difference between that and a world class voice. Those are very rare.
Unfortunately for Jon, by singing Nessun Dorma, he inevitably invited comparisons with Pavarotti.
Unfortunately for Jon, by singing Nessun Dorma, he inevitably invited comparisons with Pavarotti.
Originally Posted by hobbituk:
“It was being sung by the Master of Tenors, Senor Pavarotti, that time, though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.”
“It was being sung by the Master of Tenors, Senor Pavarotti, that time, though.
G4's version is.... not quite to that standard. Mainly because in my opinion, Jonathan's tenor voice is more like that of Jose Carrerras, lighter and less rich. It sounded ok on the night though.”
Jose Carreras had a fantastically rich voice until he was put out of action by leukaemia. I always preferred him and Placido Domingo (the Master of Tenors, IMO) to Pavarotti who was always a bit too nasal for me.... and those painted on eyebrows.... sheesh!
Originally Posted by rij:
“Jose Carreras had a fantastically rich voice until he was put out of action by leukaemia. I always preferred him and Placido Domingo (the Master of Tenors, IMO) to Pavarotti who was always a bit too nasal for me.... and those painted on eyebrows.... sheesh!”
“Jose Carreras had a fantastically rich voice until he was put out of action by leukaemia. I always preferred him and Placido Domingo (the Master of Tenors, IMO) to Pavarotti who was always a bit too nasal for me.... and those painted on eyebrows.... sheesh!”
i feel the same, but dont you feel as though its sacrlige not to like pavorotti
Originally Posted by baileybots:
“i feel the same, but dont you feel as though its sacrlige not to like pavorotti”
“i feel the same, but dont you feel as though its sacrlige not to like pavorotti”
Nah... I've never been one to follow the pack, baileybots! Sure, Pav is technically a great singer (although as I said, too nasal for my liking), but he also looks like a big ol' cartoon character so you can't really take him seriously when you see him in a lead role. The reason Placido Domingo is the Master in my opinion, is that not only does he have a rich, smooth and powerful voice, but he's also a much better actor so you completely believe him in any role. Jose Carreras would have been the next Domingo had his voice not been knocked out by the illness when he was only just approaching his prime. So yes, anyone seeing him now might be forgiven for thinking that his voice is lighter, but I'd still rather listen to him now than the big cartoon.
Pavarotti? Schmavarotti!
