Search - Vincenzo d' Annibale, Eldo di Lazzaro, Eduardo di Capua :: The Soul of Italy

A Great Italian tenor from NY

Rosomax | Boulder, CO United States | 09/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fascinating biography of Richard Tucker has been well publicized. Somehow, his name keeps dropping out from the various "top ten" lists. Luckily, his vast recorded legacy combined with modern reengineering methods does not allow his name to fade into obscurity. The CD at hand combines two albums originally issues as LPs - "The Soul of Italy" and "The Art of Bel Canto". There are 12 songs from each album, allowing for generous helping of Neapolitan Songs from the former and 18th century Italian composers' songs from the latter. Most of the Neapolitan songs are well known to current public largely thanks to Luciano Pavarotti's two albums "O Sole Mio" and "Passione". While I respectfully disagree with a statement of my fellow reviewer that Pavarotti has "corrupted" the material, I must say that the execution of some of the songs on these albums appeared somewhat detached. Not the case with Tucker. He pours a lot of heart and soul into these songs, easily evoking images usually associated with them (Italian scenery, unrequited love, and big BIG passions). Had I not known that Tucker was born and raised in a Jewish household in Brooklyn NY, I would've surely thought, "this is an Italian singing". This only goes to say that true art knows no geographical boundaries. Tucker's Italian, in fact, is perfect, as several native speakers have told me, and he stresses all the right words. He isn't afraid to allow a bit of a sob or a sigh into his tone, and they do sound authentic, not overdone.
Turning to the Bel Canto part of the CD (tracks 13-24) one is in for a surprise - the singing here is entirely different. Here's why: most of these songs are vocal students' bread and butter, having been published in a well-known Schirmer compilation book "24 Italian Songs and Arias Of The 17th and 18th C." They require simple approach, but utmost care and control of the voice, especially a big voice such as Tucker's. I have no doubt that Tucker has studied these songs in his early years, and he consciously makes them as straightforward as possible, yet infuses each with subtle passion. It has now become somewhat of a trend to rediscover these songs once again. The latest offering is from a wonderful young tenor Ramon Vargas and it's a pleasure to hear that he, just like Tucker does not over-emote on any of these songs and just sings them through as they were meant to be sang. Tucker's tenor voice was exceptionally large. Therefore the singer had to exercise a great deal of control with this repertoire. The result -- quite possibly the best rendition of these songs on record. Regrettably, the well-known "Pieta Signore" is attributed to ... Rossini.
This CD is a must for any fan of good singing. The second half of it is also a good companion for the voice students. Along with "Richard Tucker sings Verdi" and "Welcoming the Sabbath", this disc is a testimony to the talent and personality of one of the greatest singers of the 20th century."

Tucker: an Italian tenor from Brooklyn.

Carlos Alfonso Edo | Mataro, Barcelona Spain | 04/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here you'll find Tucker at his best: Glorious voice, ringing, powerful and supple. Faultless singing technique, and an unerring sense of style in this popular, and not so popular, italian repertoire. He is fully idiomatic and musically deligthful. Really a great italian tenor that came from Brooklyn!"

Outstanding - a real treasure

Carlos Alfonso Edo | 11/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fidelity is marvelous, the singing superb, everything about this recording is the best. It is a lovely, lovely album and it is difficult to believe that he isn't Italian."