Renata Tebaldi sings the title role in La Gioconda. This performance was given in Naples in 1968, and marked her triumphant return to this city which saw so many of her early career triumphs.

We hear excerpts from Acts 2, 3, and 4. This was late in Tebaldi's career, but she does things here that she couldn't really have done earlier in her career. She sings with such fearless and even wreckless abandon, that you will be shocked and thrilled. Did any soprano ever have such a huge chest voice? I have never heard one. And her top is in fine shape here, with the B's and Bb's sounding wonderful. Such immersion in a role is rare, but listen to Tebaldi here.

Please leave your comments.

Best wishes,

Ed

Listen to the chemistry give off sparks beween Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon in this magnificent scene from Massenet's Manon.

"Ah, fuyez" begins the scene, and we hear the rest of the act.

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This is great singing for all to enjoy!!

Best wishes,

Ed

Robert Merrill lends his gorgeous voice to the great baritone aria, Il balen, from Verdi's Il Trovatore. It doesn't get any better than this!!