Mattia Battistini as Macbeth - Pietà, rispetto, amore (1912) скачать в хорошем качестве

Mattia Battistini as Macbeth - Pietà, rispetto, amore (1912)

Commendator Mattia Battistini (1856 - 1928) was regarded by HIS contemporaries as the greatest bel canto baritone. Here he sings "Pietà, rispetto, amore" from Macbeth by Verdi. A highly personal, nineteenth century version of the aria. More red blooded than we would expect today. A good reminder that the old days of vocal license weren't necessarily undramatic... And he did say: "My school is in my recordings". ------------------------------------- The illusion of of unbroken, cello-like legato is still there, due to the impeccable floating of the voice on the breath and the masterly use of upward and downward portamento, creating an effect of warmth and grandeur. And - despite his smoothness of legato - Battistini does not hesitate to break the line, on occasion, for dramatic expression. I particularly love his tormented first cadenza (0:57): Eppur la vita sento nelle mie fi _ bre in _ ari _ di _ ta! (My way of life is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf...) With respect to his legato, it is worth pointing out that he uses more portamento than is nowadays regarded as quite "correct" in order to achieve it. But this was the recommended style of his generation and before, and probably singers of today ought to give it more consideration when singing music from the nineteenth century. Note also the stylish, perfectly clear cadenza. "Pietà, rispetto, amore" was recorded when he was 56. The voice, breathing and technique do not show signs of decay or the passage of time. He even interpolates an unwritten High A flat... the triumph of the "curses"... ------------------------------------- MACBETH ................................................... This push Will cheer me ever, or disseat me now. I have lived long enough: my way of life Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf; And that which should accompany old age, As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have; but, in their stead, Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not... Verdi's Macbeth was largely forgotten until the 1940s, but both Battistini and Caruso recorded excerpts: Ah, la paterna mano - Enrico Caruso 1916:    • Enrico Caruso - Ah, la paterna mano (from ...