This voice is going to break

This voice is going to break

main

norman lebrecht

September 25, 2016

But, before it does, Norwegian composer Henning Kraggerud has rushed out a tribute aria.

The boy, Aksel Rykkvin, is 13.

In Norway, he’s bigger than Charlotte Church, Laura Bretan and Jackie Evancho put together.

Watch.

Comments

  • Alexander says:

    Extraordinary. This is wonderful because he is a boy singing as a boy. Where the others went wrong was that they thought that it was possible to sing operatic arias written for the voice, technique, and musicianship of an adult woman while they were still children.

  • Una says:

    Couldn’t agree more, Alexander, but then there are vast amounts of money in all of this child promotion.

    • Petros LInardos says:

      And the vast amounts of money apparently trump considerations of what’s best for this magnificently gifted boy’s development. Would any of you honestly allow that kind of exploitation for your own child?

      • Robert Holmén says:

        It’s not like they are toiling in coal mines.

        The kid is going to sing anyway. He might as well make money at it.

        • Theresa Finzi says:

          Curious. I always thought that musical performance was part of musical education. And it is done just superbly here!

  • Stanley Cohen says:

    Is that an observation or an instruction, Norman?

  • Aksel Rykkvin says:

    Thank you for posting this. It was a great experience to record with Henning, and a great honour to have it written with my voice in mind. No sign of a voice break for me yet, luckily 🙂 Please also check out my debut solo album with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: http://radi.al/AkselArias

    • Claire Yashar says:

      Aksel, your vocal technique is superb. That is something you will keep for the rest of your life. Bravo.

  • Rosana Martins says:

    Beautiful voice! I hope his family will ensure the continuation of his musical education. He could have a big future!

  • Marguerite says:

    Heard a clip via another blog a couple of weeks ago – he certainly has a beautiful voice. Good luck to him !

  • Elsa says:

    Like a flower this voice won’t last, but after the flower comes the fruit. Who knows how beautiful that will be.

  • Dorothy Holister says:

    I’ve recently discovered Aksel and play his music and his lovely voice every day. He brings great pleasure into the life of a very old lady living alone.

    Thank you, Aksel!

    All my love,

    Dorothy

  • MOST READ TODAY: