An immortal tenor has died
mainThe inimitable Carlo Bergonzi has died in a hoospital in Milan. He spent the last years of his life in Verdi’s home village, Bussetto. He was 90.
Vale, Carlo!
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I am deeply saddened by the news of Carlo Bergonzi’s death. For me, he was the greatest of all tenors, and his passing is undeniably the end of an era. His recordings of Bohème with Tebaldi and Butterfly with Scotto are unsurpassed, as are so many of his recordings. His final appearance in Chicago, a recital at Orchestra Hall (now Symphony Center) in 1986, was a lesson to all of us who were fortunate enough to be present that afternoon. Though the top of his magnificent voice was gone, it did not matter. His breath control, as always, was astounding and the sheer beauty, warmth and elegance of his singing shall never be forgotten. Bergonzi sang from his heart and possessed a voice of pure gold – he was truly an artist to cherish.
Ah…another great one, gone. His voice was, indeed, pure gold. An innate, and a practiced, I am sure, beauty. “Refined,” without annoying mannerisms. He didn’t command the hype that Pavarotti (in particular) did, nor was his fame as public as that of Domingo. No matter. Voice, articulation, and attention to text were quite enough. Truly, rest in peace.