How an old-school maestro conducts Tosca

Nello Santi, who died today.

The soprano Aprile Millo writes: One of the greatest and most knowledgeable maestri of the Italian repertoire and voice has crossed to Paradise. Nello Santi. Not only Italian Opéra but symphonic repertoire as well. Whole orchestras would respect him and laugh with him at his encyclopedic recitation of Opéra lore and in correcting some singing or orchestral members he would do so in in fast solfeggio every single note. Some of the greatest nights of my life on stage were under his superb direction. Since I was 22 I knew him. Some of my first rehearsals were with him at the Met. My first Luisa Miller at the Met. Countless Aida’s and Trovatore’s. He was the maestro who winked at me and gave me permission to cap the Triumphal Scene in Aida with a high Eb that brought pandemonium in the house of cheers. Andrea Chenier. Turandot. He said you should leave Liu now. You are Turandot with such easy top and thrilling C’s. That he helped form so much in my life with such charm and ease and his sense of total calm. He had heard and worked with them all. He made the orchestra a third lung. Breathing with you in a supportive ocean of beauty and sound. To his beautiful family go my heartfelt condolences. His wife, so very much a part of who he was, Gabby. My arms are around you. What a loss for all who love Opéra. A real maestro. God bless you this day in Paradise. I shall never forget a word you said. Or the emotions you made me feel while serving music. Pax perpetua!!!!

Maria Guleghina writes: No words… one of the greatest and most beloved maestros … one of the most most important ones in my life…
eternal memory. We did so many beautiful productions and concerts together, amongst them unforgettable Nabucco at Gran Teatre del Liceu and at Festival Castell de Peralada as well as Tosca at Opernhaus Zürich…
Rest in peace legendary Nello Santi Nello Santi

RIPOSI IN PACE…