Customer Reviews

The Soul of Italy

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The fascinating biography of Richard Tucker has been well publicized. Somehow, his name keeps dropping out from the various "top ten" lists. Luckily, his vast recorded legacy combined with modern reengineering methods does not allow his name to fade into obscurity. The CD at hand combines two albums originally issues as LPs - "The Soul of Italy" and "The Art of Bel Canto". There are 12 songs from each album, allowing for generous helping of Neapolitan Songs from the former and 18th century Italian composers' songs from the latter. Most of the Neapolitan songs are well known to current public largely thanks to Luciano Pavarotti's two albums "O Sole Mio" and "Passione". While I respectfully disagree with a statement of my fellow reviewer that Pavarotti has "corrupted" the material, I must say that the execution of some of the songs on these albums appeared somewhat detached. Not the case with Tucker. He pours a lot of heart and soul into these songs, easily evoking images usually associated with them (Italian scenery, unrequited love, and big BIG passions). Had I not known that Tucker was born and raised in a Jewish household in Brooklyn NY, I would've surely thought, "this is an Italian singing". This only goes to say that true art knows no geographical boundaries. Tucker's Italian, in fact, is perfect, as several native speakers have told me, and he stresses all the right words. He isn't afraid to allow a bit of a sob or a sigh into his tone, and they do sound authentic, not overdone.
Turning to the Bel Canto part of the CD (tracks 13-24) one is in for a surprise - the singing here is entirely different. Here's why: most of these songs are vocal students' bread and butter, having been published in a well-known Schirmer compilation book "24 Italian Songs and Arias Of The 17th and 18th C." They require simple approach, but utmost care and control of the voice, especially a big voice such as Tucker's. I have no doubt that Tucker has studied these songs in his early years, and he consciously makes them as straightforward as possible, yet infuses each with subtle passion. It has now become somewhat of a trend to rediscover these songs once again. The latest offering is from a wonderful young tenor Ramon Vargas and it's a pleasure to hear that he, just like Tucker does not over-emote on any of these songs and just sings them through as they were meant to be sang. Tucker's tenor voice was exceptionally large. Therefore the singer had to exercise a great deal of control with this repertoire. The result -- quite possibly the best rendition of these songs on record. Regrettably, the well-known "Pieta Signore" is attributed to ... Rossini.
This CD is a must for any fan of good singing. The second half of it is also a good companion for the voice students. Along with "Richard Tucker sings Verdi" and "Welcoming the Sabbath", this disc is a testimony to the talent and personality of one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.

Here you'll find Tucker at his best: Glorious voice, ringing, powerful and supple. Faultless singing technique, and an unerring sense of style in this popular, and not so popular, italian repertoire. He is fully idiomatic and musically deligthful. Really a great italian tenor that came from Brooklyn!

The fidelity is marvelous, the singing superb, everything about this recording is the best. It is a lovely, lovely album and it is difficult to believe that he isn't Italian.

Richard Tucker's Soul of Italy is a CD you simply MUST have. The Neapolitan songs on this album are excellently done, particularly "Ohie meneche", but the real history making part of this CD are tracks 13 through 24, which is all of Tucker's great "Art of Bel Canto" album. This album consisted of 12 arie antiche selections that are, to this day, definitive. It is very impressive indeed how Tucker controls his large voice on such ariettas as "Caro mio Ben", "Gia'il sole del Gange", "Che fiero Costume", the classic "Nina", and the like. Listening to the Bel Canto selections on this CD is like hearing history in the making. Tucker's interpretations on these selections has influenced some of the premier artists of today like Pavarotti, and have yet to be duplicated. This CD offers a double treat. The first half shows off those magnificent Tucker high notes and interpretive passion. The second half displays what true refined, well produced singing is all about. This collection is a must for anyone's collection. As the previous reviewer states, the sooner you purchase this CD the better. Tucker is literally a paragon of vocal virtue here. The album title is The Soul of Italy and Richard Tucker certainly has plenty of soul to offer. This CD is something that simply has to be experienced. A true gem

I don't think the critics and public knew quite what to make of Richard Tucker's "The Art of Bel Canto," which was released in the 1960s, when the dramatic tenor was in his 50s. Why did this legendary Rodolfo (Luisa Miller) and Canio stop to record "Sebben crudele" and "Danza, danza fanciulla"? The singing, however, is stunning in every way. How many dramatic tenors could sing this repertoire with such utterly flawless technique? The heart is there, too, and the orchestrations are ingenious and colorful.

Even today the record execs don't know what to make of this legendary foray into the arie antiche. What were they thinking when they released these 12 exquisite tracks on a repulsive-looking CD entitled "The Soul of Italy"? The stereotypical cover makes Tucker look like a Mafia goon named Guido the Wrench. And the program notes must certainly be one of the most mindless ever to be published on a commercial CD.

No matter, this CD is a must own for all voice teachers and for anyone who THINKS they understand "the technique."

The items on this outstanding CD comprise what were two separate long playing records at the time of their original release during the 1960's. The first twelve tracks came from an LP titled "The Soul of Italy", which contained fresh and beautiful renditions of Neopolitan Songs by Bellini, Lazzaro, Barbieri, and "Annunzio. They remain, owing to Richard Tucker's enduring artistry, models of style and refinement, even in light of subsequent versions by Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, etc. But it is the second portion of this disc (tracks 13-24), however, that makes this disc a necessary purchase for anyone who cherishes the art of great singing and artistry. To my ears, this is the greatest work Richard Tucker ever preserved on records, and had he recorded nothing else save for these items, his place in the history of great singing would be secured. The LP from which these selections was originally titled "The Art of Bel Canto", in which Tucker performs the "arie antiche" of Giordani, Scarlatti, Rossini, Sarti, Gluck, Durante, Caldara, Torelli, Veracini, and Pergolesi. These arias, or more aptly, "ariettas", were written for singers whose voices and techniques could do them proper justice. They demand a perfectly placed voice, a solid and effortless vocal technique, and the ability to sing a long vocal line with absolute perfect vocal control. Few are the singers who would attempt them, because they would expose the most minor imperfection in a voice and magnify it to proportions that would make the music come off as a vocal travesty. Richard Tucker sings these pieces as though he were to the manner and idiom born. He sings these gems with elegance, style, and with a vocal beauty not even he has equalled on his many other recordings. The selections themselves are ravishingly beautiful, and the tenor gets outstanding support from the Columbia Chamber Ensemble as well as by the distinguished pianist John Wustman. One can close their eyes and actually feel as though they are attending an intimate drawing room recital. This recording is a gem and would be a bargain at twice the price. The music and singingheard here is of a caliber that it must be experienced and savored than merely described and discussed. You need this one ------ and as soon as you get get it!

Being an aspiring tenor I have been researching various music and was looking for different renditions of Nina. After seeing the review "Drown Pavarotti" I ordered the CD. It is magic. I see so many Cd's that talk about the "Three Tenors". After hearing this CD there is only one tenor as far as I am concerned. I listened to Nina first, and it was stunning. I was amazed. It is now my mission to own any and everything this incredible artist has done. If you want to hear a great tenor look no further. This CD is my new favorite and I have a feeling it will be number one for a long time. I just received the CD today and I felt so strongly about this I couldn't wait to post a review.

When you consider that the great tenor Richard Tucker could shake the rafters of opera houses in roles like Tosca, La Forza Del Destino, and La Gioconda, it is truly remarkable that he could scale down his voice to sing as he did on this album. He is sometimes criticized (understandably) for some vocal mannerisms and over-accenting especially late in his career but none of that is present here. The singing is sweet and tasteful, and his Italian diction and pronunciation is excellent. My 2 favorite tracks are "Sebben crudele" and "Lungi dal caro bene." The accompaniment on this album (particularly the "Art of bel canto" half of it) is quite worthy of mention too- elegant and balanced piano, harp and wind instruments. The price is a bargain, grab it if you like good music; and if you are unfamiliar with this all-too-often overlooked singer, this is a fine introduction.

P.S. he was in his 50's here! His voice preserved better than any other singer I can name.

5 stars.

Now that Pavarotti has corrupted an entire generation of tenors with his arch and mannered style, it is good to hear a man who truly sings, a man who will tear your heart out.

It is a pity that Tucker's original disc, "The Art of Bel Canto", has been combined with "The Soul of Italy" and under that title. "Bel Canto" was by far the better album, and because of the title change it is harder to find.

This is an album to be treasured.