FRANCO CORELLI - a tenor to inspire an obsession
Don't believe me? Have a listen to these videos posted by others on youtube...
One of my favorites - Franco doing his inimitable version of Gli Ugonotti: Saint Bartholemew's day massacre, his name is Raoul, and he ends the duet by jumping off a balcony? Sign me up! Rumor has it that the live audience at la Scala gave this a standing ovation that lasted throughout the entire intermission. Things really get going around the four and a half minute mark. Thanks to Roberta for posting, and for providing the words in English! Click here to listen
As Don Jose in Carmen...
The opening shot of this video says it all. What a hunk! As one commentator said, the sound of testosterone, with the looks to match. Belen Amparan is great, too, as Carmen. Clilck here to watch
A Pollione to abandon your vows for...
Pollione in Norma is a character hard to like - but easy to love, when he's played by Franco. Have a listen here
Wait for it...
Franco's top notes can't be beat! If you're into squillo, wait for the end of O Sole Mio! Click here and prepare yourself
Ridi, Pagliaccio!
He was too handsome to play Canio, but to sing the role? He's magic. Here's a clip of my favorite portion, from a film of the opera (Franco is singing, but his voice is dubbed), No, Pagliaccio non son - great voice, great acting. Joker, eat your heart out! Click here to experience it P.S. - FC also does a mean Ridi; try this one
Last but not least...
FC's signature role, Calaf in Turandot. Who could sleep when he was singing? Be sure to turn down your volume - not even the microphone could handle the niagra of voices on this one! Gotta love the costumes, too. A man who wasn't afraid of a little (or a lot) of make-up. Nessun Dorma here, unbeatable! Here's a colorized version, with the words in English; and one last clip, just for the blink