The Classical Music Minute

Nessun dorma Part II: The Tenors Who Brought It To Life

June 27, 2022 Steven Hobé, Composer & Host Season 1 Episode 62
The Classical Music Minute
Nessun dorma Part II: The Tenors Who Brought It To Life
Show Notes Transcript

Description
The aria Nessun dorma is one of the most famous in all of operatic history and has been sung by an array of fantastic tenors—each adding their own unique technical and expressive prowess. Take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
"Nessun dorma", "Let no one sleep" is an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot and one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto (the unknown prince), who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. Any man who wishes to wed Turandot must first answer her three riddles; if he fails, he will be beheaded. In the aria, Calaf expresses his triumphant assurance that he will win the princess.

About Steven
Steven is a Canadian composer living in Toronto. He creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his website for more. Member of the Canadian League Of Composers.

A Note To Music Students et al.
All recordings and sheet music are available on my site. I encourage you to take a look and play through some. Give me a shout if you have any questions.

Got a topic? Pop me off an email at: TCMMPodcast@Gmail.com 

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Here are a few tenors you may want to look up on YouTube to hear their rendition of Nessun dorma.

First up, Franco Corelli termed the “prince of tenors,” celebrated for his “powerful voice, electrifying top notes, and passionate singing style.” 

Luciano Pavarotti made his mark with Nessun dorma, with remarkable quality of voice. His diction is flawless and his vincero at the end of Nessun dorma is incredible!

Mario Lanza was dubbed the new Caruso. His rendition of Nessun dorma, as part of the film Serenade, lends a magnetism and vocal ability rarely heard. 

Beniamino Gigli is regarded as one of the greatest operatic tenors of all time. His voice was known for “its beautifully soft and honey-like lyrical quality.” 

Placido Domingo sang his first Calaf in 1969. He possesses a combination of lyrical flexibility and dramatic power that allowed him versatility across the entire tenor repertory. 

So please look them up and check them out!