He sang Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Puccini; with Callas -- so many, many times -- and with Freni, with Moffo. Conducted by Giulini, Karajan, Abbado. He appeared 270 times at la Scala (among others, in the legendary 1956 Visconti staging of Traviata). He leaves recordings -- many of them just stunning, some of them in roles not perfect for his light beautiful tenor.
Gianni Raimondi has passed away this past Sunday at the age of 85. All opera lovers mourn one of the giants.
I agree... What a beautiful creamy voice. And his fraseggio? They don't teach stuff like that anymore. A great singer of the old school. RIP
Posted by: coccodrillo | October 22, 2008 at 04:56 PM
It's not the teaching per se. Natural voices like Raimondi's and Pavarotti's don't come up very often. The natural range of male voice is baritonal. The Tenor voice is built and can be effective but it cannot beat the natural effortless sound of tenors like Raimondi. May his memory be eternal. The great ones are departing, but fortunately there are enough recordings for prosperity.
Posted by: Constantine A. Papas | October 22, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Il maestro was a teacher until the end, allways generous to the young singers, allways saying to be prepare and study, allways gentle. Riposi in pace!
Posted by: Paolo M. | October 22, 2008 at 06:28 PM
This is sad news to learn. I never had the pleasure of seeing Signor Raimondi live, but his many live performance recordings give testimony to his wonderful gifts as a singer.
Posted by: Gianni Opera | November 05, 2008 at 12:15 AM