Remember JDF's plan to sing the Duke of Mantua @ Teatro Real in Madrid, after his tryout in Lima and his debut in Dresden in a quite baffling production @ the Semperoper under Fabio Luisi's baton?
Well, Juan Diego has "postoponed", ie canceled for the foreseeable future, his Madrid commitment and, perfectionist that he is, will not be singing in Rigoletto for quite a while. It is indeed a heavier role, much heavier and more potentially voice-damaging than expected. If he's not comfortable going ahead, and he clearly isn't -- the Lima tryout was just that, a tryout in a tiny venue, so the true test came in Dresden -- he's better off leaving the Duke alone for a few years.
For all the corporate pressure that he's under to tackle the heavier, more popular stuff -- not just the Duke... Rodolfo? even, may the Lord forbid, Alfredo? -- Juan Diego and Maestro Palacio are very right in erring on the side of caution and of vocal longevity. Too many examples -- even in very recent months -- of very bad choices made simply to appear in a heavier, popular role not right -- or not yet 100% right -- for one's voice.
OC enjoyed the live broadcast from Dresden, but she endorses our lamby prince's decision 100%.