Samurai
2008-08-20 23:45:24 UTC
The etymology, literal meaning, or original meaning of a term is not
determinative. A spinto tenor is NOT a lyric tenor who is able to
force his voice and sing heavier roles. A spinto is a middle weight
tenor voice, such as that of Tucker, Bergonzi, Domingo, and Corelli,
which has more power, cutting ability, body, and darkness than a lyric
tenor, but with some flexibility and a true, non-baritonal, tenor
quality. The typical spinto tenor is able to sing lighter roles such
as Nemorino, Alfredo, and Rodolfo, can sing heavier roles such as
Manrico, Radames, Cavaradossi, Puccini's Des Grieux, Ernani, Don
Alvaro, and Calaf, week after week, and occasionally perform Samson or
Otello. Spintos usually have enough power and vocal presence to hold
their own with the loudest sopranos. Big-voiced lyric tenors such as
Pavarotti and Carreras may try Radames or Calaf but may be inadequate
to the challenge or may disappoint. Dramatic tenors such as Del
Monaco are barred from lighter roles such as Alfredo and Rodolfo, and
may be best suited to a small number of roles including Otello and
Samson. Dramatic tenors are limited by their very dark, mature sound,
and often harsh timbre and characteristically forceful delivery.
Thus the spinto tenor is best able to take on and do well in a broad
selection of the most popular operas of the Italian and French canon
and can sing these roles for decades. They can impersonate romantic
figures and young lovers as well as warriors and authority figures.
Samurai
determinative. A spinto tenor is NOT a lyric tenor who is able to
force his voice and sing heavier roles. A spinto is a middle weight
tenor voice, such as that of Tucker, Bergonzi, Domingo, and Corelli,
which has more power, cutting ability, body, and darkness than a lyric
tenor, but with some flexibility and a true, non-baritonal, tenor
quality. The typical spinto tenor is able to sing lighter roles such
as Nemorino, Alfredo, and Rodolfo, can sing heavier roles such as
Manrico, Radames, Cavaradossi, Puccini's Des Grieux, Ernani, Don
Alvaro, and Calaf, week after week, and occasionally perform Samson or
Otello. Spintos usually have enough power and vocal presence to hold
their own with the loudest sopranos. Big-voiced lyric tenors such as
Pavarotti and Carreras may try Radames or Calaf but may be inadequate
to the challenge or may disappoint. Dramatic tenors such as Del
Monaco are barred from lighter roles such as Alfredo and Rodolfo, and
may be best suited to a small number of roles including Otello and
Samson. Dramatic tenors are limited by their very dark, mature sound,
and often harsh timbre and characteristically forceful delivery.
Thus the spinto tenor is best able to take on and do well in a broad
selection of the most popular operas of the Italian and French canon
and can sing these roles for decades. They can impersonate romantic
figures and young lovers as well as warriors and authority figures.
Samurai