#Gigli

Serenata

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmGSV1ttzqM&list=RDqmGSV1ttzqM&start_radio=1

#Gigli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrCxfMAGuec&list=RDYrCxfMAGuec&start_radio=1

The only singer I've heard approach Tagliavini's sweetness and softness(at times) is Gigli. Here is one where they are both equal, or at least, so good that it's difficult to decide between them. This is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love Tosti. And yes, I have and adore the Schipa version of this, but he doesn't really fit the current contest.

Tagliavini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQCX0i2mC3Q

Gigli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXbKaZ4vI0k

Since I rarely get to do this, as their paths don't often cross, here is Carlo Buti, known for his sweetness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96oZ3cwuYc

#Buti #Gigli #opera #Tagliavini #Tosti

After reading the plot, I decided that L'amico Fritz was going to be my next opera. It just took me a little while to get to it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27amico_Fritz

I actually found two libretti, so I will include them both. However, the second is terrible to read with a screen reader, even in text-only mode, as the Italian and English are mixed together. The first is very clean, so it was just a matter of copying the English into a separate file so I could read it without interruption.

Libretti

https://archive.org/details/lamicofritzfrien00masc

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$c107674&seq=5

Recording

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-65iDfKkqo

I will start by saying that I am fully accustomed to old recordings, stretching back to before Caruso, so what I am about to say has nothing to do with my ear being attuned to modern things. While I am grateful that it exists, this was one of the worst recordings, sound-wise, that I have ever heard. Even with headphones, the words weren't clear and I had to turn the volume quite loud. That said, the one with Ferruccio Tagliavini and Pia Tassinari is only available in fragments, and the later ones are full of people I don't know. Plus, I like Gigli, so I stayed with this one. I actually got a double dose of Gigli, because Beniamino sang with his daughter Rina. She has an interesting voice, to say the least. Afro Poli could usually be heard, probably because his voice is so loud and powerful. There were times when even Beniamino's voice seemed almost overwhelmed by the orchestra, but I'm sure it wasn't like that in reality and was just an effect of the recording. At any rate, my experience with L'amico Fritz echos that of Falstaff. The story was great (though Falstaff was better) but the music didn't really capture my attention. I am seriously beginning to wonder if I just don't like operas from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with the exception of La Boheme. I have never had this happen with any bel canto repertoir. At any rate, there were some decent arias and some good harmonies, but nothing amazing. Still, it was light-hearted fun and at least I can say that I am now familiar with another opera. I would recommend it to someone who wanted to try something a little different, but it would probably be best to find a clearer recording, particularly if you're not like me with regard to preferring older singers.

I was planning to try Mignon next. I already found a libretto and recording for it. But now, I'm not sure if I should listen to it right away or save it and look for some Rossini or Bellini, since I would like to hear more from them, or perhaps try my luck with another Puccini, even though I'm not a great lover of verismo and loud, powerful voices. I might be surprised and enjoy it. Who knows?

#Gigli #Mascagni #opera #review

Seth Rogen Auditioned for Controversial ‘Gigli’ Role: ‘I Saw Myself at the Oscars’ If I Got It, but the Tape Would ‘End My Career’ Today
#IndieWire #GeneralNews #News #BenAffleck #Film #Gigli #JenniferLopez #SethRogen

https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/seth-rogen-gigli-audition-end-career-1235134843/

Seth Rogen Explains Why His ‘Gigli’ Audition Tape Would “End My Career” If It Leaked
#News #Gigli #SethRogen

https://deadline.com/2025/06/seth-rogen-gigli-audition-tape-would-end-my-career-1236439011/