Search - Belcanto - Tenors of the 78 Era, Part One / Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Tito Schipa, Leo Slezak, Joseph Schmidt, Richard Tauber on DVD

So much to enjoy; so little time allowed

Rob Pollock | 08/22/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The really infuriating thing about documentaries of this kind is that it is painfully and frequently obvious that so much material has been left out to allow prattle from commentators on the singers and the singing to intrude. Whoever edits these things seems to be a sadist who enjoys blotting out the subject singer and his art with some fairly inane twaddle. It is like having a beautiful and interesting painting on the wall ready to be admired, only to have some boring child stand in front of it and drivel on without letting the painting show its own value.
Nevertheless, there are so many fascinating glimpses of vocal gold to be caught that it's even worth playing the game "Dodge the little people" to see and hear greatness.

Somehow, there are splendid things that may be heard and seen from Caruso and his colleagues on this mixed blessing."

Where else would I find it?

The Whole Truth | Central Valley of CA. | 09/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I ordered this item with bit of hesitancy after reading some of the other reviews but I am thoroughly delighted with the content and presentation. Some of the interviews include musical references which are beyond my level of prior knowledge but I enjoyed them nonetheless. I am sure that I will learn more just from listening to the discussions. I actually bought the DVD to learn more about Joseph Schmidt and loved that section which included clips from his films and performances, as well as candid cuts in addition to information and interviews. In fact, all of the sections were fascinating to me.my husband ,who rarely watches any TV found it very interesting also. I am sure that I will watch this DVD many times in the future."

Tenor bel canto: a lost art

Teresa Hermiz | Centerville, Ohio United States | 10/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never enjoyed tenor bel canto singing until I watched (listened) to this video. It was the sound quality that mattered to these performers. Incredible care was taken perfecting their art."

Historically Valuable

Doc Holliday | Great Northwest | 10/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Seeing and listening to the Tenors of the past and their contributions to Bel Canto was worth the price of admission. Critics abound everywhere, both in print, academia and in the audience. However, if you have a favorite tenor or two, (in my case, Bjorling & McCormack), this is an opportunity to learn more about the history and development of Bel Canto and famous tenors. I thoroughly enjoyed the comments and analysis of Jürgen Kesting, throughout Part One and Part Two. Stefan Zucker has received much criticism during his career, no doubt, more for his singing affect and personality, than his actual music acumen. However, if you can keep and open mind, or in this case, an open ear..., enjoy."