Legendary Performances: 7 Complete Operas (2010)

Franco Corelli, by virtue of his thrilling tenor voice and handsome stage presence, was one of the most popular opera singers on the international scene in the third quarter of the twentieth century, facing only a handful of serious rivals. At the height of his career Corelli displayed a melodious legato, a big and noble sonority, and a remarkable ability tot project a vivid personality into the interpretation of his best roles. He was heard in the great opera houses around th world, partnered with the greatest sopranos of the day, including Callas, Tebaldi, Nilsson and Sutherland. He is considered by many to have been the last of the great Italian 'heroic tenors'. When Franco Corelli died of complications from a stroke at the age of 82, the opera world mourned. In 'The Guardian' obituary, A. Blyth paid tribute tot his 'instrument of Rolls-royce magnificence, capable of engendering visceral thrills in an audience". It was gone. But it lives stil in a wealth of legendary recordings. (begeleidend cd-boekje)