Search - Giuseppe di Stefano :: The Young Giuseppe Di Stefano - Opera Arias & Songs (Testament)

The incomparable Pippo, at the very begining

08/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lets make this very simple, Giuseppe Di Stefano is the tenor of this century. This recording traces Pippo from his very earliest recordings (1944). Some of the recordings were made under the pseudoname "Nino Florio" from the period in time (1946) when he sang at the Cystal Palace in Milan. Even at his earliest stage, he sang with such beauty and feeling that it just takes your breath away. The first time I heard him, I was overwhelmed, never had I heard such a voice. All the songs are wonderfully performed, the phrasing and texture of his voice is amazing for someone so young and inexperienced (23 years old in 1944).I have been a disciple of his for many years, I own just about everything he has recorded (well over 300 recordings at last count). I was once asked what was so special about him, what is the difference between him, and say Pavarotti. My analogy is as follows: When Pavarotti sings an aria, It's like a beautiful photograph, everything is there, all the detail and beauty is there for you to hear. When Di Stefano sings the same aria, it's not a photograph, it's an oil painting. It has personality, interpretation, texture, and dimension - It's not perfect, but it has heart and soul, and that is where its beauty is derived from. I have a feeling that if the Mona Lisa were a photograph, it would not be hanging in the Louvre. Pippo sang for his audience, not for critics. He once said "I sing with 80% instinct, and 20% brain, critics do not understand instinct." This recording shows that even at the very begining he had a "feel" for the music, and he went where it took him. Buy this recording, and he will take you there too."

Great tribute to a truly great artist!

Rod Tierman | 07/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection takes us from Di Stefano's very first recordings ("Vola, Vola, Vola" and "Canto ma Sotto Voce"), under the pseudonym Nino Flavio, to his late mid career recordings ("Passione") (which span from aproximately 1944 to 1959) and all of the selections are done exquisitely. The selections that are real standouts here are the two selections from Mignon by Thomas, the rarely recorded "Avete Torto" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, "E Lucevan le Stelle" from Tosca, and the two Fanciulla del West arias. This is also the best recording of Bixio's "Mamma" you'll ever hope to hear. Treat yourself to a recording of one of the most beautiful voices of all time in his absolute glorious prime. The one thing this recording will leave you wanting is more Di Stefano!"

Buy Two

OneEyedCat | Washington DC, United States | 02/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is corny, sentimental, and absolutely wonderful. A collection of old Italian folk songs and opera, but di Stefano sings with such warmth, clarity, and sincerity it's as if I'm hearing some of these for the very first time. Unlike other performers, who seem to feel that the music is a mere vehicle for displaying their vast "talent," there is not a particle of arrogance about di Stefano. You don't have to be a music scholar, and you don't even have to know Italian; all you need is ears, and this will pull you in completely. I say buy two because you'll want one for yourself, and you'll also want one to give to someone you really like."