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New Zealand Listener, Volume 26, Issue 654, 18 January 1952, Page 5

Sir,-While on a recent trip around the world, I had the great pleasure of hearing and seeing some of the tenors mentioned in recent letters to you. One gets a much better idea of the quality that a voice possesses when hearing it "in the raw," as compared with the fin. ished result that flows from our radios. I heard Gigli:in Milan, and although now at the age of 60 his great power is somewhat decreased, the beauty and tone still remain to hold the listener entranced. Infantino, Tagliavini, Bjorling and Stefano all have that same exquisitely finished tone, Tagliavini, perhaps, is the best and I think the nearest approach to Gigli. In addition to the above-mentioned tenors, I heard Mario Lanza in a recital

given in New York, and on this basis I can give a better idea of his worth than if I were to compare a group of records consisting mainly of world-re-nowned singers, and some of his own recordings. His singing lacks the polish and artistry shown by the others, and particularly his low notes are rough and uneven; while his facial contortions do not help to improve the lack of classical expression. Nevertheless, I can. honestly say that I enjoyed his singing. especially in a fine rendition of "Cielo E Man." With proper training it is quite possible that a fine opera singer could be the result. : As none of the present tenors can compare quite with either Schipa or Caruso, it seems ridiculous to think that Lanza at the present time can exceed Caruso in his glorious vocal interpretations, and I suspect also that the possibility of his even doing so in his future career is very small. And yet, although some of us nia criticise Lanza’s singing, we must in ail fairness admit that he has made opera very popular in America.

FALSTAFF

(Takapuna).

( Abridged.-Ed. )