khankonchak's video: Boris Christoff- Come dal ciel precipita

Boris Christoff (1914-1993) What is it about the character of Banquo that brings forth such soporific performances from otherwise distinguished singers? Here on Youtube I've listened, among others, to Ghiaurov, Colombara, Svetlov, and Storojev singing 'Come dal ciel precipita'- each one duller than the next. Banquo is a man stricken by terror and a sense of foreboding, yet these basses seem as involved as if they were reciting the phone book. Christoff is another matter entirely (as he often was). When he sings about being afflicted by frightful visions and a premonition of impending doom, I believe the man entirely. The voice is a bit grainier than in his prime (I have a recording date of 1980, though I haven't been able to confirm it. In any case, it's quite late in his career), but it's still a glorious instrument. Christoff's dignity and commitment are also unwavering. I do advise Verdi purists to proceed with caution, however: there is a liberal sprinkling of portamento and scooping here, so you might have to get your "fix" elsewhere. But for those who believe, as I do, that expressive singing should trump pedantism, I'm sure you'll enjoy this wonderful memento of one of the 20th century's greatest basses.