Russell Watson?

[lliam]

Peter, <P>Have you heard the newest U.K. Tenor Voice? His name is Russell Watson he is a Lancashire Lad I heard him on my local radio and I was told that he as since appeared on T.V, about 6 weeks ago, I didn't see him but to hear him was enough for me. I havn't got a lot of info about him except that he was born in Rochdale(I think) Lancashire(definitely) I think he has made a C D he is about 28 yrs old and that is about all I know about him at the moment.<BR>lliam.<p>[This message has been edited by lliam (edited 01-08-2001).]

[Peter]

Lliam, thanks for the open letter. It`s funny to think that although we may live hundreds of miles apart, on this site, we would appear to be next door neighbours!<P>Yes, I have heard of Russell Watson, and indeed, saw him perform on the National Lottery show, a few weeks back. I believe he hails from Manchester (?). He is clearly enormously talented, & if nurtured properly, this talent should reward him with a career of some distinction. I know that his album, The Voice, has already sold beyond originally expected levels.<P>I must say, however, that I am not a huge fan of operatic voices generally (tenors, sopranos,etc.). It`s not that I don`t think they`re good, for whether they are or not is beyond my ability to judge, it`s just that the true test, I feel, must always lie in how good they are in the most demanding roles. I`m talking Verdi & Puccini here; not Lloyd-Webber & Sondheim. It will be interesting to see which direction Russell Watson chooses.

[lliam]

Well voiced Peter,<BR> The only thing we differ on is that I love to hear a good Tenor&Seprano, I have the Mario Lanza collection, the three Tenors and various albums which I have not Played for some time now because when I got myself a C D player, the Music centre and records went into the Loft. I play the tapes in the car or on the radio cassette in the Kitchen. I love it when I get a chance to be on my own so I can just sit, close my eyes and let the imagination flow freely. When I play Elgar (nimrod,from "Enigma Variation") I can actualy see the Malvern Hills.<BR>Happy New Century Peter!<BR>Lliam. <BR>

[Peter]

Lliam, Mario Lanza? If Russell Watson attains his stature, then he will have done very well for himself! What did you think of Lanza as Caruso? Or, more to the point, what do you think of Caruso?<P>The Malvern hills.....ahh yes.....With so many American placenames & expressions in this site, Lliam, perhaps we should corner this thread as our very own little piece of England

[lliam]

Hello again Peter,<P>When I first listened to the Mario collection, his voice appeared to get better from album to album, this I think will happen to Russell, he is very talented for such a young man. As regards Caruso co si, co sa. I thought Mario was very good in the film The Great Caruso, I don't think Caruso would have thought the same, wasn't he quoted as saying one time "There is only one Caruso" The opera singers are I think a very Tempremental bunch at the best of times.<P>We musn't keep Malvern to ourselves, I do beleive Shos knows a little about Elgar country. <P>Lliam.

[shostakovich]

Thank you, Lliam, for your vote of confidence. I would love to see the Malvern hills, then drop in on you for a spot of tea. Then on for a guided tour of Portsmouth by Peter, followed by a hop to the Emerald Isle for a visit with Michael.<BR>It's a pleasure discoursing on musical topics with the mother country. <BR>For me, Elgar is where British music begins. <BR>Cheers! Shos.

[shostakovich]

On Caruso, it would be hard to judge him fairly based on recordings, none of which is adequate. I daresay, no one alive who heard him in person could recollect accurately. <BR>I thought Lanza deserved his singing reputation. As an actor, though??????? The Great Caruso was an enjoyable movie, as most biopics are. But none is likely gospel ---- including King of Kings ( with nice music by Miklos Rozsa).<BR>Your pal, Shos.

[lliam]

I say Peter, what a turn up for the books, Russell Watson is on Songs of Praise this Sunday 14/01/01. at 17.20hrs.<BR>Lliam.

[Scotty]

I love The Sopranos!........