With the death of Carlo Bergonzi, famed Verdi tenor, earlier this week, many singers have come forward to express both their condolences and stories of his influence on their own voices.
One such remembrance comes care of Classicalite favorite Placido Domingo. Per Norman Lebrecht at Slipped Disc:
Dear Carlo,
Thank you so much for your wonderful voice, talent and career!!! You have always inspired me and many other artists, as well as moved so many audiences. A great Verdian tenor. One of the best has left us but his legacy remains in innumerable recordings...addio Carlo!
Placido.
Bergonzi was born in the province of Parma and started his studies at the tender age of 16--as a baritone--only to discover he was better suited for a tenor's range.
He served in World War II in an anti-aircraft artillery unit and was interned in a German labor camp for three years.
Bergonzi found success after his 1965 debut at the Metropolitan Opera, where he sang the role of Radames in Veri's Aida.
While no cause of death has yet been given, we thank whatever higher powers of the universe you believe in that this one wasn't as tragic as others reported earlier this year.
In our remembrance, here's Bergonzi singing "Ah! Manon, mi tradisce"
