October is a big month for operatic birthdays, with three big ones all within a few days of one another. Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was born in either October 9 or 10, 1813 in Le Roncole, Italy. The most important thing about Verdi, for us, is he was a natural baritone. He was one of the first composers to truly write for the baritone voice – thank heavens!
Need we say more? Naturally, this allows us to wallow in our favorite baritone arias presented by our favorite baritones. It also gives us time to wallow in one of our fave showpieces for our favorite baritones. (Sigh)
I think this is the most heart-wrenching of all performances. It still makes me cry. I think it always will.