Who was/is the best OPERATIC tenor ever? Please eliminate the early singers like Caruso Gigli and Martinelli?

Oh, my dear...

I confess to only two:

Jussi Bjorling

and

Placido Domingo

I love them both. To me, they stand out above the others because of the individual timbre of their voices, Bjorling's of course being the more individual in timbre, and because they both had warmth and the ability to color their voices and to phrase nicely

xxxx

Scots Pines

For me its the obvious answer - Pavarotti and Domingo.

Between these two tenors, they were capable of singing any tenor role. Amazingly they both came up at around the same time.

Luciano has a somewhat better quality on the higher range of music, and certain roles belong to him - is there a better Duke of Mantua then Pavarotti.

On the other hand, Placido has that gorgeous lower tone, and is certainly much better in other languages - and no one will ever capture the essence of Carmen.

It is unfortunate that Pavarotti's health has become a factor, and Placido has become involved in so many other things (although he does them extremely well, from conducting to his Mexican/Latin American music). But there are so many great recordings of these two.

I love Gigli, but it is hard to know just how great Caruso was, cause the recordings are of such mediocre quality.

From their tone, to their ability to convey the dramatic intent of the music - I don't know that we'll ever have anyone better then those two giants.

Lanza was the greatest tenor of all time. He did more to influence contemporary tenors than any of the other tenors . Lanza had it all,looks,temperament,color,overtones through the full range,and a baritone quality in his mid and low registers. And the ability to sell a love song "A Kiss or Because You're Mine, like no other tenor. None of the others could do that. Please don't leave out this man. He truly was the greatest.

it's so subjective....

there were so many tenors that just didn't ever get recorded, and who must have been as fantastic as the ones who did. Of course, we are spoiled by having such fabulous artists at the touch of our fingertips, but there are no absolutes.

I had the privilege of hearing Pavarotti, Domingo, and Carreras sing live, well before the beginning of their 3 tenors stint in 1990.

I have also heard Luis Lima and Francisco Araiza,

both noted for the coloratura abilities. I have also heard Jon Vickers, Rene Kollo, Paul Frey, Siegfried Jerusalem, Manfred Jung, Gary Lakes, Ben heppner, Gary Bachlund, who all sing/sang the Wagnerian repertory with great success.

Not to forget the gentleman's gentleman of tenors, Alfredo Krause, whom everyone admired for his elegance and dignity.

Or the big Italians of the 50s and 60s- Del Monaco, Di Stefano, Buonasolli,, etc.

do some more research. I think your parameters are too narrow. there are so many exciting people out there. Check out a university music library. chances are they might have some rarer recordings. Find a vinyl fan, they might have some treasures ( although getting them to actually play them for you is a different kettle of fish...)

Go live! Who's singing in your area soon?

Happy hunting/listening

I think Pavoratti's early work, particularly his interpretation of Verdi in Aida, is just fantastic. And his singing of "Nessun Dorma" is still legend. (BTW, before anyone says it, Andrea Bottcelli and Il Divo are NOT opera!!!)

My fav soprano, just to put a bug in your ear, is Natalie Dessay. You haven't heard The Bell Song until you've heard her--look it up on You Tube, it's amazing!

Well, which is it?

Do you want the names of the

Greatest Tenors "EVER", or the ones with current recordings?

Lucciano Pavarotti, most definitely!!! His voice is distinctive and loud!!!