Carlo Bergonzi

It used to be argued that operatic tenors did not last into ripe old age and there did seem to be powerful evidence to back up this suggestion. Enrico Caruso died aged 48, Jussi Bjorling at 49, Richard Tauber at 56 and even the everlasting Beniamino Gigli only managed 67. He was equalled by Mario del Monaco who died in 1982. It was argued that all that blasting out un-natural high notes was inevitably bad for the blood pressure and it does seem that most tenors died with heart disease in some form. Giovanni Martenelli was an exception, dying in 1969 at age 84. He even sang his last role on stage [as the Emperor Altoum in Turandot] at the age of 82.

However, in more recent times great Italian tenors generally have been made of sterner stuff. The great Franco Corelli was 82 when he died in 2003 and Guiseppe di Stefano reached 86.

Two weeks ago Carlo Bergonzi celebrated his 86th birthday and is, as far as I know, still in good health. In many ways, his was the most perfect of Italian voices in the post-war years. Although others could bring more dramatically imposing sound to a part, none could surpass the beauty, accuracy and tender legato of Carlo Bergonzi. Last year Jonas Kaufmann presented Bergonzi with a lifetime achievement award from Marche International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale at the 5th Annual Classical Awards at the Palais de Festivals in Cannes for his recorded musical achievements over so many years. Born in Parma near Verdi's home village of Le Rencole outside Busseto, where Carlo Bergonzi's son operates a restaurant, Restorante I Due Foscari. The father is a constant visitor talking to guests and sharing a bottle of wine with old friends.

Carlo Bergonzi is the last of that great troupe of Italian tenors that so enriched the performances of Italian opera in the 50s, 60s and 70s. They were all great singers and, along with the Swedish Jussi Bjorling, each had his own tone and timbre that made every one of them instantly recognisable. Today, there are many fine tenors - though, I would argue, none that can compare with the great names that I have mentioned - but they all sound alike and unmemorable. There are exceptions and I would rate Jonas Kaufmann as one.

I have many recordings featuring these great singers of the past and it is always a great pleasure to listen to them - indiosynchracies an' all. Carlo Bergonzi is the last survivor and I hope he enjoyed his birthday.

/