Giuseppe di Stefano - E lucevan le stelle (Studio recording)

Giuseppe di Stefano (24 July 1921 - 3 March 2008) was an Italian operatic tenor whose career spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. He was also known for his long association with Maria Callas, with whom he performed and recorded many times, and with whom he was briefly romantically involved. It is the opionion of many that di Stefano had perhaps the most beautiful natural voice of any tenor in recorded history. Of course he is also infamous for his regression in his technique; his consistent heavy pushing through the passaggio and beyond caused him to lose most of his vocal beauty by the late 60-early 70s. Here he sings the aria &lucevan le stelle&from Puccini&Tosca. This is a 1950s studio recording, his best studio version in my opinion. His best ever Tosca performance in my opinion was the live 1952 Mexico City one with Callas. The role of Mario Cavaradossi is usually meant for a lyrico-spinto/spinto voice, but if sung correctly, a lyric tenor can also produce an amazing effect. Di Stefano portrayed one of the best Marios of all time in my opinion, even though he was but a lyric tenor.