(Antonio) Pappano (Musical Director of Covent Garden and conductor of T&I) believes that the challenge of the role, and the searing Third Act monologue in particular, have brought out something in Domingo that will surprise even his most dedicated listeners.
"He makes some sounds on this record that he's never dared make before. There's one place where he sings "Furchtbare Trank!" - this horrible drink! - and he goes hell for leather on it. In the long recording history that he's had, I don't think he's ever gone that far and found something like that inside him. But rightly, as he himself says, the music needs it."
Peter Alward (recently retired President of EMI Classics) was asked Has Domingo pushed himself further than ever? "No question." Alward bangs down his coffee cup with schoolboyish enthusiasm.
"Look, what's remarkable about the man is that he never makes an ugly sound. I think we're going to have a generation of Wagner tenors committing mass hara-kiri when they hear this, because I don't think you've ever heard the role sung with such sheer beauty."
As for Domingo, the thought having reached such a longed-for milestone brings out that familiar, generous smile, and a faraway look. "It is perhaps the greatest work ever written in opera, you know. I think so."
from August's Gramophone
Gert says "Bring it on! Purrrr..."
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