France Musique, Monday 14th Nov LINK
Lionel Esparza, in the Magazine at midday today, was welcoming Rolando Villazon and said:
"Rolando Villazon fait péter les micros de France Musique de bonheur!" Quite right !
Here's the link for this wonderful hour (in French) in the company of Rolando.LINK
Later on, Rolando makes Lionel giggle heartily when he says that in French he sounds like Speedy Gonzales...
The musical programme chosen is superb and shows how great he is in his latest CDs. What is really moving is his optimism, his kindness to his singer partners, his warmth for the Mexican people and their struggle.
He finished the hour with a warm 'hello' to Teresa from Catalunya and to the French Villazonistes who are for him "like his family". There are, I am sure, more Rolando-lovers around the world than the 'declared' Villazonistas, and there will be more and more Rolando Villazon followers, those who will also enjoy his directing, as I did with his Werther in Lyon.
It is also nice to hear a Southern voice, that of Claude Henri Bonnet, the head of the Toulon Opera House, also appreciating 'a real tenor voice' in the baroque repertoire. Rolando will perform the Return of Ulysses with Emmanuelle Haïm! so more joys to come!
Rolando Villazon wants to follow his 'little voice' and follow his own path refusing labels like 'Rossini tenor' or whatever.
As I have often said here, I really like his voice in Baroque music. Combattimento, is still my favourite and although his Alessendro did not convince me I think Rolando brings a life into all the baroque music he sings, which was missing in the English tradition.
Don't miss 'Perhaps love', his karaoke while listening, and then his voice impersonifications when he was 12 and discovered Placido Domingo.. his lifelong hero... and now his friend!
Rolando does his own advertising with punch and fun for his Mexican concert (Dec 3, TCE Paris) and sings along with all his faith! I was surprised when I went last year, but I'd rather go and see his Nemorino in Berlin!
"Why Mozart so late?" says Lionel to Rolando. And Rolando thinks it is better not to begin with Mozart. Mozart changed the world of Baroque Opera, and now Rolando thinks after his varied singing repertoire that he can enjoy Mozart now and is ready for him! He loves above all the ensemble passages, chorus and singers. So do I!
Then he sends a warm 'hello' to Docteur Leca who saved him ... making fun of the people who gave their own diagnoses about him... he was panicked to come back on stage.. and I think he went through a terrible phase. He is a real optimistic human being. Now that he feels better, he can control his voice even better : 'Andale' ça va super bien 'Heaven, I'm in heaven'... And he sends kisses to Tony Pappano!
This broadcast can be listened to again and again for Rolando's energy and true generosity... and the baroque illustrations with his voice are very well chosen.
I will come back to this page often...Bravo to Lionel, and his guests.. his joyful guest who made me travel and will make me travel soon to Berlin...
Claude Henri Bonnet is so pleased to meet Rolando!
A new political party: 'Les Villazonistas'says Lionel jokingly,and if you listen carefully you can hear one guest whisper... "On rêverait d'avoir un Président" (wish we could have a president...) I leave the ending open... 'Votez pour moi' shouts Rolando... Vote for me...
I have done so often, and I will again!!
How cool! Thanks so much for writing of this and for the link, Yvette. :oD Villazon has his detractors, but I love him precisely for what you say, he lives what he sings!
ReplyDeleteHope the weather is improving where you are! We had rain last weekend, but no serious flooding like in Southern France or Thailand, thanks goodness. :o)
I'm glad you also enjoy Rolando Villazon energetic and passionate vision of his roles. It can be too boisterous at times but it is always sincere! You are very busy these days but it is great to read you here and there on the various places where we can 'meet'! I do hope everything will be fine with your moving n° 1. I'll write soon!
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