On Singing Alfredo with Charles Castronovo

October 16, 2021, 4:30 pm

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Charles Castronovo portrait in light suit, white shirt, no tie; bridge in background
Charles Castronovo (Photo: Katerina Goode )

Fresh from his triumph in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The Elixir of Love, tenor Charles Castronovo is Oliver’s guest. La Traviata comes from Giuseppe Verdi’s “middle period,” which bridge the bel canto era to the composer’s mature and and more heavily orchestrated operas. The role of Alfredo demands both bel canto lyricism and the ability to bring power and drama into the voice during the opera’s climax. A staple of his repertoire, Charles Castronovo shares some of his favorite recordings of the opera and details the pleasures and challenges of singing this role.

Playlist

Playlist to include excerpts from La Traviata performed by Carlo Bergonzi, Richard Tucker, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Lopardo, Rolando Villazon, and Charles Castronovo.