“Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” from La Rondine*
Wonderful that the OP started out with Puccini.
I suggested that a friend take a listen to a few arias I particularly like. “I hate opera” said my buddy, politely yet firmly refusing my offer. OK, understood.
What if it’s not opera, asked I?
What if it’s just beautiful women singing beautiful songs in Italian?
To his credit, he paused and had no reply.
Fast forward: We’re hanging out, tunes are on, listening to ones he digs. “Man, this sounds amazing!” said he. “Thanks. Would you mind listening to one of my faves”, asked I. “Of course not” was the reply.
Streaming Doretta’s song from Tidal. Wide-eyed, his only comment was “Goosebumps”. His only question was “Would you mind playing that again”?
He still hates opera. And now he loves beautiful women singing beautiful songs in Italian.
Sure, it’s about the gear. But mostly it’s about the goosebumps.
* The descending bass line that foreshadows the soaring vocals. How is it possible that human beings are capable of this? La vita e bella.
Renditions by: Renee Fleming, Sara Brightman, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elizabeth Jenkins, Jackie Evanko et al.
+1 for Bill Frisell.
