Every version since and before pales in comparison. Siepi is excellent as usual, and for good reason Lauri-Volpi (with his customary sensitivity and politeness) labelled Neri “the last authentic bass voice” of the century. Neri may have the most terrifying Profondo voice in history- the “Perché”s are like flares of hellfire.
A favorite bass performance from Bere Wendriner
Cesare Siepi and Giulio Neri give a reference rendition of the Grand Inquisitor scene.
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