A favorite Verdi performance from Moe Rear

Tito Gobbi‘s performance of Rigoletto’s “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata” offers the most musically and dramatically complete portrait of Verdi’s tortured court jester that I have ever heard.

Every facet of this character, from despicable instigator to brokenhearted father, is masterfully captured by Gobbi. Yes, there are more gorgeously sung versions of this aria (Bastianini, Warren, Merrill, Bruson), but no one approaches the depth and emotion Gobbi brings to this pivotal moment.

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