His interpretation of Macduff in Macbeth Scaligero is nuanced, intelligent and profound. On the other hand, Francesco Meli has a unique and special relationship with Giuseppe Verdi; the Genoese tenor dedicates an album to the beloved composer that represents his recording debut: “Prima Verdi”, Conductor Marco Armiliato, Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Warner Classics CD). And immediately climb the classical music charts.
Maestro, you are considered the greatest Verdi tenor. Do you share?
«As long as the others say so, I take note and thank you. I think I am a musician who always tries to deepen his knowledge of Verdi’s writing. I don’t like the titles very much but I am very flattered to be considered such an appreciated Verdi tenor ».
Among the roles of the composer who has interpreted, which one do you feel closest to?
«Certainly Riccardo in the“ Masked Ball ”. It is a role that I particularly love, it has always given me great satisfaction and it was one of the first roles that made me enter the Verdi world. I really like it both from a dramatic and musical point of view; I think Verdi was able to fully express the soul and enlightened sentiments of the Swedish monarch ».
How does Verdi interpret himself today?
«Verdi interprets himself as Verdi wanted! There is no alternative to his writing to fully understand what our character experiences, his torments and joys, hopes and defeats. All we have to do is rely on what the composer has left us written on the score and make it our own ».
Many tenors preceded her in Verdi’s roles, becoming opera stars. Among the voices heard, who is most fond of?
«Certainly Carlo Bergonzi, king of the Verdi repertoire, ideal interpreter both from the vocal point of view, softness of emission and male air (as he said), and great musical, dynamic expertise and the best phrasing that one could wish for. I think Verdi himself could not have asked for more from that great musician he was. Bergonzi was a well-rounded interpreter, his interpretations of Verdi’s heroes are an example for the generations that came after him. Obviously I am tied to the vocals of many other tenors, Pavarotti with a beautiful and unparalleled voice, Di Stefano with an Argentine ringing and full of warmth, Pertile, a great interpreter and precursor of the Bergonzian idea of respecting Verdi’s writing ».