Birgit Nilsson floats two high C's in the climax of Figlio del Cielo

This is an excerpt from the legendary 1961 performance at the Met of Turandot with Birgit Nilsson, Franco Corelli, Anna Moffo and Bonaldo Giaotti. Every time Nilsson floats those high C's over the ensemble in Figilo del Cielo, I think of skyscrapers. That's why I've included them in the slideshow. (Burj Khalifa, Sears/Willis Tower and the New World Trade Center)

Because Nilsson and Corelli sung this opera so many times, the main reason you listen to a performance is for the Liu and Anna Moffo is the best I have ever heard in the role. She makes the drama real and compelling--you can feel Liu's despair at Calaf's rejection much stronger than other sopranos because she has such a great feel for words. When it gets to the torture scene, she doesn't give a fake little sigh the way most other sopranos do, instead there's a real scream of pain and the next few lines are half gritted, half spat out. Her voice is wistful and melancholy like a violin and the way she colors every phrase is simply magical. You can find her part here. If it ever gets taken off, just tell me and I'll post it myself.
   • Anna Moffo as Liù (Turandot)  
Also, if you want some more from the performance, just ask me.