Josep Carreras: "Il Video della Settimana": Josep Carreras and Montserrat Caballé sing "Addio dolce svegliare" from La Bohème

Josep Carreras, in his own words

There is something in life, in my life, that was able to overcome this extraordinary passion I have for singing, and especially lyrical singing. Whenever the Foundation succeed in finding a compatible donor for patients awaiting a transplant, or every time we make progress in scientific research thanks to one of our scholarships, or when leukaemia patients are treated in transplant units or clinics that we have helped to finance, I feel enormously happy. Thanks to my profession, I am privileged to help or, at least, try to help people in need. In 1987, I became ill with leukaemia. During my illness I was lucky enough to have a family who supported me throughout, to have an extraordinary medical team, in addition to the spontaneous support and sympathy of the general public. This allowed me to maintain my morale and it gave me the necessary energy and determination to fight leukaemia. On July 14th 1988, with the support of my family, eminent scientists and business people, I had the opportunity to create the International Foundation for the Fight Against Leukaemia. Our Foundation focuses on four main areas: supporting scientific research, providing infrastructures for healthcare centres and hospitals, and searching for bone marrow and stem cell donors. All this in addition to offering social services for leukaemia patients and their families. The main mission of the Foundation is to support scientific research. The Josep Carreras Foundation for the Fight Against Leukaemia was born to help make Leukaemia a completely curable disease for everyone and in all cases. Our work will not stop until our goal becomes a reality.

Thank you Maria and Pippa for the English translation.

domenica 8 gennaio 2012

"Il Video della Settimana": Josep Carreras and Montserrat Caballé sing "Addio dolce svegliare" from La Bohème

E riparte "Il Video della Settimana" in questo 2012 appena cominciato. La rubrica ha fatto pausa una settimana, per riprendere in grande stile con una perla che ci riporta indietro al 1980, ad uno dei momenti che chi l'ha vissuto non potrà mai dimenticare.

(*Key facts: for a short summary in english, please go to the end of the post)

In questa settimana, segnata dall'emotivo concerto per Montserrat Caballé, nel quale Josep Carreras ha giocato una parte fondamentale, non posso fare a meno di rendere anche io un omaggio a una delle coppie del mondo dell'Opera che più hanno portato emozioni nelle platee dei grandi teatri. Casualmente, siamo sempre al Liceu... e non avrebbe potuto essere altrimenti.

Non è stato solo il periodo dell'anno ad evocarmi quest'opera... forse è stata la stessa Montserrat quando lo scorso martedì ha iniziato la presentazione dicendo che era stato il suo Rodolfo ne La Bohème. Il momento che ho scelto per voi è il quartetto, che però onestamente io vedo più come un duo, che segue la celeberrima "Donde lieta uscì" del terzo atto: "Addio dolce svegliare". La dolcezza è quella che pervade praticamente tutta l'opera, ma si tratta di un momento condiviso equamente tra i due ruoli... un momento che amo molto e che ha sempre avuto un significato speciale per me. Godetevela!!

Spero non vi siate emozionati troppo... ad ogni modo l'occasione meritava. Con la speranza che abbiate apprezzato la proposta, vi auguro una splendida settimana!! Arrivederci a domenica prossima con un altro video!!

KEY FACTS:

● The "Video of the Week" starts again in this new year, 2012, after one week break, with an unforgettable moment that dates back to 1980. After a great homage-concert at the Liceu, last Tuesday, this is supposed to be a further tribute to one of the thrilling couple in Opera world.

● A part from this period of the year, the way Montserrat Caballé introduced Josep ("he has been my Rodolfo in La Bohème") suggested me this particular choice: this is the quartet in the third act, after the famous "Donde lieta uscì", "Addio dolce svegliare". This very moment is equally shared by both roles. I love it so much, and it's always been particularly meaningful to me. Enjoy!!

● Hope tears are not so many... anyway this occasion deserved it. Hope you like my proposal of today, just wish you all the best for this week!! See you next Sunday with a new video!!