I got the day right this time...happy 84th birthday to the immortal Maestro Carlo Bergonzi! With perhaps the best [textbook] technique of any tenor I've ever heard, Bergonzi has not only inspired, but taught, generations of aspiring singers through the years with his wonderful recordings, studio and live. His masterclasses are always very informative and useful; while [some]singer's masterclasses (you know who I'm talking about) only focus on the students interpretation of the aria, Bergonzi works with the students entirely on technique and method of sound production. At a Beijing masterclass I attended in 2005, the Maestro spoke nothing on the interpretation of the aria, which is in my opinion a complete waste of time, but demonstrated the correct methods of vocal technqiue to all the students...I left that day, a more enlightened man. Bergonzi is truly a great teacher and one of the last of those versed in the great vocal technique of the past. I hope he will remain with us for a very very very long time. Here he sings the beautiful 'la dolcissima effigie' from Adriana Lecouvreur (studio recording, in stereo sound). Listen especially to the perfectly covered (vowel modification) passaggio notes. All copyrights belong to their respective owners.