DESCRIPTION:
Giuseppe di Stefano (24 July 1921 -- 3 March 2008) was an Italian operatic tenor whose career spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. He was also known for his long association with Maria Callas, with whom he performed and recorded many times, and with whom he was briefly romantically involved.
It is the opionion of many that di Stefano had perhaps the most beautiful natural voice of any tenor in recorded history. Of course he is also infamous for his regression in his technique; his consistent heavy pushing through the passaggio and beyond caused him to lose most of his vocal beauty by the late 60-early 70s.
Here in a live concert sometime in the 1950s, Pippo sings the popular Italian song 'Core 'ngrato'. This is before his voice started to deteriorate, and one can clearly hear how beautiful it was in his early days.
Rest in peace Maestro, we will miss you.