The boss of bass-baritones turns 80 today!

Samuel Ramey recently announced he’ll be returning to the operatic stage in 2022. Time will tell whether or not he’ll start wearing a shirt.

At the link, there he is as Verdi’s “Attila.” Only Ramey could make me love this opera. Listen to that audience, at around 3:20 and again at 7:04. The adoration is such that he finally launches into an encore.

For me, of course, his signature role will always be Boito’s Mefistofele.

Act I, Son lo spirito che nega (I am the spirt that denies)

Act II, Ecco il mondo (Behold the world)

A concert performance of the Prologue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7l4msqaqos

Singing Cimarosa with Thomas Hampson

Ramey as Don Giovanni at the Met

And as “L” Toreador on “Sesame Street”

“L” is for my love for Samuel Ramey. Happy birthday!