Luciano Pavarotti and Giuseppe Di Stefano comparison. Che Gelida Mania, Puccini, La Boheme

In these two recordings Luciano Pavarotti (recorded 1969) and Giuseppe Di Stefano (recorded 1951) sing Che Gelida Manina from Puccini s La Boheme. At the time Di Stefano was a lyric tenor, Pavarotti more of a tenore di grazia, both are of a similar age, both singers sing this aria beautifully. Recording technology makes it difficult for the listener to discern between the standards of different singers, it gives a false impression of the singers vocal size and quality. When comparing Pavarotti and Di Stefano singing the same aria, we have a better understanding of the difference in vocal production and quality. This comparison is not to denigrate Pavarotti but to educate the ear. We can hear that Di Stefano sings at a higher level than Pavarotti, his voice has a better chiaro scuro balance and development, he maintains the chest coordination right up to the highest note, Pavarotti loses the balance on his higher notes, it has a headier sound, Di Stefano s voice sounds exciting and far