Top Ten Greatest Male Tenors

Slim and very good looking, which was highly unusual for tenors in his era, Jose Carreras epitomised the romantic hero. His deeply moving, sincere singing always touches you. Once someone had described him as having a 'voice of extraordinary beauty'. I could not agree more with this. What he had sang from his soul remains at an unreachable level of appeal to opera lovers.

Most of Carreras opera performances set a standard of pure perfection, with his expressive phrasing, laser-precise timing and appealing voice. And, you cannot help but compare every other performance you come across to his one, and measure all the rest by how close they come to his interpretation of ultimate beauty.

His incomparable velvet voice. Even his late recordings sound in a very elegant, deep and sincere way. I also like his passion in each song, that sounds like it is done the last time forever. These things are much more important than only high notes, that most critics like ro mentione while talk about Carreras.

Josep Carreras is the best tenor.

Alfie has great warm notes in the middle and lower register with a lyric, flexible upper register. His versatility in singing all genres of music from opera (in which he trained at the Royal College of Music, National Opera Studio, and the Royal Opera House) to singing Elvis at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee shows the variety of his repertoire and his belief that there are only two kinds of music, good and bad, and he wants to sing the good stuff. He continues to defy expectations and reach more audiences with his remarkable voice. His superlative starring role as Jean Valjean in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Miserables helped redefine expectations. This past year, he was invited to sing "Bring Him Home" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and at the Washington D.C. memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. Finally, listen to his "Alfie Warbles a Bit" YouTube version of "Nessun Dorma" and you will hear a tenor of the highest quality.

I love Alfie Boe's voice and he is such a skilled performer. He engages and holds his audience whatever he sings. Recently made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music he dedicated nearly 20 years to training that voice and working at perfecting his natural and God given talent. He has appeared on the Opera stage worldwide and received much deserved glowing reviews. But as important as those accolades are - when he sings he stirs the heart. And that is the sign of a truly great tenor.

The clarity of Boe's voice whether in higher or lower register is outstanding - his voice also has a flexibility which enables Alfie to use in all the many genres of music in which he is interested. His voice has now developed a richness and warmth which has invested his fine lyric tenor with even more intensity, so important when singing classical music or indeed any other style. His lead performances in La Boheme, Pearlfishers and other operatic roles have won him plaudits although it is probably his performance in that most operatic of musical theatre pieces Les Mis for which he is best known, having won a 4 minutes standing ovation when he first performed in it.

he is crap

Of the younger school this voice is currently my favourite - the emotion, the passion he brings to the fore is, for me, outstanding and I consider his to be a fine instrument.

The only tenor I have heard live who transports me to an ethereal place. His voice was so good before his medical problems and I pray he will rise again to those dizzy heights.

Has magical charisma as well as one of the most beautiful voices - his passion for music is always there. Viva Villazon!

Really good

Ignazio is 19 years old, and has nothing but a great future ahead of him. He's been singing professionally since he was 14 years old. His voice sounds crystal clear, like a body of water that you can see the bottom of even though it is miles away.

Ignazio Boschetto has a voice like the clear tones of a French horn. If you hear him sing without seeing him you will expect to see a man of 45 not a teenager of 19. His career is in it's infancy and there is no limit to what he will achieve. He is part of the classical pop trio, IL VOLO, from Italy. His voice is magical.

Ignazio has the most glorious lyric tenor voice! He is one-third of the Il Volo, a group which, once you hear them, you will not be able to enjoy any other nearly as much. Ignazio Boschetto is a name we will hear for many, many years to come.

Ignazio has an exquisite voice that can soar over an orchestra or be like a soft caress to the ear and heart. He has an amazing range in at least three octaves and beautiful extension. Ignazio is also a composer and arranger. Such achievement for a 21 year old is mind boggling. And the best is yet to come!

To be honest, Pavarotti has no emotional effect on me. Pavarotti has a lot of power but lacks in dynamics and sensibility, rather boring really. Jussi Björling on the other hand gives me the shivers every time.

His voice make tears flow, so beautiful!

Undoubtedly one of the best lyric tenors of the 20th century. There has been enourmous talent around in regards to tenor voices, and the lack of trustworthy records of many of them as well as the different types of voices make it very difficult to make comparisons. I would never think about comparing a lyric tenor such as Jussi or Pavarotti with Alfredo Krauss, for example.
That is why when I try to write down my opinion, I am only considering lyric tenors. In spite all of those obstacles to make a fair comparison (which ultimately go against Jussi since his recordings are very old), I believe Björling is one step beyond the rest of the lyric tenors of this century for one or another reason. Arguably, there could be tenors with more power, or a broader range of tones, but I cannot find anyone with such combination of qualities as his. He had amazing power with a very broad range of tones, techique close to perfection and an extraordinarily well rounded voice, always, always under ...more

Carreras called jussi "Il Tenore Perfecto" Pavarotti when asked to compare his Manrico to Jussi;s said "I'm only human. I try to sing like him. I would like people to compare me with him" Caruso's widow said that only Jussi was worth to wear Rico's crown. I rest my case by suggesting that you find Jussi's live from the Met "Romeo" called by Conrad Osborne one of the most perfect live performances by a lyric tenor (along with Jussi.s Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut. And finally, wait until Christmas eve and find O Helga Nat, O Holy night in Swedish and you will not want to hear another version. Now I really do rest my case.

Tim

Definitely the best tenor on the list! His beautiful recordings of the Mozartian tenor arias have no equal! And, unlike the Italians, he manages to go high without sounding like his balls were cut off; a true male voice. Another tenor not mentioned, and worth mentioning, is Frank Kelley, superb with both Bach and Mozart!

His career was cut tragically short at the age of just 35, when he fell down stairs and hit his head. A truly amazing voice, he could also play french horn, piano, accordion and trumpet. He was a star in Germany and Austria and his records were being heard beyond those countries too. He could do it all...superb renditions of Mozart's roles, Puccini, Verdi and other Italian arias (sometimes sung in German as was the custom at the time), religious music be it Bach Cantatas and Passions or Christmas songs or Verdi's requiem, German lieder by Schubert, Schumann, Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms etc, popular songs of the time eg Be My Love, operetta arias by Lehar and others, early pre-Bach music, just about anything really. Few know about him because he died in 1966, just over a week short of his 36th birthday, leaving behind a wife and three young children. I was astonished when I "discovered" his recordings recently and there is so much to listen to. From what I have seen online, it looks as ...more

Regarding lyric tenors one cannot but admire Wunderlichs artistry, his expression and also technical excellence. To make a list of the "best tenors" is quite ambivalent as there are different "prerequisites" for different composers. Wunderlich and Mozart fit perfectly, whether Wunderlich and Wagner would have matched no one can say...

Just listen to his rendition of "granada"

Hearing live most of the greatest tenors in the last fifty years, Franco Corelli at his best, was in a class of his own. There are great tenor voices and then there was Corelli's. Do yourself a favor and listen to some of Corelli's great recordings, and even better, his live performances. If you're unfamiliar with his voice you will understand what I mean.

Unfortunately for many, the voice of Corelli is unknown! Music is such a subjective choice as to what one likes to hear in a voice. Having listened to opera for nearly 60 years, I can tell you that certain tenors lend themselves best to certain operas. If you truly want to hear the beautiful power of Corelli's voice, then listen to his role in "Andrea Chenier". His mastery of this opera has never been matched!

By any measure this list is hackneyed and bizarre. NO ONE matched Corelli's vocal athleticism, his fire in the blood intensity and fearless attack with high risk to achieve with consummate technique what is aberrant, electrifying and powerhouse glorious in the moment. That is where art needs to be.

Probably one of the greatest italian tenors of all times!

Wes is a wonderful singer. I love to hear him.

He is the best

Awesome tenor and member of group Forte who came in 4th on America's Got Talent. He exhibits the highest of standards in all aspects of his life!

Great range - strong in the low notes and beautiful in the highest ones. But in addition to his technical skills, especially loved is his unique style. Into every performance, every song, he puts his heart and soul. He's a Latino, with that open, unabashed emotional expression - beautiful singing from a true romantic.

Beautiful, expressive, uplifting tenor who you want to listen to non-stop. As one of the crossover group FORTE, he is part of the magic when their voices come together.

Fernando deserves to be, and someday will be, much higher on this list. His voice is technically superb, but also has a warmth and depth unmatched by any other.

Fantastic technique and versatility.

The most beautiful tenor voice.

Gadda is still alive, born 11 July 1925. And he was marvelous!

Perfection all the time!

Sean Panikkar has the voice of an angel, which is only fitting because he IS an angel on earth. In his voice you hear the voice of God, in his eyes you see the light. His voice is one for all tenors to aspire to, and his character one that all should aspire to.

He is not only an incredibly talented young man but he exhibits such humility, thoughtfulness, and gentlemanly characteristics in all that he does. An outstanding young man who just happens to be one of the very best tenors to enrich our lives.

Look into Sean's eyes when he is singing and you'll see how much it means to him. He exudes joy from his music, not only to himself but to everyone who listens to it. I get chills when I listen to him-especially when he sings classical music. He has a gorgeous voice like no other.

His voice is like melting chocolate!

The first time I played his CD, The Voice, in the parking lot of a new Border's Store, I just sat there and cried! The first violin notes of Nella Fanticia gripped me and then Russell, s voice. Yes, others are excellent tenors, but Russell got into my emotions and heart. His voice really ministered to me. He will always be my favorite tenor. And his story makes it even more fabulous. There is hope for anyone with talent like that. It is just too bad he was so ill for so long. He is still so very popular in the UK... Always sold-out concerts. A long way to travel for concerts from the USA, but well worth it.

Since being "discovered" in 1999, this ex-factory worker has performed for Royalty, the late Pope John Paul, and the President of the United States. This year Russell has performed at three Gala concerts at Buckingham Palace in celebration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. He has represented the UK at a Ground Zero memorial concert in New York and sung on the lawns of the White House. He is loved in many countries including Japan and Australia, and is a great ambassador for our country. Despite all his success in his career, he remains very modest and friendly, truly a man of the people. His concerts are truly captivating - to hear that voice live is an unforgettable experience!

Russell is an INSPIRATION to us all and his Voice is now Better Than EVER.. He most definitely should be on the list.. At the RAH in 2012 he did two Concerts.. One in the afternoon, for fans who could not be there in the evening.. Both were SOLD OUT... On Stage he gives his all.. And is sometimes funny with it, keeping us captivated, through out.. If you read his Book.. Finding My Voice.. You will know what he has been through and come out " TOPS ".. He puts so much Passion into his Voice, whatever he sings... RUSSELL IS ONE IN A MILLION..

Wonderful, I love him

I knew he was going to be a star from the moment he was pulled on stage by Josh Groban, his amazing vocals were even noted in the New York Times review of this concert. He is an incredibly versatile performer and can go from singing opera to classical crossover and then rock/pop with his brother Zach in their group Brothers Page. I've seen him perform with Jackie Evancho and their rendention of the prayer is my all time favorite duet! I'm thrilled he has joined forces with Sean Pannikar and Fernando Varela as Forte is now my favorite tenor group, their voices blend into the most amazing harmonies! Josh Page is incredibly gifted and talented and at only 23. I'm looking forward to watching his talent develop and his career soar!

When Josh Groban called him up on stage, people were amazed that he sounded just like him! He founded the crossover group Forte that was a finalist on America's Got Talent. Now, Forte has released their first CD and performed at Carnegie Hall. A very talented young man who is on his way up!

Josh's voice has just become better and better as time has passed! I have watched him on YouTube and his beautiful voice has made me cry. He sings with such passion and emotion that you can feel it every time you hear him!

Gifted with a wonderful powerful voice and is at ease on stage alone or with others and loves to involve the audience through a great good sense of humor.

The most beautiful voice of today,

He does not sing you a song. He does not tell you a story. He pulls you in, pulls you under, and when he finally lets you go, you find yourself dripping with emotions you might otherwise never have felt.

The easy, natural style, the superb quality of his tone, his remarkable versatility and emotional range make him, for me, the best tenor in the world. I could listen to him all day.

This guy is the best in the World today. Besides having a great voice he has the matching personality. Can only explain his position at number 26 as him not being heard as frequently as some of the so-called popular tenors.

Sure Joseph Calleja has a great future with such a talent. Although coming from the small island of Malta, he already can be considered among the greatest of all times.

I think Mr Calleja is still on the ascendant but his star shines bright and he is a good contender to the likes of the Italian greats.

Great voice and has a great character too. He is only going to get better. He is there as far as I am concerned, but I am sure he will beg to differ.

Joseph the magnifeicent Maltese tenor is a top 10 righ now!

This Greek Tenor is one of the best cross-over artists today. The voice has a haunting power, which neither Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli can match. And he sings with a great heart! If there is to be any future for classical music, to survive and fill in the seats at the concert halls, it is in the hands of artists like Mario Frangoulis. He sings in greek, Italian, English, French and Spanish and does it effortlessly.

My absolute FAVORITE tenor! Great talent and amazing voice..

B.

No other voice touches my soul and heart like his. He sings with such feeling, such passion - his voice expresses so beautifully what is in his soul and heart.

Excellent range and breath control, powerful chest voice and brilliant vibrato and falsetto. Sings with more emotion than any other singer. Still the best around at 70 years old. A joy to listen to and an inspiration to all other singers. I had the pleasure of seeing him last year at Cardiff, not long after seeing Alfie Boe and Ramin Karimloo in seperate performances and although all 3 are brilliant, for me Colm is still the best.

Colm Wilkinson is good because he sings with emotion, even when he songs softly. He doesn't have to sing at the top of his lungs to give you goosebumps. His perfect vibrato and falsetto makes him, in my opinion, the best tenor.

The best at acting while singing, and the Irish accent just adds to the effect

Such an emotionally powerful singer.

David has achieved success in his chosen field because of his love of singing and the desire to succeed. As a member of Il Divo, he is spotlighted in "Bring Him Home" and it is spellbindingly beautiful!

David performs from his heart. He feels every vibration --his soul is always communicating with him which resonates with the people who recognize his passion. His vocal energy is healing and his smile lights up a room. He walks the Planet with love...

David is the tenor who sings in my favorite group 'Il Divo'. His voice is so incredible. He can sing whatever he wants, it is always beautiful!

David Miller's beautiful voice goes straight to your soul. Consummate performer.

Gianluca has an amazing and beautiful voice, so deep and strong, so it's impossible to believe that it's the sound of eighteen year old guy. He is especially good with songs in Spanish and his native language, so many shades in his voice. And the songs of Sinatra seemed to be created for him. He's very gifted young man.

Gianluca Ginoble has such a smooth voice. Not only can he sing in his Italian language but also in
Spanish and English. Of the three, his command of the
English is unbelievable. How in the world does an 18 year old sing like this--blows my mind. Gianluca will go far in the USA. He loves the old American singers such as
Sinatra. His appreciation for all music is amazing. He is such a class act. I would never put Ignazio and Piero (II Volo) ahead of Gianluca--NEVER!

Gianluca is 18 years old only and a baritone voice that lifts me up again and again. Winner of a singing competition in Italy with 14 years. Now on worldwide concert tour with Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto as IL VOLO = The Flight. And they are flying!

Albeit the fact that he is a lyric baritone and should not be in this list along with Carlos Marin of il Divo, Gianluca is one of the best operatic singers we have in this generation.

Gigli had the most beautiful voice and was the best Lyric Tenor

The voice of an Angel! For me personally this tenor is way out in front. Breath control, diction interpretation all amazing and that velvet, caressing sound is unequalled.

A most gifted tenor

I have an old record of him singing La Bohem, the last cry of "Mimi! " brings me to tears.

I have never heard a tenor of such passion, power, timber, sincerity, technique, and evenness of tone than Mario Del Monaco. Yes, there are many other tenors, but Del Monaco has it all. You name it and Del Monaco has it in full measure. The all around tenor of any century. Unfortunately, the critics didn't give him the deserved reviews he deserved. Del Monaco, the creates tenor ever! S.T.

Mario del Monaco, if you know anything about the operatic voice, need I say more?

The best tenor ever.

Del Monaco was a vocal dichotomy. His voice was metallic, huge and had an immense amount of squillo but because he pushed the chest voice up, and used the potentially very dangerous lowered larynx technique, he often went flat on top. He never truly had a high C and his high B - just listen to his recordings of "Nessun dorma" - was always short and belabored. An exciting voice to be sure, especially in the passagio, but all too often diminished by vocal histrionics. Ironically, my favorite recording of his is not from opera but a popular song which, in my opinion, he still owns to this day - "Un amore cosi grande." - tonytenor

Richard Tucker could fill a huge music venue like The LA Dorothy Chandler Pavillian and, even from the topmost balcony, it was like he was 10 feet away! His timbre was beautiful to behold... Smooth and powerful! He's one of the best!

Incredible passion in his voice. I cry when I hear him.

There is no second

I heard him sing Faust in New Orleans many,many years ago. I went backstage afterwards and got his autograph. He held my hand and smiled. I was eighteen at the time and have never forgotten. Ezio Pinza and his daughter Claudia also sang that night and it was memorable to say the least.

Perhaps the greatest singing-actor ever to grace the opera stage. His voice was not beautiful - at least not by conventional standards - but my god the man was riveting to watch and to listen to. I first saw him at the MET in 1978 at Otello. His smoldering intensity and total immersion into the role was electrifying and, at times, even frightening. An iconic tenor to be sure. - tonytenor

His vocal technique and his total connection to the characters he played made him one of the best opera singers of all time.

One of the greatest dramatic tenors. Great Siegmund and Othello.

The best tenor solos in Handels Messiah I've ever heard.

He is the best right now, He can sing any song, a lot better than any other

Juan is the best currently around no doubt about it.

Simple the best as stated by Pavarotti. Please get his name correct "Juan".

The best in the world!

A magnificent voice with an amazing repertoire. He performed
12 consecutive seasons at The Met. New York and still lives
in Wales. We are a musical nation and very proud of Stuart Burrows
who is now 83 years old.

I listened to him as a child with my father, he had a wonderfully rich voice, could sing in his native German and English also. Could make you laugh or cry so rich was his voice, and meaningful the interpretation. Pity he is not higher on the list, listen to 'You Are My Hearts' Desire' (in English or German) and be impressed. J.

Listened to Richard as a child and teenager. My heart and I always bought tears and still does.

When composers wrote music with one man's voice in mind, you kind have made it big!

I absolutely agree with comments.My favourite was The Bluebird of Happiness.
Searching for a connection either accurate words to song other than my memory, or some hope for the actual song. Richard Tauber is the only one ever, who could sing that song.

He had a great voice

The absolutely finest Hildentenor of all time. No one could hold a candle to him.

The only constant tenor in the world. He performed until very old age which none of the rest did with the same quality as the first day, his voice was like no other.

Found this Great Tenor in 1965, I have all of his recordings, He did so much, He is by far the one BEST! God Rest His Soul!

Alfredo Kraus was in a class of his own. Will never be another tenor as good as Kraus

Great artist, great singer, great proffesional, great teacher and a great person. He had it all and stands among the very best. Thank your legacy Alfredo

He is the greatest and sweetest man ever. We love him and he loves us like we are his children love you carlos.He is an amazing artist if somebody asked me who is the most careing man in the world I would say CARLOS MARIN 1MILLION PERCENT.

He have such a great voice and is always kind to his fans such a sweet man

A baritone with a wonderful voice, emotion only listen

One of the mosut beautiful voice in the world! I love him!

The greatest of this generation, bar none. No one holds a candle to this man. He learns from the greats of the past, he exceeds the expectations and thoughts of people of today. He is indeed, phenomenal and will surely be one of the greatest of all time.

Truly a phenomenal young man. His voice is absolutely beautiful, his acting is superb! He is also quite handsome. A great package indeed! Cannot wait to see where this young man ends up next! In boca al lupo!

Coraggio.

Josh is great! Such a wonderful spirit with so much talent! He is a wonderful singer, a wonderful actor and a wonderful human being! Such a joy to have been able to work with him! - leighannelizabeth

One of the greatest upcoming tenors of the century! - leighannelizabeth

What an awesome gift. This man can deliver to the very last row in the balcony.

Not much physical presence but he effortlessly reaches the notes

Lacks présence,but gifted with a wonderful voice and fabuleus technique. Will grow, I'm sure.

This young man is amazing, facing unbelievable challenges in his childhood. Don't think a lot of us have strength and courage like him. Not only survived in his daily life, but also achieved more than regular people. He had never given up and had special talent with a little help later. He was not only inspirational for us, but he also gave a very touchy feelings to us. How about if he had resources and facility like others? It is a nice if we can do a fund raising for " Choi Education Program" in the area where he is interested in (heard like language and music teaching may be). Bet he will be a good teacher and give back to people in need. Wish someone with a lot of knowledge and access can direct him. Hope he can have a grant for a low cost to study in US.

This young man's voice is an instrument down in him that projects with power but warmth at the same time. His voice may not be to the level of some of the tested greats, but is different enough that it stands on its own as a magic to the listener's ear. He has a good stage and is a great entertainer.

An amazingly warm and vibrant voice! All of the emotion he has carried from living such a repressive life comes through in his voice. Why has an American music producer not jumped all over this young man? His voice, his heart, his story are all so compelling that any album produced by him would be a runaway best seller. We need to hear more of this amazing talent!

Fascinating voice. Truly inspirational and worth listening to his music.

The fact that you placed Russell Watson and Alfie boa etc, I ahead of di stefano, gives your list about as much credibility as your knowledge of the tenor voice, stick to pop singers, or get a job at Disneyland.

Agree with one of the previous comments about placing Russell Watson and Alfie Boe ahead of Di Stefano - we're talking of TENORS here!

One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Saw him in person 3 times. His La Boheme was the best ever. I

One of the Greatest - how on earth did he get so low down on the list - he sanf with the greatest of Sopranos