Nikola Nikolov (1925-2007) was a renowned tenor with a powerful and emotive voice that captivated audiences in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. With performances at La Scala – Milano, Covent Garden, Metropolitan Opera, and the Vienna Opera, he was celebrated for his exceptional vocal talent and dramatic stage presence. Nikolov's versatility and skill allowed him to master 37 different operas during his time at the Vienna Opera, solidifying his reputation as one of Bulgaria's most famous opera voices. His interpretation of Macduff from Verdi's operatic masterpiece was particularly acclaimed, earning him invitations to perform at the esteemed opera of Rome. Nikola Nikolov's legacy as a legendary opera tenor lives on through his timeless recordings and the enduring impact of his extraordinary performances.
Famous Opera Voices of Bulgaria · Nikola Nikolov, tenor
GIUSEPPE VERDI
[1] Aida – Aria of Radames from Scene 1: “Celeste Aida...” 3:58
[2] Il Trovatore – Aria of Manrico from Scene 6 : “Di quela pira...” 2:13
[3] Othello - Monologue of Othello from Act 3: “Dio! Mi potevi scaliar...” 4:27
GIACOMO MEYERBEER
[4] L’Africaine - Aria of Vasco da Gama from Act 4: “Mi Batte il Cor – O Paradiso” 3:07
(Live recording 23 January 1965)
AMILCARE PONCHIELLI
[5] La Gioconda - Romance of Enzo from Act II: “Cielo e mar!” 4:17
GIOACCHINO ROSSINI
[6] William Tell - Aria and Scene of Arnold from Act 4: “ Il giuro, egli disse!” 7:31
UMBERTO GIORDANO
[7] Andrea Chènier - Couplets of Andrea Chènier from Act 4: “Come un bel di di maggio”2:47
PIETRO MASCAGNI
[8] Cavalleria rusticana - Aria of Turiddu: “Mamma,quel vino и generoso” 3:37(Live recording 1957)
RUGGERO LEONCAVALLO - Pagliacci
[9] Pagliacci - Aria of Canio form Act 1: „Vesti la giubba” 3:34
GIACOMO PUCCINI
[10] La bohème - Aria of Rodolfo from Act 1:”Che gelida manina...” 4:30
[11] La bohème - Scene and Duet of Mimi and Rodolfo from Act 4: “Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire” 5:21
[12] Tosca - Aria of Cavaradossi from Act 3 : “E lucevan le stelle...” 2:51
[13] Manon Lescaut - Aria of Des Grieux from Act 1: “Donna non vidi mai” 2:37
[14] Madama Butterfly - Aria of Pinkerton from Act 3: “Addio, fiorito asil…” 1:50
[15] Turandot - Aria of Calaf from Act 3: “Nessun Dorma...” 3:03
LYUBOMIR PIPKOV
[16] Momchil - Duet of Elena and Momchil from Scene 2 7:00
DOBRI HRISTOV
[17] Lukovitski momi (Lukovit Maidens) 2:02
Total: 64:46
