ARNOLD RAWLS
REVIEWS
CORAL GABLES GAZETTE
"Young tenor Arnold Rawls is physically perfect for the victorious hero, Radames. He's certainly a triumph for Florida Grand Opera management who took a chance on him when the lead tenor got sick. His tone, at times, is reminiscent of the young Pavarotti. It has a nice 'ring' to it with a lot of heft."
DAILY OAKLAHOMAN
"Tenor Arnold Rawls was the featured soloist in Puccini's Messa di Gloria and demonstrated a fine grasp of technique and musical fluency."
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS & VIEWS
"When tenor Andrew Richards cancelled due to indisposition, Arnold Rawls (who was scheduled for three performances) took over the role of the Egyptian warrior Radames for the entire run. Rawls possesses a firm, pliant lyric tenor with ringing high notes that easily dominated the ensembles. His Celeste Aida was distinguished by sweetness of timbre and emotional fervor. (There is a long history of lyric tenors singing this role - Bergonzi, Gigli, Bjoerling. Rawls follows that tradition.)"
MIAMI NEW TIMES
"The young tenor grew stronger with the four-hour-plus evening, complete with a very Italianate sob in his voice, thrilling free vibrato, and impressively heroic phrasing."
CORAL GABLES GAZETTE
"The role of Agamenon is a difficult one and veteran tenor Arnold Rawls tackled the punishingly high tessitura with aplomb. His return to Argolis is marked by the sweetest sound, as if he is totally unaware of the tragedy to come."
MIAMI HERALD
"Rising to the challenge as Radames when Andrew Richards fell ill, tenor Arnold Rawls delivered with gallant skill."
CONTRA COSTA TIMES,
SAN FRANCISCO
"Arnold Rawls played the Duke of Mantua, the Don Juan-like seducer who toys with women's affections. His strong tenor served him well in the opera's most famous arias like Questa o Quella and La donna è mobile."
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
"Arnold Rawls was pressed into service as Radames for the entire run when Andrew Richards pulled out. Never having sung the role in a staged version before, Rawls deserves praise for a valiant effort."
ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL
"Manrico's big aria, Di quella pira, is well done by Mr. Rawls ... a fine voice. Love scenes between Manrico and Leonora are convincing ... he has a flair for acting."
THE SPECTATOR, RALEIGH NC
"Tenor Arnold Rawls was an effective hero who poured out thrilling head tones."
DAILY HERALD, PROVO UTAH
"Arnold Rawls is excellent as Ramerrez (Dick Johnson), hitting the high notes clearly and filling the theater with his powerful voice."
DES MOINES REGISTER
"Arnold Rawls is ardent as the suitor Calaf. He sings with a powerful, clarion-sounding tenor that is seldom strained by this demanding role."
