Later in his career, in other Verdi roles, Graziani was more successful.

He was particularly effective in Verdi roles and verismo opera, bringing a rare emotional intensity to his performances.

Today, her management lists 12 Verdi roles.

No Verdi role is more studded with markings for pianissimo and half voice, some of them on inconveniently high notes.

Her portrayals of some heavier Verdi roles, though less solidly successful, were also encouraging.

One reason she has not sung more of the major Verdi roles, though she intends to, is that the characters do not claim her as much.

Although his teacher, Ms. Kingsley, performed many Verdi roles, he said she did not mention this to him until she knew his voice was ready.

Then again, purists would find many singers today inadequate to certain Verdi roles even if recordings were to be made.

He has resisted the temptation to sing "all those adorable Verdi roles that I always dreamed of doing," as he called them.

He is a good tenor, and it was a good effort, but in this Verdi role that is not enough.