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Great Singers
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| 'Ah! Non giunge' from La Sonnambula as sung by Luisa Tetrazzini, shows why there was such rivalry between Melba and herself at Covent Garden in the early part of the century.
Her technique and vocal flexibility are incomparable.
The most celebrated tenor this century, Enrico Caruso, was born in the back streets of Naples. A very generous man both with his voice and wealth, he became the most sought after singer of his time and his records sold in millions. Ernest Schumann-Heink was afflicted by poverty in her early career, yet became a friend of Brahms and Cosima Wagner. She sang in all the major opera houses of the world and was still singing on radio each week at the age of 73. The Irish tenor John McCormack won a scholarship to study in Italy where he made his stage debut. His career was in two halves: 1905-1919 in opera and 1919-1938 entirely on the concert platform. He was noted for the sweetness of his voice and his exceptional breath control. Amelita Galli-Curi was the silver voiced coloratura soprano famed at the Chicago and Metropolitan opera houses. Her dazzling performance of 'Son vergin vezzosa' from I Puritani has never been surpassed. The career of the Italian baritone Riccardo Stracciari began on the concert platform in 1889, followed the next year by his stage debut. For the next forty years he was one of the leading baritones in the Italian repertoire. His pupils included the famous bass Boris Chirstof. Rosa Ponselle the dramatic soprano, made her fairytale debut at the Met. opposite Caruso. Her voice was described by one critic as 'pure gold.' Her rich vocal quality and artistry were most influential on the next generation. The tenor, Giacomo Lauri-Volpi, was first heard in I Puritani. Word of his fine free voice reached the major opera houses and engagements quickly followed. Such was his secure technical ability that his stage career lasted for fifty years. Britain's first dramatic soprano, Dame Eva Turner, became world famous after her first season in Italy. One of the greatest Turnandots ever, other roles included Aida, Tosca, Brunhilda and Santuzza. Lawrence Tibbett was the first all-American baritone to become a member of the Metropolitan Opera. He came to world notice for his performances of the great Verdi roles. Conchita Supervia first sang Carmen in 1912 but was also famed for her performances in Rossini operas. She possessed a phenomenal vocal technique and was universally admired until her death after childbirth at the age of 41. 'The most perfect lyric tenor voice of his time' is how Beniamino Gigli has been described by leading music critics. He had an enormous following with the public and made a great number of recordings. The coloured American contralto Marian Anderson became famous on the concert platform. Largely due to race discrimination she had to wait almost until the end of her career to appear in opera at the Metropolitan. Tito Schipa, one of the most stylish Italian tenors ever, made his debut in 1909 and retired in the 1960's. Mafalda Favero, the Italian soprano, made her debut in Wagner, and was recognised for her lyric expressiveness. Claudia Muzio, who was only 44 when she died of heart disease had that rare quality of combining a wonderful voice and superb acting skill. The great warmth of her personality endeared her to her audiences. The highly individual tenor voice of Richard Tauber became known to the world through his many recordings and films. He was particularly admired for his performances in operetta and his fine interpretations of the Mozart roles. |
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