Ebe Stignani (1903–1974) was an Italian opera singer, widely recognized as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. Born in Naples, Stignani trained at the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory and rapidly rose to prominence with her commanding voice and profound interpretative skills. She made her operatic debut in 1925 as Amneris in Verdi's "Aida," a role that would become one of her signatures throughout a distinguished career.

Stignani's artistry was marked by a rare combination of a rich, sumptuous vocal tone and a strong dramatic presence, which made her an ideal fit for both mezzo-soprano and dramatic contralto roles. She excelled in the works of Italian composers like Verdi and Donizetti but also garnered acclaim in French repertoire, as highlighted by her powerful portrayals in Saint-Saëns's "Samson et Dalila" and Bizet’s "Carmen." She performed on the world's greatest stages, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Despite the breadth of her repertoire, she is perhaps best remembered for her iconic Verdi performances, including roles such as Azucena in "Il Trovatore" and the aforementioned Amneris. Her recordings remain a testament to her artistry, capturing the indelible mark she left on the world of opera before her retirement in 1958.

Genres

Classical Mezzo-soprano

Italian Mezzo-soprano

Latest Release

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera (Live)

Giuseppe Verdi•

Anita Cerquetti•

Ettore Bastianini•

Ebe Stignani•

Giulio Neri

Album - 28 Tracks - Released November 4, 2014