Maria Caniglia (1905–1979) was one of the leading Italian operatic sopranos of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and compelling stage presence. Born in Naples, Caniglia trained at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella before making her professional debut at the Teatro di San Carlo in 1930. Her career quickly flourished, and she became a mainstay at the prestigious opera houses in Italy, including La Scala in Milan and the Rome Opera.
Caniglia was especially revered for her interpretations of the works of Verdi and Puccini, as well as the verismo repertoire. She partnered with many great singers of her time, including Beniamino Gigli, with whom she often performed. Her recorded legacy includes notable recordings of the Verdi Requiem and complete operas, where her poignant and passionate soprano shines. Even though her name may not be as widely recognized today as some of her contemporaries, her recordings continue to be cherished by opera aficionados for the dramatic urgency and richness of her voice, capturing an era of Italian opera that remains golden in the annals of music history.
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