Pasquale Amato (1878-1942) was one of the most celebrated Italian baritones of the early 20th century, known for his rich, velvety voice and dramatic intensity in Verdi and verismo roles. Born in Naples, he became a staple at New York’s Metropolitan Opera from 1908 to 1921, wowing audiences as Scarpia in *Tosca*, Rigoletto, and the titular role in *Hamlet*. His iconic recording of the Prologue from *Pagliacci* (featured in your list!) remains a gold standard for baritones, capturing his fiery charisma and vocal polish.
Amato’s legacy lives on through his historic recordings, which showcase his knack for blending technical precision with raw emotional power. Though his career peaked before microphones were common, compilations like *Lebendige Vergangenheit* preserve his artistry for modern listeners. Fun fact: He even created roles in world premieres, like the male lead in Puccini’s *La Fanciulla del West*. A true opera heavyweight of his era!
Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!
Get Started