Ferruccio Tagliavini was an Italian operatic lyric tenor, renowned for his beautiful and expressive voice, particularly in the mezza voce style. Born on August 14, 1913, in Cavazzoli, near Reggio Emilia, Italy, he began his career early, making his professional debut in 1938 at the Teatro Comunale in Florence as Rodolfo in Puccini's *La Bohème*. Tagliavini was often compared to legendary tenors like Tito Schipa and Beniamino Gigli, and he quickly gained recognition as one of the leading tenori di grazia of his time. He performed in numerous operas, including *L'elisir d'amore*, *Don Pasquale*, and *La traviata*, and appeared at prominent venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Tagliavini's career spanned several decades, with his peak in the 1940s and 1950s. Despite his success in lighter roles, he sometimes ventured into heavier parts, which affected the lyric quality of his voice. He retired from the stage in 1965 but continued to give occasional recitals until the mid-1970s. Tagliavini left behind a notable discography, with his recordings from the 1940s and early 1950s being particularly celebrated for capturing his vocal prowess at its best. He passed away on January 29, 1995.
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