Carlo Bergonzi was an Italian operatic tenor whose career was predominantly rooted in the rich soil of the Italian repertoire, particularly the works of Giuseppe Verdi. Born on July 13, 1924, in Vidalenzo, near Parma, Italy, he initially studied to become a baritone, but later transitioned to tenor, a voice type that would bring him international acclaim. His debut as a tenor came in 1951, performing the role of Andrea Chénier.

With a voice celebrated for its clarion clearness, tonal purity, and refined phrasing, Bergonzi became one of the leading tenori di grazia of the 20th century. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, his reputation grew as he sang at major opera houses around the world, including La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London. Bergonzi was admired for his interpretations of key Verdi roles, among them those in "Rigoletto," "Aida," "Don Carlo," and "Il trovatore." His discography is extensive, covering a wide range of the Italian operatic canon, from the bel canto of Donizetti, as heard in "Lucia di Lammermoor," to the verismo of Leoncavallo in "Pagliacci," and the romanticism of Puccini with standout performances in "Madama Butterfly" and "Tosca." Bergonzi continued singing into his 70s, maintaining an active teaching and masterclass schedule even after retiring from the stage. He passed away on July 25, 2014, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest interpreters of the Italian opera.

Genres

Classical Tenor

Italian Tenor

Opera

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Latest Release

Verdi: Il Trovatore (Live at Teatro Colón, 1969) [Restauración 2024]

Giuseppe Verdi•

Carlo Bergonzi•

Piero Cappuccilli•

Oliviero de Fabritiis

Album - 40 Tracks - Released August 21, 2024