Mattia Battistini was a baritone of great renown, considered one of the finest of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on February 27, 1856, in Rome, Italy, he was known for his velvety voice and his technical mastery, as well as his wide range that encompassed both baritone and tenor registers. He was often referred to as "the king of baritones". Battistini developed an international reputation, with a career that was predominantly based in Europe, though he also performed in North and South America.

Battistini's repertoire was vast, focusing particularly on the operas of Donizetti, Bellini, Rossini, and Verdi. His interpretations of Verdi's baritone roles are still considered to be definitive by many music historians. His recording career spanned from 1902 to 1924, leaving behind a legacy in the form of numerous early gramophone records, which serve as important documents of a golden age of operatic singing. Through these recordings, which have been compiled and released in various collections over the years, Mattia Battistini's rich and expressive artistry continues to be appreciated by classical music lovers and opera aficionados around the world. He passed away on November 7, 1928, in Riga, Latvia, but his contributions to vocal art have made him immortal in the world of opera.

Genres

Italian Baritone

Vintage Classical Singing

Latest Release

The Art of the Verdi-Baritone

Giuseppe Verdi•

Titta Ruffo•

Carlo Tagliabue•

Mattia Battistini

Album - 20 Tracks - Released February 12, 2013