Mirella Freni was an Italian soprano who was widely admired for her voice's remarkable agility, purity, and warmth, qualities that made her one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born on February 27, 1935, in Modena, Italy, she shared the same birthplace as Luciano Pavarotti, who would also become a lifelong friend and frequent performance partner. Freni made her operatic debut at a young age and quickly ascended to international stardom. Her career spanned more than four decades, during which she performed at the world's leading opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Royal Opera House in London, and many others.

Renowned especially for her interpretations of Puccini and Verdi roles, Freni became synonymous with characters such as Mimi in "La Bohème," the title role in "Madama Butterfly," and Desdemona in "Otello." Her rich discography is a testament to her versatility as an artist, as it includes operas by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Bizet, among others. The albums "Mirella Freni - The first Recitals," "Great Singers Live: Mirella Freni," and "The Art of Mirella Freni" capture the breadth and depth of her talent, which continued to be celebrated even after her retirement from the stage. Her passionate performances, technical prowess, and emotional depth are cherished by opera aficionados around the world. Mirella Freni passed away on February 9, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved sopranos of her generation.

Genres

Classical Soprano

Italian Soprano

Opera

Related Artists

Maria Callas

Anna Netrebko

Renée Fleming

Kiri Te Kanawa

Renata Tebaldi

Cecilia Bartoli

Cesária Evora

Luciano Pavarotti

Renata Scotto

Plácido Domingo

Leontyne Price

José Carreras

Latest Release

Mozart: Don Giovanni, K. 527 (Remastered)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart•

Christa Ludwig•

Mirella Freni•

Nicolai Gedda•

New Philharmonia Orchestra•

Otto Klemperer

Album - 59 Tracks - Released November 1, 2023