Giacomo Prestia

Giacomo Prestia (1952–2021) was an Italian operatic bass beloved for his commanding voice and vivid portrayals of classic Verdi roles. Born in Turin, he built a powerhouse career performing at major venues like La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Vienna State Opera, often collaborating with legends like Riccardo Muti and Plácido Domingo. His deep, resonant tone and dramatic intensity made him a go-to for complex characters such as Philip II in *Don Carlo* and Silva in *Ernani*—both featured in recent releases.

Though best known for his Verdi expertise (evident in live recordings like *I due Foscari* and *I vespri Siciliani*), Prestia also shined in French repertoire, including Massenet’s *Don Quichotte*. His legacy lives on through these performances, where his vocal agility and emotional depth remind listeners why he remained a staple of the opera world for decades.