Mario del Monaco (July 27, 1915 – October 16, 1982) was a remarkable Italian tenor, best known for his powerful and emotive voice, particularly suited to the dramatic roles of the Italian repertoire. Born in Florence, Italy, del Monaco was prominent mostly in the post-war period, and he remains one of the defining voices of the operatic stage, particularly recognized for his performances in the works of Verdi and Puccini.

Mario del Monaco's career was marked by his intense and passionate portrayals of leading characters in operas such as Verdi's "Otello," which became one of his signature roles, and Puccini's "Tosca." His voice, characterized by its strength and heroic timbre, was also adept at expressing the nuanced pathos required for operas like "Boito: Mefistofele." Notably, Del Monaco's outstanding performance in Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera" at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in 1946 remains etched in history as a testament to his artistry. With every role, he infused an unrivaled vigor and commitment, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of opera. His recordings from the 1950s, including "Verdi: Aida" and "Puccini: Turandot," preserve the essence of his vocal prowess and remain treasured by opera enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

Genres

Classical Tenor

Italian Tenor

Opera

Latest Release

Otello

Giuseppe Verdi•

Mario del Monaco

Album - 45 Tracks - Released October 1, 2021