Cesare Valletti

Cesare Valletti was an Italian operatic tenor whose velvet voice and elegant phrasing made him a standout in mid-20th-century bel canto and Mozart roles. Born in Rome in 1922, Valletti charmed audiences with his lyric sensitivity, particularly in operas like *Don Pasquale* and *L'elisir d'amore* (both by Donizetti), where his bright timbre and comic timing shone. He became a regular at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in the 1950s, sharing stages with legends like Maria Callas in *La traviata* and mastering nuanced characters such as Don Ottavio in *Don Giovanni*. Though his stage career was relatively brief (he retired in 1962), Valletti left a rich legacy of recordings—from Tchaikovsky’s *Eugene Onegin* (sung in Italian!) to Mascagni’s *L’amico Fritz*—that still delight opera lovers today. Known for his refined artistry over brute power, he later taught voice, ensuring his stylish approach to singing lived on in new generations.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Donizetti: Don Pasquale (1952 Recording)

Gaetano Donizetti•

Sesto Bruscantini•

Alda Noni•

Cesare Valletti

Album - 16 Tracks - Released August 27, 2021