Rosa Ponselle, born Rosa Melba Ponzillo on January 22, 1897, in Meriden, Connecticut, remains one of the opera world's most celebrated sopranos, revered for her rich, lush voice and her profound emotional depth. Making her grand debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1918, Ponselle's performance alongside the acclaimed tenor Enrico Caruso in Verdi's "La Forza del Destino" catapulted her into operatic stardom. Her career, spanning over two decades, was marked by her versatility and mastery across a wide range of operatic roles, from the dramatic intensity of Verdi's heroines to the intricate emotional landscapes of Bellini and Rossini's characters.

Ponselle's recordings, particularly from the 1920s and 1930s, continue to be celebrated for their technical excellence and emotional resonance, offering a window into the exceptional prowess that characterized her performances. Despite her retirement from the stage in the late 1930s, Ponselle's influence persisted through her work as a teacher and mentor to young singers. Rosa Ponselle's legacy is not only preserved through her recordings, including "Rosa Ponselle Sings Verdi" and the comprehensive collection "Ponselle, Rosa: American Recordings," but also in her significant contributions to the development of opera as a vibrant and emotive art form. Her death on May 25, 1981, marked the end of an era, but her voice continues to inspire and enchant listeners around the world.

Genres

Vintage Classical Singing

Latest Release

NKB SP Selection No. 16, Great Singer 3 Caruso with others Ponselle, Chorus

Enrico Caruso•

Rosa Ponselle

Album - 11 Tracks - Released August 25, 2023