Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Giuseppe Mario Sammarco was an Italian operatic bass-baritone who was born on February 7, 1868, in Naples, Italy. He was the son of a musician and began his musical training at a young age. Sammarco studied at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella in Naples, where he received instruction in voice, piano, and composition. Sammarco made his operatic debut in 1890 at the Teatro Bellini in Naples, where he sang the role of Colline in Puccini's La bohème. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented singer and was soon performing in major opera houses throughout Italy. In 1893, he made his debut at La Scala in Milan, where he sang the role of Ramfis in Verdi's Aida. Sammarco's career continued to flourish, and he soon became one of the most sought-after bass-baritones of his time. He performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Paris Opera. One of Sammarco's most notable performances was in the premiere of Puccini's La fanciulla del West at the Metropolitan Opera in 1910. He sang the role of Jack Rance, the sheriff of a mining town in the American West. The opera was a great success, and Sammarco's performance was widely praised. Sammarco was also known for his performances in Verdi's operas. He sang the role of Philip II in Don Carlos, which he performed at La Scala in 1904. He also sang the role of Banco in Macbeth, which he performed at the Royal Opera House in London in 1908. In addition to his operatic performances, Sammarco was also a successful concert singer. He performed in many concerts throughout Europe and the United States, and he was known for his interpretations of Italian art songs. Sammarco received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1904, he was awarded the title of Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Corona d'Italia by the Italian government. In 1911, he was awarded the title of Commendatore dell'Ordine della Corona d'Italia. He was also awarded the title of Knight of the Order of the Crown by the Belgian government. Sammarco continued to perform until the end of his life. He died on November 24, 1927, in Naples, Italy, at the age of 59. His legacy as one of the greatest bass-baritones of his time lives on through his recordings and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to hear him perform.

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