Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

December 27, 1888 in Lecce, Italy

Death

:

December 16, 1965 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Tito Schipa was an Italian tenor and one of the most renowned classical music artists of the 20th century. He was born on December 27, 1888, in Lecce, Italy, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a cellist, and his mother was a singer, so it was natural for Schipa to develop an interest in music from a young age. Schipa began his musical training at the age of 14, studying voice with Luigi Ricci and piano with Carlo Albanesi. He made his operatic debut in 1910, singing the role of the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto at the Teatro Lirico in Milan. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented tenor, and his career took off. In 1912, Schipa made his debut at La Scala in Milan, singing the role of Rinuccio in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi. He went on to perform at many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. Schipa was known for his beautiful voice, which had a sweet, lyrical quality. He was particularly admired for his performances of Mozart's operas, and he was considered one of the greatest interpreters of the role of Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni. He also excelled in the bel canto repertoire, singing roles in operas by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini. One of Schipa's most famous performances was his portrayal of Nemorino in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore at the Metropolitan Opera in 1934. His interpretation of the role was praised for its warmth, humor, and musicality, and it became one of his signature roles. Schipa was also a successful recording artist, making many recordings of operatic arias and songs. His recordings of Neapolitan songs, in particular, were very popular, and he became known as the "King of the Serenade." Throughout his career, Schipa received many honors and awards. In 1924, he was made a Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy, and in 1932, he was awarded the title of Commendatore of the Order of the Crown of Italy. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1955. Schipa continued to perform well into his 70s, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of opera until his death on December 16, 1965. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and a reputation as one of the greatest tenors of all time.

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