Birth

:

April 4, 1900 in Rome, Italy

Death

:

December 31, 1969 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Salvatore Baccaloni was a renowned Italian bass opera singer, born on August 14, 1900, in Rome, Italy. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a cellist, and his mother was a singer. Baccaloni's love for music was evident from a young age, and he began singing in church choirs and local operas. Baccaloni's professional career began in 1920 when he joined the Rome Opera Company. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful bass voice and his ability to portray comedic characters. In 1924, he made his debut at La Scala in Milan, where he performed in the opera "L'elisir d'amore" by Gaetano Donizetti. This performance marked the beginning of his international career. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Baccaloni performed in various opera houses across Europe, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He was particularly known for his performances in the operas of Gioachino Rossini, such as "The Barber of Seville" and "The Italian Girl in Algiers." Baccaloni's comedic timing and physicality made him a favorite among audiences, and he became known as one of the greatest basso buffos of his time. In 1936, Baccaloni made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he performed in "The Barber of Seville." He quickly became a favorite among American audiences, and he continued to perform at the Met for the next 20 years. During his time at the Met, Baccaloni performed in over 200 performances, including "Don Giovanni," "The Marriage of Figaro," and "The Magic Flute." Baccaloni's career was not limited to opera. He also appeared in several films, including "The Great Waltz" (1938) and "The Chocolate Soldier" (1941). He also made numerous recordings, including a famous recording of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" with conductor Arturo Toscanini. Baccaloni's career was not without its challenges. During World War II, he was forced to flee Italy and perform in South America. He also faced criticism for his weight and physical appearance, which some felt detracted from his performances. However, Baccaloni remained dedicated to his craft and continued to perform until his retirement in 1960. Throughout his career, Baccaloni received numerous awards and honors. In 1951, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of Italy's highest honors. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1959. In 1960, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Rome, where he was born and raised. Salvatore Baccaloni died on December 31, 1969, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 69. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest basso buffos of all time, known for his powerful voice, comedic timing, and physicality. His recordings and performances continue to be celebrated by opera lovers around the world.

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