Birth

:

November 6, 1920 in Istanbul, Turkey

Death

:

March 12, 1991 in Bloomington, IN

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Nicola Rossi-Lemeni was a renowned Italian bass opera singer who was born on November 6, 1920, in Istanbul, Turkey. His parents were both Italian, and his father was a diplomat. Rossi-Lemeni grew up in various countries due to his father's job, including Greece, Egypt, and France. He began his musical training at a young age, studying piano and singing in choirs. Rossi-Lemeni's family eventually settled in Italy, where he continued his musical education at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome. He studied under the guidance of renowned bass singer, Cesare Siepi, and made his operatic debut in 1946 at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in the role of Colline in Puccini's "La Bohème." Rossi-Lemeni quickly gained recognition for his powerful and expressive voice, which had a rich and resonant quality. He became known for his ability to convey deep emotion through his singing, and his performances were often praised for their dramatic intensity. Throughout his career, Rossi-Lemeni performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was particularly renowned for his performances in the works of Verdi, Mozart, and Rossini. One of Rossi-Lemeni's most notable performances was in the role of Don Giovanni in Mozart's opera of the same name. He first performed the role in 1953 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and it became one of his signature roles. He went on to perform the role in many other productions throughout his career, including at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Rossi-Lemeni also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing in recitals and with orchestras around the world. He was known for his interpretations of Italian art songs and was particularly admired for his performances of the works of Giuseppe Verdi. Throughout his career, Rossi-Lemeni received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1962, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and in 1974, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was also awarded the title of Knight of the Order of the British Empire in 1979. Rossi-Lemeni continued to perform well into his later years, and his final performance was in 1991 in the role of Don Basilio in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He passed away on March 12, 1991, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 70. Nicola Rossi-Lemeni was a true master of his craft, and his contributions to the world of classical music will always be remembered. His powerful and expressive voice, combined with his dramatic intensity, made him one of the most beloved bass opera singers of his time.

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