Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

December 22, 1916 in Geneva, Switzerland

Death

:

November 26, 1984 in Lugano, Switzerland

Genre

:

Opera

 

Fernando Corena was a renowned classical music artist who was born on December 22, 1916, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was the son of an Italian father and a Swiss mother. Corena's father was a professional singer, and he encouraged his son to pursue a career in music. Corena began his musical training at a young age, studying voice and piano. In 1939, Corena made his operatic debut in Geneva, Switzerland, in the role of Colline in Puccini's "La Bohème." He quickly gained recognition for his powerful bass voice and his ability to portray a wide range of characters on stage. Corena's career took off in the 1940s, and he became a regular performer at the world's leading opera houses. One of Corena's most notable performances was in the role of Leporello in Mozart's "Don Giovanni." He performed this role over 500 times throughout his career, and it became one of his signature roles. Corena was also known for his performances in Rossini's operas, particularly in the role of Don Basilio in "The Barber of Seville." Corena's talent and hard work were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1956, he was awarded the title of Kammersänger by the Austrian government, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a singer. He was also awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Merit by the Italian government in 1974. In addition to his operatic performances, Corena was also a successful concert artist. He performed in recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States, and he was known for his interpretations of Bach's cantatas and Handel's oratorios. Corena was also a respected teacher, and he taught at the Vienna Music Academy and the Salzburg Mozarteum. He was known for his ability to inspire and guide young singers, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in opera. Corena continued to perform and teach until his death on November 26, 1984, in Munich, Germany. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest bass singers of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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