Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Norman Cordon was a renowned American bass-baritone opera singer who was born on October 14, 1899, in New York City. He was the son of a Spanish father and an American mother. Cordon's father was a professional singer, and his mother was a pianist. His parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Cordon began his musical training at the age of 14 when he joined the choir of the Church of the Transfiguration in New York City. He later studied at the Institute of Musical Art, which is now known as the Juilliard School. Cordon's vocal talent was evident from the start, and he quickly became a sought-after performer. Cordon made his professional debut in 1923 with the Philadelphia Civic Opera Company, where he performed the role of Monterone in Verdi's Rigoletto. He went on to perform with several other opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, where he made his debut in 1927 as the King in Aida. Cordon quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and he went on to perform with the Metropolitan Opera for over 20 years. One of Cordon's most memorable performances was in the role of the Grand Inquisitor in Verdi's Don Carlo. His powerful voice and commanding presence made him the perfect fit for the role, and he received critical acclaim for his performance. Cordon also performed in several other Verdi operas, including Aida, Il Trovatore, and La Forza del Destino. Cordon was also known for his performances in Wagnerian operas. He performed the role of Hunding in Wagner's Die Walküre, and he also performed in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Wagner's Ring Cycle. Cordon's deep, rich voice was well-suited for the complex and demanding roles in Wagner's operas. In addition to his performances on stage, Cordon also appeared in several films. He made his film debut in 1935 in the movie "The Big Broadcast of 1936," where he performed the song "The Moon Got in My Eyes." He went on to appear in several other films, including "The Great Waltz" and "The Chocolate Soldier." Cordon received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1950, he was awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York for his contributions to the arts. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1955. In 1960, he received the National Opera Institute's Award for Distinguished Service to Opera. Cordon retired from performing in 1958, but he continued to teach and mentor young singers. He taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and he also served as a judge for several vocal competitions. Cordon passed away on August 22, 1961, at the age of 61. In conclusion, Norman Cordon was a talented and respected opera singer who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His powerful voice and commanding presence made him a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and his performances in Verdi and Wagner operas were particularly memorable. Cordon's legacy lives on through the many young singers he mentored and inspired throughout his career.

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