Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

October 24, 1915 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy

Death

:

March 5, 1984 in Rome, Italy

Genre

:

Opera

 

Tito Gobbi was a renowned Italian baritone and one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. He was born on October 24, 1913, in Bassano del Grappa, a small town in the Veneto region of Italy. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a seamstress. Gobbi showed an early interest in music and began singing in the local church choir at the age of nine. Gobbi's musical talent was recognized by his schoolteacher, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began studying singing at the age of 16 with the Italian tenor, Emilio Venturini. Gobbi's voice was a natural baritone, and he quickly developed a rich, warm tone that would become his trademark. In 1935, Gobbi made his professional debut in the role of Count Rodolfo in Bellini's "La Sonnambula" at the Teatro Sociale in Bergamo. He continued to perform in small roles in various Italian opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, where he made his debut in 1942 as the Herald in Wagner's "Lohengrin." Gobbi's breakthrough came in 1947 when he was cast as the lead in Verdi's "Rigoletto" at La Scala. His performance was a sensation, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after baritones in the world. Gobbi's voice was characterized by its clarity, power, and emotional depth, and he was equally adept at portraying both comic and tragic roles. Over the course of his career, Gobbi performed in more than 100 operas, including many of the great works of Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the roles of Scarpia in Puccini's "Tosca," Iago in Verdi's "Otello," and the title character in Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Gobbi was also a gifted actor, and he brought a dramatic intensity to his performances that was unmatched by many of his contemporaries. He was known for his ability to convey complex emotions through his singing and acting, and his performances were often described as electrifying. In addition to his work on the opera stage, Gobbi was also a successful recording artist. He made more than 100 recordings over the course of his career, including complete operas, recitals, and individual arias. His recordings of "Rigoletto" and "Tosca" are considered to be among the definitive versions of those works. Gobbi was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1955, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and in 1969, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1975. Gobbi retired from the opera stage in 1979, but he continued to perform in concerts and recitals until the early 1990s. He also worked as a director and teacher, passing on his knowledge and experience to a new generation of singers. Tito Gobbi died on March 5, 1984, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 70. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest baritones of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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