Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

May 5, 1904 in Naples, Italy

Death

:

April 16, 1979 in Rome, Italy

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Maria Caniglia was an Italian soprano who was born on May 5, 1905, in Naples, Italy. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Her father recognized her talent at an early age and began to train her in singing. She made her debut at the age of 16 in a performance of Verdi's "Aida" in Naples. Caniglia's career took off in the 1930s when she began to perform in major opera houses throughout Europe. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading sopranos of her time. Her voice was known for its power, clarity, and emotional depth. She was particularly renowned for her performances of Verdi's operas, but she also excelled in the works of Puccini, Wagner, and Mozart. One of Caniglia's most memorable performances was in 1935 when she sang the role of Aida at La Scala in Milan. Her performance was so powerful that it brought the audience to tears. She continued to perform at La Scala throughout her career and became one of the most beloved singers in the history of the opera house. Caniglia also performed in many other major opera houses throughout Europe, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. She was particularly popular in Germany, where she performed regularly at the Berlin State Opera and the Bavarian State Opera. In addition to her performances in opera houses, Caniglia also appeared in many concerts and recitals. She was known for her interpretations of Italian art songs and was particularly admired for her performances of the works of Giuseppe Verdi. Caniglia's career was interrupted by World War II, during which she was forced to flee Italy and perform in other countries. She eventually returned to Italy after the war and continued to perform until the 1950s. She retired from the stage in 1957 but continued to teach singing until her death in 1979. Throughout her career, Caniglia received many awards and honors. She was awarded the title of "Prima Donna Assoluta" by the Italian government in 1940, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an opera singer in Italy. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1956. Caniglia's recordings are still highly regarded today and are considered some of the best interpretations of Italian opera. Her legacy continues to inspire young singers around the world, and she is remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century.

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