Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

July 27, 1915 in Florence, Italy

Death

:

October 6, 1982 in Mestra, Italy

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Mario del Monaco was a renowned Italian tenor who was born on July 27, 1915, in Florence, Italy. He was the son of a carabiniere and a dressmaker. Del Monaco's father was a music lover and encouraged his son to pursue a career in music. Del Monaco began his musical training at the age of 12, studying the violin and singing in the choir of the Florence Cathedral. Del Monaco's vocal talent was soon recognized, and he began studying with the famous Italian tenor, Aureliano Pertile. He made his operatic debut in 1940, singing the role of Turiddu in Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Teatro Comunale in Florence. Del Monaco's performance was a great success, and he was soon invited to sing at other major opera houses in Italy. In 1946, del Monaco made his debut at La Scala in Milan, singing the role of Radames in Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida." This performance was a turning point in del Monaco's career, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after tenors in the world. Del Monaco's powerful voice and dramatic stage presence made him a favorite of audiences and critics alike. Del Monaco's repertoire included many of the great tenor roles in Italian opera, including Canio in "Pagliacci," Manrico in "Il Trovatore," and Calaf in "Turandot." He also sang in French and German operas, including the title role in Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde." Del Monaco was known for his intense and passionate performances, and he was often compared to the great Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. He was also known for his physical strength and athleticism, which he used to great effect on stage. Del Monaco was a larger-than-life figure, both on and off stage, and he was often described as a "heroic" tenor. Del Monaco's career was not without controversy. He was known for his temperamental behavior and was involved in several public disputes with other singers and conductors. He was also criticized for his lack of subtlety and nuance in his singing, with some critics accusing him of sacrificing musicality for dramatic effect. Despite these criticisms, del Monaco remained one of the most popular and successful tenors of his time. He performed at all the major opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. He also made numerous recordings, which continue to be popular with opera fans today. Del Monaco's career was cut short by a stroke in 1975, which left him partially paralyzed. He retired from singing and spent the rest of his life in seclusion, rarely appearing in public. He died on October 16, 1982, at the age of 67. Del Monaco's legacy as one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century is secure. His powerful voice and dramatic performances continue to inspire new generations of opera singers and fans. He was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2015, on the centenary of his birth, the city of Florence honored del Monaco with a series of concerts and events.

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