Giuseppe Taddei (1916-2010)

(probably the most famous interpretation of Leporello's Catalogue Aria - in which the servant Leporello elucidates all the thousands of women in Europe which his master Don Giovanni has been with - of the 20th century. Sung by the great Giuseppe Taddei in Carlo Maria Giulini's much-celebrated 1959 recording of Don Giovanni).

Giuseppe Taddei died today. Some people might be amazed to hear that Taddei was even capable of death, as his voice carried on in prime condition until well into his 70's. Tito Gobbi was known as the greatest Italian Baritone of that generation. But those in the know knew that there was another one who was nearly as great an actor and an even greater singer. It was said often that the Italians gave Gobbi to the world, but kept Taddei for themselves. Gobbi's voice alone could never conquer the world, but Taddei had enough voice for both of them - his huge, plush sound would resonate through opera houses until well into his seventh decade. Taddei was an amazing singer and actor who could do literally anything asked of an Italian baritone, and did it in a career over twice as long as most of the other greats.


(Impressive for any age, but this is in 1985. Taddei was making his Metropolitan Opera debut in Verdi's Falstaff, one of his signature roles. He was about to celebrate his 70th birthday. h/t La Cieca.)