Piero Cappuccilli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Piero Cappuccilli
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Piero Cappuccilli (1975)
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| Background information | |
| Born | 9 November 1926 Trieste, Italy |
| Died | 11 July 2005 (aged 78) Trieste, Italy |
| Occupation(s) | Italian operatic baritone |
Piero Cappuccilli (born November 9, 1926 – died July 11, 2005) was a famous Italian opera singer. He was a baritone, which means he sang with a deep, rich male voice. Many people thought he was one of the best Italian baritones of his time.
Piero was especially known for singing roles in operas by Giuseppe Verdi. He was admired for his powerful voice, excellent singing skills, and amazing breath control. He knew how to combine words and music beautifully. He mostly sang Italian operas, especially those by Verdi, performing in 17 major roles.
Early Life and Training
Piero Cappuccilli was born in Trieste, Italy. When he was young, he actually wanted to become an architect.
In 1949, he tried out at a local opera house. There, a retired singer named Luciano Donaggio heard him. Donaggio encouraged Piero to study singing. Piero was not sure at first, thinking architecture was a better path. He even stopped his lessons for a short time. But Donaggio kept encouraging him and offered free lessons. So, Piero decided to continue studying music in 1950.
After getting more encouragement from his family, he chose to become an opera singer. He started his stage career in 1951, singing smaller parts in operas.
Opera Career Highlights
In 1955, Piero Cappuccilli auditioned for La Scala, a very famous opera house in Milan. The people who heard him were very impressed. They told him to enter the Viotti competition, which he won.
His official opera debut happened in 1957. He sang the role of Tonio in the opera Pagliacci at the Teatro Nuovo in Milan. In 1960, he sang at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He performed as Giorgio Germont in La traviata. This was his only performance at the Met.
Piero spent most of his career singing in Europe. He traveled to North and South America only sometimes. He made his debut at the famous Teatro alla Scala in 1964. He also sang at the Royal Opera House in London in 1967. His first performance at the Opéra de Paris was in 1978. He also appeared at the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival.
He worked with many great European conductors of his time, like Karajan and Abbado. He became one of the best singers of Italian operas.
A "Verdi Baritone"
Piero Cappuccilli was highly respected as a "Verdi baritone." This means he was especially good at singing the baritone roles in Giuseppe Verdi's operas. His beautiful voice, strong singing technique, and graceful stage presence made him perfect for these roles.
He recorded many operas during his career. For example, he recorded Lucia di Lammermoor three times. He also recorded famous operas like Rigoletto, Macbeth, and Simon Boccanegra. He worked with other famous singers like Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Mirella Freni.
Piero continued singing until he was in his mid-sixties. Sadly, a car accident in 1992 ended his stage career. He passed away in his hometown of Trieste at the age of 78.
Personal Life
Piero Cappuccilli was survived by his wife, Graziella. He also had three children: Patrizia, Giovanni, and Pier Paolo. He had two grandchildren as well.
See also
In Spanish: Piero Cappuccilli para niños
