GREATEST OPERA SINGERS: June 2017

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Manuel Romero Malpica (Baritone) (Puebla City, Mexico 10. 05.1874 - Mexico City, Mexico 1939)

First he studied with his father José Romero Malpica, who was the director of military bands and with his mother, actress and an opera singer. He continued his vocal training under Lion and Carnelli and on January 29, 1902 made his debut in G. Verdi’s ‘’Il Trovatore’’ at the Teatro María Guerrero of his hometown. He appeared in Mexico until 1905 and the next year went to USA. He became a member of several opera companies, included Boston Opera Company and San Carlo Opera Company. Later he appeared in Italy, France and Spain, made successful guest appearances in Central and South America. He returned to Mexico, where continued his career. In 1938 he sang the part of Rigoletto at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Shortly before his death he made his final appearance Teatro María Guerrero, where he and started his career. He was called ‘’Mexican Titta Ruffo’’. He could sing also parts of tenor, which he once done by replacing tenor Agnadi in USA. He made records for Columbia, Victor and Edison.

Chronology of some appearances

1902 Puebla Teatro María Guerrero Trovatore (Count di Luna)

1914 Mississippi Greenwood Theatre Faust (Valentine)

1914 Ashland Vining Theatre Faust (Valentine)

1938 Puebla Teatro María Guerrero Rigoletto (Rigoletto)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE

Victor, 1907-07-22
No lo diré (A. Pacheco) 62277-B
Mi morenita mía (Cancion) 62348-A

Columbia, Mexico City 1908-9
Perjura (Lerdo de Tejada) C 300 5851

Edison 4-min cylinders, Spain? 1910?
La Bruja (Chapí): Jota (w. Jiménez) 22019
El Puñao de Rosas (Chapí): Dúo (w. Herrera) 22033

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Friday, June 16, 2017

Ferdinando Avedano (Tenor/Baritone) (Cuneo, Italia 1863 - San Francisco, USA after 1915)

He studied singing at the Liceo Musicale in Torino and made his debut in 1890 at Teatro Comunale of Vicenza as Pollione in ‘’Norma’’. In 1899 he went to USA and became a famous dramatic tenor, often appearing with Gaudenzio Salassa, a fine baritone. Probably in 1906 he changed to baritone, but mostly appeared in concerts. After his retirement, he taught singing in San Francisco and often organized concerts of his pupils. He made a few records for Edison.

Chronology of some appearances

1890 Vicenza Teatro Comunale Norma (Pollione)

1891 Genova Politeama Genovese Due Foscari (Jacopo)

1893 Palermo Politeama Norma (Pollione)

1895 Milano Teatro Alhambra Trovatore (Manrico)

1898 Milano Teatro Dal Verme Aida (Radames)

1904 San Francisco Alhambra Theater Concert

1909 San Francisco Turner Hall Concert (Sang Si puo? from ‘’Pagliacci’’)
1912 San Francisco Concert of his pupils

RECORDING FOR SALE