Ferruccio Tagliavini was born in Barco, Reggio Emilia in 1913. In 1938 he won a national competition which won him a debut in Florence in Boheme and recognition as an heir to the Italian tradition of the “di grazia” tenor. Invited to sing in all the major opera houses in the world, from the Metropolitan to Covent Garden and the Paris Opéra, he was given triumphant receptions wherever he appeared.
With his soft, warm voice and delicate, convincing phrasing, he gave unforgettable performances in L’elisir d’amore, La sonnambula, Arlesiana, Rigoletto, Mefistofele, La Traviata, Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Werther, Manon. In 1941 he married the soprano Pia Tassinari, with whom he often appeared on stage.
He took part in numerous films and retired in 1970, leaving memorable gramophone recordings. His last appearance was in the 1980s in New York when he sang a duet in concert with his colleague Giuseppe di Stefano. Ferruccio Tagliavini passed away in 1995 at the age of 82.
The preceding biographical sketch was provided by an Opera Shop fan who wanted to remain anonymous.
This recording was issued in the 1940s by RCA Victor on an “unbreakable” 78 rpm red transparent disc, which was given to me by another Opera Shop visitor. Thanks to these folk for their contributions.