viernes, 11 de marzo de 2011

Giannina Russ, "Ancora un passo", Puccini, Madama Butterfly (recorded in...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdvFqxluqtY

Giannina Russ (1873-1951) in Butterfly's entrance, "Ancora un passo" from Act 1 of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. The recording was made in October 1908 for Fonotipia in Milan.

The following biographical profile of Russ is adapted from Wikipedia:

"Russ studied piano and voice at the Milan Music Conservatory with Leoni. She made her debut in Bologna, as Mimi, in 1903, at La Scala in 1905, as Aida, and in Florence in 1908, as Norma.

She was quickly invited abroad, making debut in 1904 at both the Royal Opera House in London, and the Monte Carlo Opera, also appearing at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Manhattan Opera in New York, in 1907.

Russ performed in a wide range of roles, from bel canto to verismo. Her repertory included Norma, Semiramide, Giulia, Amaltea, Paolina, Abigail, Elvira, Leonora, Amelia, Wally, Gioconda, Santuzza, etc. She was considered the most accomplished Norma of her time.

She possessed a beautiful and grand voice, if somewhat uneven, and a strong dramatic temperament, she enjoyed more success in Latin countries than in Anglo-Saxon countries. After retirement she became a respected voice teacher, amongst her pupils were Margherita Grandi and Clara Petrella."


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