Description

STEFANO BALLARINI (ISTVAN BALLA) (BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, 19 OCTOBER, 1902 – MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA, 26 MAY, 1979)

 

 

 

  

He made his operatic debut in 1925 in Breslau. He later debuted at La Scala in 1928 under the name Ballarini, performing as Donner in Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold. His career flourished, and he performed at major opera houses, including the Berlin and Dresden State Operas, the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Vienna Opera.

In 1937, he made his first appearance in the United States, reprising his role as Donner at a Wagner Festival at Lewisohn Stadium, conducted by Fritz Reiner. His U.S. career further expanded in 1939 when he made his debut with the San Francisco Opera.

New York became his primary base in the United States, where he regularly performed as a leading baritone with Salmaggi’s opera company. He also made notable appearances with the New York City Opera, performing under the name Stephan Ballarini. His debut with the New York City Opera, as well as his final performance, was as Escamillo in Carmen on October 25, 1952. His career was celebrated for his strong, resonant voice and his commanding presence on stage, particularly in the demanding Wagnerian roles.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1928 Milan La Scala

1929/30 Berlin Staatsoper

1929/30 Dresden Staatsoper

1932 Wien Volksoper

1933 Buenos Aires Teatro Colon

1934 Buenos Aires Teatro Colon

1935 Wiener Staatsoper

1936 Chicago Opera

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Prologo Pt I F 121 010073 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09
2. Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Prolog Pt II F 121 010074 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09
3. Ballo in maschera (Verdi) Eri tu F 141 30113 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09
4. Rigoletto (Verdi) Cortigiani, vil razza dannata F 141 30114 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09
5. Rigoletto (Verdi) Pari siamo B 191 10270 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09
6. Lolita (Buzzi-Peccia) B 398 10716 Ultraphon, Berlin 1930-0203
7. Visione Veneziana (Brogi) B 398 10717-1 Ultraphon, Berlin 1930-0203
8. Ballo in maschera (Verdi) Eri tu P56505 2-20976 Parlophon, Berlin 1928-10-10
9. Rigoletto (Verdi) Pari siamo! P8512 2-20970 Parlophon, Berlin 1928-10-03
10. Rigoletto (Verdi) Cortigiani vil razza, dannata, pt 1 pt 2 X0641, X0641 Pathé, Paris 1928
11. Traviata (Verdi) Hat dein heimatliches Land (Di Provenza) B191 10271 Ultraphon, Berlin 1929-09