Description

MICHELE DE PADOVA (LUCERA, 1863 – MILAN, 1931)

 

 

 

 

He began his vocal studies in Lucera under the guidance of Angelo Napoli, a well-regarded vocal pedagogue. He continued his education at the Conservatory in Naples, where he trained with the teacher Trifari Paganini. Seeking to further refine his skills, he moved to Milan to study under the renowned tenor and manager Barbacini.

In 1889, he made his debut as a tenor at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, performing the role of Messaggero in Verdi’s Aida. However, it wasn’t until 1893 that he truly found his voice as a baritone, making his official debut in that range at the Teatro Bellini in Naples, performing in La Forza del Destino.

An important moment in his career came when he studied the role of Scarpia in Tosca under the direct guidance of Giacomo Puccini himself. This connection with Puccini added depth to his portrayal of one of the most iconic baritone roles in the operatic repertoire. His transition from tenor to baritone and his association with Puccini highlight the versatility and depth of his vocal talent.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1893 Napoli Teatro Bellini Forza del destino (Carlo)

1894 Roma Teatro Quirino Forza del destino (Carlo)

1895 Milano Teatro Lirico Pagliacci (Tonio)

1896 Napoli Teatro San Carlo Boheme (Schaunard)

1897 Guatemala Тeatro Colon Lucia di Lammermoor (Enrico)

1898 Bari Teatro Piccinni Poliuto (Severo)

1899 Cagliari   Teatro Civico Ballo in maschera (Renato)

1900 Mantova Teatro Sociale Falstaff (Falstaff)

1901 Rovigo Teatro Sociale  Fedora (De Siriex)

1902 Bergamo Teatro Sociale Linda di Chamonix (Antonio)

1903 Nice Jetee Promenade  Ruy Blas (Sallustio)

1904 Parma Teatro Regio Ugonotti (Nevers)

1905 Madrid Teatro Reale Gioconda (Barnaba)

1906 Salerno  Teatro Verdi  Boheme (Marcello)

1907 Venezia  Teatro Malibran Amico Fritz (David)

1908 Barcellona Teatro Liceo Pagliacci (Silvio)

1909 Firenze Politeama Nazionale  Andrea Chenier (Gerard)

1910 Adria Politeama Garibaldi Otello (Jago)

1911 Roma Teatro Apollo Fedora (De Siriex)

1912 Malta Teatro Reale Amica (Giorgio)

1913 Udine Teatro Sociale Isabeau (Raimondo)

1914 Savona Teatro Chiabrera Rigoletto (Rigoletto)

1915 Forlì Teatro Comunale  Pagliacci (Tonio)

1917 Novara Teatro Coccia Andrea Chenier (Gerard)

1918 Milano Teatro Lirico Boheme (Marcello)

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

 Michele De Padova made 14 records

1. Lontano da te (di Pietro) 10706 E1586 Columbia, Milano 1908?
2. Ernani (Verdi): O sommo Carlo with Angelo Santini & Ines Maria Ferraris D16253 74705 Columbia, Milano 1908?
3. Carmen (Bizet): Duetto della sfida with Francesco Fazzini 10690 D4002 Columbia, Milano 1908?
4. Ernani (Verdi): Vieni meco with Cesare Preve and Ines Maria Ferraris D16253 74704 Columbia, Milano 1908?
5. Rigoletto (Verdi): Lassù in cielo with Ines Maria Ferraris 10739 D428 Columbia, Milano 1908?
6. Rigoletto (Verdi): Sì, vendetta with Ines Maria Ferraris 10733 C522 Columbia, Milano 1908?
7. Rigoletto (Verdi): Pari siamo 84131 Pathé, Milano 1909?
8. Rigoletto (Verdi): Signor? Và non ho niente with Giovanni Bardi 84132 Pathé, Milano 1909?
9. Forza del destino (Verdi): Solenne in quest’ora with Carlo Barrera 84129 Pathé, Milano 1909?
10. Faust (Gounod): Tu puoi la spada frangere 84137 Pathé, Milano 1909?
11. Carmen (Bizet): Strofe del Toreador 86207 Pathé, Milano 1909?