Description

VIRGILIO BELLATTI (FLORENCE, 1869 – MILAN, 1917)

He made his debut in 1892 at the Teatro della Pergola in Florence, performing in Les Pêcheurs de Perles by Georges Bizet. He quickly gained an excellent reputation and enjoyed a long career, becoming particularly appreciated for his portrayal of Beckmesser in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, a role he performed in many theaters.

In 1894, he took part in the world premiere of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s opera I Medici at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, where he portrayed the character Poliziano, later reprising this role in Naples. His versatility was highlighted once more in 1896 when he became the first Schaunard in La Bohème at the Politeama Genovese in Genoa.

In 1899, he embarked on an extensive tour of the United States, which expanded his international reputation. A significant milestone came in 1901 when he was cast in the premiere of Mascagni’s opera Le Maschere at La Scala, singing the role of Tartaglia. That same year, he also performed alongside Enrico Caruso and Giuseppe Carelli in La Bohème at La Scala and participated in performances at the Principal in Mexico City. His popularity in Mexico was so immense that sweets with his likeness were sold.

In 1902, he joined Mascagni on a tour of the United States, where he performed in Iris, further solidifying his international acclaim. His career, which was marked by numerous significant premieres and global performances, came to an end in 1917, the year of his death.

Chronology of some appearances

1892 Firenze Teatro Della Pergola Pescatori di Perle (Zurga)
1895 Livorno Teatro Goldoni Manon (Lescaut)
1898 Lisbona Teatro San Carlos Andrea Chenier (Gerard)
1901 Parma Politeama Reinach Rigoletto (Rigoletto)
1905 Barcellona Teatro Liceo Cavalleria Rusticana (Alfio)
1908 Lisbona Teatro San Carlos Madama Butterfly (Sharpless)
1911 Napoli Teatro Bellini Don Pasquale (Malatesta)
1914 Trieste Teatro Verdi Madama Butterfly (Sharpless)
1917 Malta Teatro Reale Madame Sans-Gene

TRACKLIST

1. Bohème (Leoncavallo) Bella dama, da questi milionari C2068 10929 Columbia, Milano 1910
2. Bohème (Leoncavallo) L’influenza del blue E 2044 10930 Columbia, Milano 1910
3. Fedora (Giordano) Egli mi disse E2090 10999 Columbia, Milano 1910
4. Fedora (Giordano) La donna russa E2090 11000 Columbia, Milano 1910
5. Fra Diavolo (Auber) Io son, signori, un infelice 10490 Columbia, Milano 1905
6. Fra Diavolo (Auber) Io son, signori, un infelice D4275, 10996 Columbia, Milano 1910
7. Fra Diavolo (Auber) Olà! Del vino… Grazie al cielo per una serva D4275 10994 Columbia, Milano 1910
8. I Due Foscari (Verdi) Questa è dunque l’iniqua mercede D4247 10927 Columbia, Milano 1910
9. Rolando di Berlino (Leoncavallo) Preghiera di Giovanni A 5076 30117 Columbia, New York 1906-11
10. Zazà (Leoncavallo) Zazà, piccola zingara 30116, A5076 Columbia, New York 1906-11