Description

FRANCESCO CONTI (PALERMO, 1874 – ?)

 

 

 

 

He studied under Cantelli and made his debut as a baritone in 1900. Two years later, he transitioned to a tenor and made his debut at the Teatro Apollo in Lugano, performing the role of Pollione in Bellini’s Norma. In 1903, Conti traveled to Malta and sang the title role in Verdi’s Otello at the Teatro Reale. His portrayal of Otello was well-received in several venues, including Teatro Paz in Belem, Teatro Chiabrera in Savona, Teatro Municipale in Reggio Emilia, and Teatro Adriano in Rome.

In 1905, he enjoyed success at the Teatro Regio in Parma, performing the role of Federico in Franchetti’s Germania. He later made guest appearances in Oporto at the Teatro Prince Real (1909), Rio de Janeiro (1910, Teatro Lirico), and São Paulo (1910, Politeama).

Conti retired from the stage in 1923. He was known as a dramatic tenor, with his main roles including Radamès in Aida, Canio in Pagliacci, Otello in Verdi’s Otello, Don Alvaro in La Forza del Destino, and Manrico in Il Trovatore. His few recordings, made in Milan in 1910, are now considered very rare treasures.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1902 Lugano Teatro Apollo Norma (Pollione)

1903 Malta Teatro Reale Aida (Radames)

1905 Parma Teatro Regio Germania (Federico)

1909 Oporto Teatro Prince Real Trovatore (Manrico)

1910 Rio de Janeiro Teatro Lirico Otello (Otello)

1910 San Paolo Politeama Germania (Federico)

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Aida (Verdi) Morir, si pura e bella with Fanny Lotti 054309, 203aj Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-21
2. Aida (Verdi) O terra addio with Fanny Lotti 054310 204aj Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-21
3. Gioconda (Ponchielli) Enzo Grimaldo with Ernesto Badini 54438 905ah Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-22
4. Gioconda (Ponchielli) O grido di quest’anima with Ernesto Badini 54439 906ah Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-22
5. Otello (Verdi) Già nella notte densa with Fanny Lotti 54437 910ah Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-24
6. Otello (Verdi) Quando narravi with Fanny Lotti 054301 212aj Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-24
7. Otello (Verdi) Venga la morte with Fanny Lotti 054308 213aj Gramophone, Milano 1910-11-24
8. Andrea Chénier (Giordano) Vicino a te with Bianca Besalú 54468 947ah Gramophone, Milano 1910-12-10