Description

GIUSEPPE COSTA (MESSINA, ITALY, 1895 – MILAN, ITALY, 1982)

The tenor you are describing studied under Giuseppe Longo and Gino Golisciani, making his operatic debut in 1920 at the Teatro Mastroiano in Messina as Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. He also performed the role of Arturo in I Puritani at the same venue. In 1923, he appeared as the Duke in Rigoletto in Bologna, further establishing his career.

His international appearances took him to Antwerp, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, reflecting a growing reputation across Europe. In 1932 and 1934, he performed in the United States with the Teatro dei Piccoli and also appeared in Hollywood, partnering with Lilian Harvey in the sound film Susanna.

From 1927 to 1932, he regularly performed on Italian radio with RAI and sang in many of Italy’s top opera houses. His last operatic performance was in 1940, after which he retired and spent his final years at the Casa di Riposo in Milan, a retirement home for elderly opera singers founded by Giuseppe Verdi.

Chronology of some appearances

1923 Messina  Teatro Mastroieni Cavalleria Rusticana (Turiddu)

1924 Parma Teatro Regio Judith di A. Furlotti

1926 Torino Teatro Balbo Boheme (Rodolfo)

1933 New York National Theater Compagnia Piccolo Teatro

1935 Cosenza  Teatro Rendano Turandot (Calaf)

TRACKLIST

1. Boheme (Puccini) Che gelida manina 148-B Brunswick
2. Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni) Addio alla madre 148-A Brunswick
3. Don Pasquale (Donizetti) Serenata D772 B842 Columbia, Milano 1925
4. Favorita (Donizetti) Una vergine X15765 80123 Pathé, Milano 1926
5. Fedora (Giordano) Amor ti vieta X15194 88895 Pathé, Milano 1926
6. Gioconda (Ponchielli) Cielo e mar 15194 88894 Pathé, Milano 1926
7. Rigoletto (Verdi) Questa o quella D 5208 B 607 Columbia, Milano 1925
8. Sonnambula (Bellini) Prendi l’anel ti dono D772 B853 Columbia, Milano 1925
9. Tosca (Puccini) E lucevan le stelle 149-B Brunswick