Description

MARCELLO GOVONI (BOLOGNA, 21 OCTOBER, 1885 – ROME, 10 DECEMBER, 1944)

He began his career as a baritone, making his debut in 1907 at the Teatro Sociale in Casalmaggiore as David in Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz. Later, Govoni transitioned to tenor, making his second debut in 1918 at the Teatro Comunale in Bergamo as Werther in Massenet’s Werther. In 1920, he made a guest appearance at Covent Garden in London, performing as Ernesto in Don Pasquale and Alfredo in La Traviata. In 1926, he performed at La Scala in Milan as David in I maestri cantori di Norimberga.

In 1927, he founded the Compagnia dell’Opera Comica, which featured its own singers, chorus, and orchestra, and quickly garnered considerable acclaim. In 1929, he was appointed permanent director of the Teatro Reale dell’Opera in Rome, and in 1937, he was nominated commissioner of stage technicians and directors for Rome and its province. He retired from the operatic stage around 1930. His daughter, Marcella Govoni, also had a successful career as a soprano.

Chronology of some appearances

1907 Casalmaggiore Teatro Sociale Amico Fritz (David)

1918 Bologna Teatro Comunale Werther (Werther)

1920 London Covent Garden Don Pasquale (Ernesto)

1926 Milan La Scala I Maestri cantori di Norimberga (David)

TRACKLIST

1. Rigoletto (Verdi): E’ il sol dell’anima 10336 86764 Pathé, Milano 1921?
2. Werther (Massenet): Ah! non mi ridestar 10336 86767 Pathé, Milano 1921?
3. Amico Fritz (Mascagni): Han della porpora 10337 86769 Pathé, Milano 1921?
4. Gianni Schicchi (Puccini): Firenze è come un albero fiorito 10337 86768 Pathé, Milano 1921?
5. Traviata (Verdi): Un dì felice with Anna Sassone-Soster 12583 86770 Pathé, Milano 1921?
6. Traviata (Verdi): Parigi, o cara with Anna Sassone-Soster 12583 86771 Pathé, Milano 1921?
7. Mefistofele (Boito): Giunto sull passo estremo D5062 B95 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
8. Pescatori di perle (Bizet): Mi par d’udire ancora D768 B104 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
9. Pescatori di perle (Bizet): Della mia vita D 768 b 105 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
10. Mefistofele (Boito): Dai campi dai prati D 765 b 106 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
11. Mignon (Thomas): Ah! Non credevi tu D5063 B99 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
12. Manon (Massenet): Oh, dolce incanto D5063 B102 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
13. La vedova allegra (Lehar): Venite orsu sirene D5064 B145 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924
14. La vedova allegra (Lehar): Tace il labbro with Ena Surinach D5064 B140 Columbia, Milano 1923/1924