Fedora Barbieri |

Barbieri Fedora

Italian singer (mezzo-soprano). Among her teachers are F. Bugamelli, L. Toffolo, J. Tess. She made her debut in 1940 on the stage of the Comunale Theater (Florence). In the second half of the 40s. won wide popularity, sang in many theaters of the world. Soloist of the Metropolitan Opera since 1950. She continued to perform in the 70s, but not in the main parties.

In 1942 she made her successful debut at La Scala (as Meg Page in Falstaff). In 1946 she also performed the title role in Rossini’s Cinderella. In 1950-75 she repeatedly sang at the Metropolitan Opera (debut as Eboli in the opera Don Carlos, etc.). At Covent Garden in 1950-58 (parties Azucena, Amneris, Eboli). She performed in the first production of War and Peace on the European stage in 1953 at the Florentine Spring Festival (Helene’s part). She performed in Handel’s Julius Caesar in Rome (1956). She sang Verdi’s Requiem at the Salzburg Festival in 1952.

Recordings include a number of roles in Verdi operas: Amneris (conducted by Serafin), Ulrika in Un ballo in maschera (conducted by Votto, both EMI).

One of the biggest singers of her time, Barbieri had a rich, flexible voice that sounded especially beautiful in a low register. According to the warehouse of talent, dramatic parties were closer to her – Azuchena, Amneris; Eboli, Ulrika (“Don Carlos”, “Un ballo in masquerade”), Carmen, Delilah. Barbieri’s skill as a comedian was revealed in the roles of Quickly (Falstaff), Bertha (The Barber of Seville), Innkeeper (Boris Godunov), performed in the late period of her activity. She performed in concerts.