Not a single famous singer of the post-war period managed to evoke such a number of conflicting judgments with general enthusiasm about the magnificent vocal data like Mario Del Monaco. The name of the last tenor di forza for millions of people has become synonymous with Italian belcanto.
In his work, Mario Del Monaco has reached amazing heights. His unique vocals were incredible.
Road to vocation
The biography of the future celebrity began in 1915. The baby was born in Florence on July 27. In the family, he was the eldest son. A father who adored music dreamed about a singing career of at least one of the children. When Mario turned 10, his parents moved to Pesaro.
After listening to the boy, the local teacher praised his talent, which strengthened the desire to learn to sing. At 13, the young performer made his debut in a small town next door at the opening of the Mondolfo Theater in Massenet's Narcissus opera.
Critics predicted a brilliant career on stage. Sixteen-year-old Mario knew a lot of arias, but serious lessons in opera singing began only at nineteen with maestro Melokki at the Pesaro Conservatory.
The first success was a singing contest in Rome. After performing several arias, Del Monaco was in the top five best contestants. He received a scholarship, which gave the right to study at a school at the opera house of the Italian capital.
Carier start
The new teacher chose an unsuccessful methodology that caused the student's voice to deteriorate and his creative crisis. Only six months renewed after six months of studying with Melokki allowed the young man to return his vocal skills again.
The singer was able to arrange his personal life in 1941. His chosen one was Rina Filippini, an opera singer, a soprano. Husband and wife had a baby, the son of Giancarlo. He chose the career of an opera director, and later became one of the recognized masters of his craft.
Soon Mario was drafted into the army. The military unit was led by a true connoisseur of singing. He not only approved the classes, but also provided the opportunity for the performances of a talented subordinate.
The true beginning of an opera career was 1943, a splendid debut in La Scala in Puccini's “Bohemia”. The young tenor received recognition after the end of World War II. He beautifully performed the part of Radames in "Hades" at the Verona Festival.
Confession
In the fall of 1946, Mario's first overseas tour began with the Naples San Carlo Theater.
A few months later, Mario sang with Renata Tebaldi.
One of the most important dates in the artist’s work, he called 1950, the main part in Verdi's Othello. The singer himself called this part his favorite. He performed it, as is commonly believed, over 400 times.
The public called the singer a top-class singer.
New achievements
In the 50-60s he toured America and Europe. Performances with his participation often opened up new seasons. Connoisseurs especially eagerly attended such performances.
In the summer of 1959, the famous singer arrived in Moscow. He brilliantly performed in the Big Party Jose in “Carmen” and Canio in “Pagliacci”. Reviewers wrote that the reserves of Mario's vocal technique have no boundaries.
There is not a single thoughtless detail in the performance. In his parts there are no external effects and emotional exaggerations not in favor of music. Del Monaco gave a true idea of the classics of Italian Belcanto.
