Franco Corelli, one of the top opera stars of the 20th century, died. Cause of death was not released. He was 82.
Born in Ancona, Italy, Corelli was only 30 years old when he won the Maggio Musicale competition in Florence. That same year, he made his debut as Don Jose in “Carmen” at Spoleto.
Hundreds of singing engagements followed as Corelli appeared at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, The Royal Opera in London and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. The Met was his favorite venue; he performed there every season from 1961 to 1976.
Corelli sang with many of opera’s greatest voices, including Maria Callas and Birgit Nilsson. A handsome man, he was often cast as the romantic lead in “Don Carlo,” “Aida” and ” La Boheme.”
• Sound Clips of Corelli Performances
October 31, 2003 by
Franco Corelli
Categories: Musicians
Franco Corelli represents to me the finest tenor
of the past century. Having sung opera as a
baritone for the past 35 years I have come to
admire Franco’s God given gift of voice. His
range, clarity, power and beauty were unsurpassed.
One of my close personal friends had sung at the
met as a young tenor and was on stage with Franco
for 24 performances. His ‘Trovatore’ aria is
absolutely unmatched. He will be greatly missed.
I sincerely feel that we have lost a legend in
voice.
Franco, il Grande!
I cried upon hearing of his passing. Have many autographed pictures of his. I especially treasure the pencil drawing I did of him and he autographed for me. He did not date it but it must have been in 1963. He was my idol during a time when girls my age were infatuated with the Beatles. I was in love with Franco.
the greatest tenor of all the times has died. never in the opera world will apear a tenor as great as franco corelli. the magic of his voice, the power, clarity, his color and intensity will never be imited. he was the last great tenor and star of the opera who was still alive. now he will sing, not to humans, but yes to the gods. adio franco
The gratest past away!
We all wait/hope for his incaration…
Mr. Corelli………..The great tenor made me want to sing opera. I believe thatr he is the Greatest.
Se cumple ma
three years ago…seems like yesterday…wish you were here…just to say come devo fare questo suono Franco?Per revederti nella cucina colla Loretta…Thinking of you and remembering…karin….
He was the best and the only! People and Maestros in Brazil, my country say that my voice is similar of the Corelli’s voice! You must to listen me! One thing is true: I sing Opera because i can find in this World Corelli! I love him! Thanks,
Carlos Mader
I waited and finally met Corelli in the lobby of
Vernon Manor Hotel in Cincinnati in 1973, when he and Tebaldi toured the midwest He was accompanied by Anton Guidagno and was absolutely the most strikingly hansom man I ever had the extreme fortune to shake hands with: dark olive
eyes and great physique – I melted! Later I sent
my favorite record jacket (he standing by one of
his Ferrari’s) to his room for autographing, which he graciously did: “To Geoff,Cordially,Corelli”. Wow!
franco your voice was sensational you had the gift to move people with your god given talent my one regret is that i never saw you perform live. franco thank you for the music
thank you franco for giving us all the everlasting gift of your beautiful thrilling voice your legacy will live on forever with the recordings you have left us. you moved an excited me with your superb unequalled voice sleep in peace maestro
I HAVE SANG TENOR FOR MANY YEARS I AM IN MY 70,S FRANC O CORELLI IS THE IS THE BEST I EVER HEARD.