Giovanni Martinelli, formerly clarinet in a military band, studied singing in Milan. He made his debut at the Teatro Dal Verme in 1910 with Rossini's Stabat, which followed the interpretation of Ernani di Verdi, which brought to light the extraordinary wealth of vocal means. Puccini wanted him interpreter of the “first” European of Fanciulla del West, at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome, in 1911; the following year, making his debut at Covent Garden in London with Tosca, was hailed as “a new Caruso”.
Martinelli performed in major European and American theaters; his legendary fame, however, is linked to the glories of the Metropolitn Opera House in New York, where he was hired without interruption from 1913 to 1946.
Aureliano Pertile debuted in 1911 at the Teatro Eretenio of Vicenza, now deceased: Even before for singing talent, which scrupulously perfected over the years, the tenor drew criticism for natural phrasing and the elegant stylization of the characters. With Pagliacci di Leoncavallo and Andrea Chenier di Giordano, he confirmed his stature as an artist at the teatro dal Verme in Milan in 1912. He arrived at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 1916 with Francesca da Rimini di Zandonai . After some tours in South America and New York, Pertile was recolled by Toscanini at La Scala in 1992 for Mefistifile di Boito. Here he performed continuously until 1937. He retired from the stage, he dedicated hilself to teaching, getting the chair of singing at the Milan Conservtory and at the School of Specialization of the Teatro alla Scala.
Printable version