Carlo Cossutta

Carlo Cossutta (May 8, 1932 – January 22, 2000) was a prominent Italian dramatic tenor. He was especially renowned for his performances of the title role of Otello in Verdi's opera. Other operas with which he was associated include "Il Trovatore", " Aida", "Don Carlo", "Rigoletto", "Simon Boccanegra", "Tosca" and "Cavalleria rusticana".

Born in Santa Croce del Carso, in Trieste, Italy, Cossutta emigrated to Argentina where he initially worked as a furniture carpenter. After discovering his vocal capabilities he received tuition from Manfredo Miselli, Mario Melani and Arturo Wolken in Buenos Aires. He debuted professionally in Buenos Aires at the Teatro Colón in 1958, returning there in subsequent years.

Cossutta's career took off internationally in the 1960s. During this decade he sang with success in London at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. He appeared also at La Scala, Milan, and in Paris. Cossutta's debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera occurred in 1973.

In 1977, Cossutta took part in a complete recording of "Otello" with Margaret Price as Desdemona, Gabriel Bacquier as Iago, and Sir Georg Solti conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The recording was well-received by music critics.

In the mid-1970s, Cossutta substituted for the younger tenor Placido Domingo in a San Francisco performance of Otello; Domingo returned the favor some years later.

Cossutta possessed a powerful voice and a memorable stage presence. He died in Udine after a long struggle against liver cancer.

External links

* [http://www.grandi-tenori.com/tenors/cossutta.php. Grandi Tenori Biography of Cossutta]