Francesco Merli

Francesco Merli (January 27, 1887, Corsico (Milan) - December 12, 1976, Milan) was an Italian tenor, particularly associated with the heavy Italian roles, especially "Otello" and "Calaf". He ranks as one of the leading dramatic tenors of the inter-war period.

Life and career

Merli studied in Milan, with Carlo Negrini and Adelaide Borghi. In 1914,he won second prize at a singing competition in Parma, after Beniamino Gigli. He made his debut at La Scala in 1916, as Alvaro in Spontini 's "Fernand Cortez".

Merli sang widely in Italy and South America and toured Australia in 1928 with other La Scala singers. He appeared at the Royal Opera House in London, from 1926 to 1930, where he was the first Calaf ("Turandot") there. He made his debut at the Palais Garnier in 1935, as Pollione in "Norma". His only season at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, debut on March 2, 1932, as Radames ("Aida") was not successful because of poor health.

Merli was renowned for his vocal brilliance, penetrating tone and incisive diction. These qualities enabled him to tackle a wide operatic repertory, ranging from bel canto works to verismo. Famous operas that he appeared in included "Guglielmo Tell", "Il pirata", "Il trovatore", "Andrea Chenier" and "Pagliacci". Hebecame world famous for his portrayals of Verdi 's "Otello", and Calaf in Puccini 's "Turandot", of which he left a 1938 complete recording, opposite Gina Cigna and Magda Olivero. He also made numerous recordings of opera arias. These, like the complete "Turandot", have been re-issued on CD.

Merli also created the title role in Respighi 's "Belfagor" in 1923. He retired from the stage in 1948.

Sources

* Roland Mancini and Jean-Jacques Rouveroux, (orig. H. Rosenthal and J. Warrack, French edition), "Guide de l’opéra", Les indispensables de la musique (Fayard, 1995). ISBN 2-213-01563-6
* "The Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia", edited by David Hamilton.