Paolo Silveri

Paolo Silveri (born on December 28, 1913 in L'Aquila and died on March 7, 2001 in Rome) was an Italian baritone, particularly associated with the Italian repertory, one of the finest Verdi baritones of his time.

Silveri studied first in Florence, and later in Rome with Riccardo Stracciari, making his debut there as a bass in 1939. After further studies, he made new debut as a baritone in 1944, as Germont.

Thereafter, he rapidly sang throughout Italy, notably at the San Carlo in Naples, and La Scala in Milan, debut as de Luna in 1949. Also appeared at the Royal Opera House in London, in 1946, and at the Paris Opera, debut in 1951, as Renato. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1950, as Don Giovanni, he also sang Rigoletto and Posa there.

He attempted the role of Otello in 1959, but quiclkly reverted to baritone roles, he was especially noted for his brilliant interpretations of Verdi operas. He can be heard on complete recordings of "Nabucco", "La traviata", "Simon Boccanegra", "Don Carlo", "La Gioconda", and "Tosca".

Silveri retired from the stage in 1970, and taught in Rome, where he died at age 87.

ources

* "Le Guide de l'opéra", R. Mancini & J-J. Rouvereux, Fayard, 1986. ISBN 2-213-05163-6