Tito Gobbi is one of the most famous tenors in the world. He realized himself as an opera singer, film and theater actor, director. Over a long creative career, he managed to perform the lion's share of the operatic repertoire. In 1987, the artist was included in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Childhood and youth
He was born in the provincial town of Bassano del Grappa. Tito was brought up in a large family. Parents paid the middle son the most attention, as he was often sick. Gobbi suffered from asthma, anemia and often passed out.
He felt that his peers were superior to him in many ways, so he pulled himself together and went in for sports. Over time, he turned into a real athlete - Tito was engaged in mountaineering and cycling.
Parents noted that Tito has a beautiful voice. The young man himself adored music, but did not think about the career of a singer. After receiving a matriculation certificate, Gobbi went to a higher educational institution in Padua, choosing the Faculty of Law for himself.
Tito did not work a day as a lawyer. It was difficult to hide his vocal abilities. Parents and friends, as one, insisted that Gobbi was a direct road to the stage. When his singing was heard by Baron Agostino Zanchetta, he offered Tito to receive a specialized musical education.
In the early 30s, Tito moved to sunny Rome to take vocal lessons from the famous tenor Giulio Crimi. At first, Gobbi sang in bass, but Giulio assured the artist that after some time a baritone would wake up in him. And so it happened.
Interestingly, Giulio Crimi became not only a teacher and mentor for the singer, but also a friend. After some time, he stopped taking money from him. Even in those moments when Giulio experienced financial difficulties, he refused Tito's financial gratitude.
Giulio brought the young artist into the creative world. He introduced him to talented composers and conductors. Moreover, thanks to Crimi - Gobbi adjusted his personal life. One chance acquaintance gave Tito the woman he loved.
The creative path of Tito Gobbi
In the mid-30s of the last century, he first appeared on the stage. Tito in the theater was listed as comprimano (actor of supporting roles). He studied an unrealistic number of parties, so that in case of illness of the main artist, he could replace him.
Working as an understudy - Gobbi did not lose heart. He has perfected his experience and knowledge to a professional level. Of course, over time, he wanted to get out of the shadows. Such an opportunity fell after winning a music competition, which was held in Vienna. After a brilliant performance, influential music critics spoke about Gobbi.
At the end of the 30s, he became one of the most desired opera singers in Italy. He performed on the stage of prestigious theaters, including La Scala. In the same period of time, he tries his hand as a movie actor. He collaborated with well-known directors who were bribed not only by Gobbi's divine voice, but also by his athletic figure.
In 1937, the premiere of the film "Condottieri" took place. Actually from this tape the creative path of the artist in cinema began. Then he starred in dozens of films. The audience warmly accepted films with the participation of their favorite tenor.
Tito Gobbi in the early 40s became one of the most influential tenors in Italy. He had no equal. He was glad to pamper his fans not only with the performance of classical works, but also with popular Neapolitan musical compositions. He was applauded while standing. After the performance of individual songs, Tito heard the word - "encore".
The arias of Iago in Otello, Gianni Schicchi in Giacomo Puccini's opera of the same name, and Figaro in The Barber of Seville by Gioacchino Rossini are especially sonorous in the performance of the Italian tenor. He interacted well with the other singers on stage. His repertoire includes many duet recordings.
Details of the artist's personal life
Tito met his future wife at the house of Giulio Crimi. Later, he learned that she was also related to creativity. The talented pianist was the daughter of the musicologist Rafael de Rensis. Tito asked the girl to accompany him at the first auditions. She agreed and even taught me how to play an opera singer on the piano.
Tilda fell in love with Tito, and the feeling was mutual. The man proposed to the girl. In 937, the couple played a wedding. Soon the family grew by one person. Tilda gave the man a daughter.
Interesting facts about Tito Gobbi
- At the age of three, he began to stutter, and all because of the fact that a grenade exploded near his house.
- He was fond of fine arts. Tito loved painting.
- Gobbi adored animals. Among his pets was a lion.
- At the end of the 70s, he published the autobiographical book My Life.
- His daughter headed the Tito Gobbi Association. The presented organization deals with the legacy of her father, and does not allow modern society to forget about Tito's contribution to the development of world culture.
Death of an artist
Shortly before his death, the artist managed to finish work on the book The World of Italian Opera. He passed away on March 5, 1984. Relatives did not say what exactly caused the sudden death of the artist. He died in Rome. His body was buried in Campo Verano.
