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Anita CerquettiItalian opera singer, dramatic soprano
Date of Birth: 13.04.1931
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Anita Cerquetti
- Early Career
- Replacing Maria Callas
- Short Career and Limited International Performances
- Musical Legacy
Biography of Anita Cerquetti
Anita Cerquetti was an Italian opera singer, known for her dramatic soprano voice. She was born in 1931 in the commune of Montecosaro, near Macerata, Italy. From a young age, she studied violin with Luigi Mori. However, she later shifted her focus to vocal training and became a student at the Conservatory of Perugia.
Early Career
Cerquetti made her professional debut in 1951 in Spoleto, where she performed in Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida". Her talent quickly gained recognition, and she began performing across Italy. She received particular acclaim in Florence, where she appeared in productions of "Les Abencérages" and "Ernani". Cerquetti frequently performed repertoire by Verdi, including a memorable performance in "Nabucco" at La Scala in Milan in 1958.
Replacing Maria Callas
In 1958, Cerquetti had a significant career breakthrough when she replaced the ill Maria Callas in the opera "Norma" at the Rome Opera House. She also performed the same role at the San Carlo theater in Naples. Balancing performances between the two cities took a toll on her health, but it also brought her considerable popularity.
Short Career and Limited International Performances
Cerquetti's career was brilliant but short-lived. She retired from the stage in 1961 at the age of only 30. Unlike many of her talented peers, Cerquetti had limited performances in America. Her debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago took place in 1955, where she portrayed Amelia in Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera".
Musical Legacy
Cerquetti's musical legacy is not extensive. She made only a few official commercial recordings for Decca in 1957. However, there are several bootleg recordings of her voice, including a performance of "Aida" recorded in Mexico City in 1958 and a recording of "Norma" made in Rome.
