Antonio Cortis Spanish opera singer (tenor) Date of Birth: 12.08.1891 Country: Spain

1. Antonio Cortis - Spanish Opera Singer
2. Early Life and Education
3. Emergence as a Singer
4. International Career
5. Later Life and Legacy

Antonio Cortis - Spanish Opera Singer

Antonio Cortis was a renowned Spanish tenor known for his exceptional vocal abilities. He achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic, primarily through his magnificent performances of the best Italian operas, particularly the works of Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and the verismo composers. Despite his natural reserve hindering him from fully flourishing, Cortis is rightfully considered one of the greatest singers of his time.

Early Life and Education

Antonio was born on the coastal region of Spain, although his hometown is often referred to as Valencia, where he spent his youth. During that time, the future opera singer was known as Antonio Monton Corts; he later adopted a more melodious stage name. Cortis began studying music at the Royal Conservatory in Madrid and sang in a children's choir. In 1909, when he was 18 years old, Antonio and his widowed mother moved to Barcelona, where Cortis continued his education at the local conservatory.

Emergence as a Singer

Antonio's first appearance on stage was in 1912 at the 'Liceo' in Barcelona. Initially, he was entrusted with supporting roles, but it soon became evident to everyone around him that Cortis possessed extraordinary talent, and he began receiving lead roles. By that time, Antonio had already performed in Spain and South America, and he was invited to the world's most prestigious theaters, such as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.

International Career

During his trip to South America in 1917, the young tenor befriended Metropolitan Opera star Enrico Caruso, who suggested that Cortis try his luck on the singing stage in New York. Caruso even offered to help Antonio settle in the new city, but due to personal reasons, Cortis declined the assistance. Antonio's international career took off with successful performances in Naples and the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. He began performing in Rome in 1920 and soon secured a three-year contract. Cortis appeared in Stockholm, Milan, Latin America, and Berlin, with one of his most important performances being in Chicago. In 1931, he made his debut at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, singing the role of Calaf in Puccini's 'Turandot.' Although Cortis frequently performed in Italy, he struggled to achieve success at La Scala in Milan.

Later Life and Legacy

Between the two world wars, Antonio was considered one of the leading interpreters of verismo opera. He excelled in roles such as Calaf and Dick Johnson in Puccini's 'La fanciulla del West.' In his final years as a singer, Cortis resided in Spain due to the economic impact of the Great Depression on America and other civilized countries. Despite still being in decent vocal shape, it was only the onset of the Spanish Civil War that convinced him to retire. However, Antonio never completely parted ways with music. He composed several pieces of his own and founded a vocal school in Valencia. After World War II, the singer made several comebacks on opera stages, mostly performing works by Spanish composers. In the early 1950s, his health started to deteriorate significantly, and at the age of 60, Antonio Cortis passed away in Valencia.