Fiorenza Cossotto Italian opera singer (mezzo-soprano) Date of Birth: 22.04.1935 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Fiorenza Cossotto
2. Operatic Debut and International Recognition
3. Renowned Roles and Metropolitan Opera
4. Legacy and Vocal Abilities
5. Personal Life

Biography of Fiorenza Cossotto

Fiorenza Cossotto, an Italian opera singer (mezzo-soprano), is widely regarded as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. She was born on April 22, 1935, in Crescentino, Vercelli, Italy. Cossotto studied at the Turin Academy of Music and excelled in her class, being ranked first.

Operatic Debut and International Recognition

After receiving training under the guidance of Mercedes Llopart, Cossotto made her operatic debut in 1957 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. She was responsible for the parts of Matilda's sister in the world premiere of Francis Poulenc's "Dialogues of the Carmelites." Her international debut took place in 1958 at the Wexford Festival, where Cossotto portrayed Giovanna Seymour in Donizetti's "Anna Bolena." Her career at Covent Garden started in 1959, playing the role of Neris in Luigi Cherubini's "Medea," alongside Maria Callas.

Renowned Roles and Metropolitan Opera

In 1962, Cossotto gained further recognition for her portrayal of the main role in "La favorita" at La Scala, and she made her debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1964 with the same role. In 1968, she appeared at the Metropolitan Opera as Amneris. Throughout her career, Cossotto performed in 148 productions at the Metropolitan Opera, exclusively in leading roles. She was known for her expertise in portraying complex Italian characters from the mid-19th century, including Azucena, Favorita, Amneris, Maddalena, Ulrica, Eboli, and Laura.

Legacy and Vocal Abilities

Cossotto continued to sing in the following years and celebrated her 70th birthday in 2005 with a performance in "Suor Angelica" at the Théâtre Royal in Liège, Belgium. According to Koenemann's book "Opera," Cossotto, along with Giulietta Simionato, was one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of the 1960s and 1970s. She earned a special place in opera history for her beautiful vocal timbre, flawless singing technique, and agility in utilizing various registers. In addition to mezzo and alto roles, Cossotto also successfully performed soprano roles traditionally sung by sopranos, such as Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Adalgisa in "Norma."

Personal Life

Aside from her successful opera career, Cossotto also married the Italian bass singer Ivo Vinco, and their marriage lasted for over forty years before ending in divorce. They had a son named Roberto.

Overall, Fiorenza Cossotto's contributions to the opera world, her vocal talents, and her extensive repertoire have solidified her place as one of the most renowned mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century.