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Giuseppina PasquaItalian opera singer, mezzo-soprano
Date of Birth: 19.03.1855
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Biography of Giuseppina Pasqua
Giuseppina Pasqua was an Italian opera singer, renowned for her mezzo-soprano voice. She performed in various Italian and European opera houses throughout her career. Initially, Pasqua began her career as a soprano but later transitioned to mezzo-soprano. She gained recognition for her performances in several premieres, most notably as the first interpreter of the role of Mistress Quickly in Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Falstaff". Verdi specifically wrote this role for Pasqua, and he dedicated the aria "Giunta all' albergo" from the second act to her.
Early Life and Education
Giuseppina was born in Perugia, Italy, into a fairly affluent family. She received her education at the conservatory in Perugia under the guidance of Ulisse Corticelli. It was in Perugia that she made her professional opera debut as a singer. Her first role was Oscar in Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera". After further training under Marietta Piccolomini, Pasqua made her debut as Marguerite de Valois in Giacomo Meyerbeer's "Les Huguenots" at the Teatro Bellini in Palermo.
Career
Pasqua also made her debut as a soprano at La Scala, Milan, on September 1, 1872, performing the role of Ännchen in Carl Maria von Weber's "Der Freischütz". After studying with Luigia Abbadia in Milan, Pasqua transformed into a mezzo-soprano.
In 1876, Giuseppina Pasqua sang the role of Preziosilla in the premiere of Verdi's "La forza del destino" at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. A year later, she had another successful premiere, portraying Amneris in Verdi's "Aida" at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. She reprised the role of Amneris at La Scala in 1878, receiving equal acclaim. As a mezzo-soprano, Pasqua actively performed in Italy and internationally, including at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Bavarian State Opera. She also enjoyed great success in Spain and Portugal.
