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Josip KasmanCroatian operatic baritone
Date of Birth: 14.07.1847
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Giuseppe Kaschmann
- Debut and Italian Success
- International Acclaim
- Repertoire and Legacy
- Nationality Debate
Giuseppe Kaschmann
Early Life and EducationJosip Kašman was born on July 14, 1847, in Mali Lošinj, Croatia. His father was Austrian and his mother Croatian. Blessed with a natural voice and linguistic abilities, Kaschmann abandoned law studies to pursue vocal training under renowned Croatian composer Ivan Zajc in Zagreb. He also received lessons from Alberto Giovannini in Udine, Italy.
Debut and Italian Success
Kaschmann made his public debut in Zagreb in 1869. He rose to prominence in 1876 with his Italian operatic debut in Turin as Donizetti's "La Favorita." Engagements in Venice, Rome, Bologna, and Trieste followed. By 1878, he had earned a reputation as one of Italy's finest baritones and made his La Scala debut in "Don Carlo." This period also marked his Italianization of his name to Giuseppe Kaschmann.
International Acclaim
Kaschmann's success peaked in the 1880s and 1890s. He received invitations to perform at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus in Germany (1892 and 1894) and at New York's Metropolitan Opera (1883 and 1896). Kaschmann toured extensively in Europe, South America, and Russia, but curiously never performed in England. In 1907, he was allowed to return to Zagreb after a decades-long ban due to accusations of desertion from the Austrian army.
Repertoire and Legacy
Kaschmann's repertoire included works by Verdi and Wagner, but as his vocal quality diminished, he transitioned to comic roles by Rossini and Donizetti. His 1903 recordings reveal his smooth, flexible voice and aristocratic phrasing. Kaschmann was also an accomplished actor, captivating audiences with his performances. He continued singing and teaching into the early 1920s, with notable students like Salvatore Baccaloni. Kaschmann died in Rome on February 11, 1925.
Nationality Debate
Kaschmann's nationality has been debated among scholars. While often referred to as Croatian by birth, he likely held Austrian citizenship due to Croatia's political status under Austria-Hungary at the time.
