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Mercedes CapsirSpanish opera singer, coloratura soprano;
Date of Birth: 20.07.1895
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Biography of Mercedes Capsir
Early LifeMercedes Capsir was a Spanish operatic soprano, known primarily for her roles in Italian operas such as Lucia in "Lucia di Lammermoor" and Gilda in "Rigoletto". She was born in the same house where another Spanish soprano, Maria Barrientos, was born 12 years earlier. Capsir studied composition, singing, and piano at the Music Conservatory in Barcelona.
Debut and Career
Capsir made her debut in 1913, performing as Gilda in "Rigoletto". This role became a significant one for her throughout her career. In 1916, she debuted at the Liceo in Barcelona, followed by performances at Teatro Real in Madrid, Teatro Nacional São Carlos in Lisbon, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and finally, the Paris Opéra.
International Success
Interestingly, Capsir's debut role in Italy was not Gilda, but Rosina in "Il barbiere di Siviglia" in Bologna. She later portrayed Elvira in "I puritani". In 1924, she performed at Milan's La Scala, once again returning to the role of Gilda. Capsir mainly performed in Europe and had a relatively small repertoire, including Amina in "La Sonnambula", Lucia in "Lucia di Lammermoor", and Violetta in "La traviata". In 1928, she participated in recording full versions of "Il barbiere di Siviglia" and "Rigoletto" alongside Riccardo Stracciari and Dino Borgioli.
Later Life and Legacy
Capsir retired from the stage in 1949, giving her final performance as Carolina in "Il matrimonio segreto" at the Liceo in Barcelona. However, she remained involved in the music world as a teacher. Mercedes Capsir passed away on March 13, 1969, at the age of 73. She left behind a lasting legacy in the opera world with her exceptional talent and performances.
