Teresa Bertinotti Italian opera soprano singer Country: Italy

1. Teresa Bertinotti: The Seraph of Italian Opera
2. Early Life and Vocal Training
3. Rise to Stardom and International Recognition
4. Triumphs Abroad and Artistic Legacy
5. Later Years and Teaching
6. Legacy and Impact

Teresa Bertinotti: The Seraph of Italian Opera

Teresa Bertinotti, born into a wealthy family in Savigliano, Italy, possessed a vocal talent that captivated audiences throughout Europe.

Early Life and Vocal Training

At the tender age of two, Bertinotti's family relocated to Naples. Her extraordinary musicality manifested early, and she studied for four years under renowned pedagogue Baldassare La Barbiera. By age 12, she made her professional debut at the esteemed Teatro San Carlo, showcasing her breathtaking voice.

Rise to Stardom and International Recognition

Within a decade, Bertinotti had graced the stages of renowned opera houses, including La Scala in Milan and La Fenice in Venice. Her captivating performances and stunning beauty earned her the title "Angel of Music and Beauty." In 1801, she married Felice Radicati, a prominent violinist and composer, who accompanied her on her musical journey.

Triumphs Abroad and Artistic Legacy

Bertinotti's reputation extended beyond Italy, and she embarked on tours to Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. In Vienna, she received an enthusiastic welcome and performed alongside the illustrious castrato Luigi Marchesi. After a brief visit to London, where she performed at the Haymarket Theatre, she became a champion of Mozart's operas.

Later Years and Teaching

In 1823, tragedy struck when Radicati passed away unexpectedly. Bertinotti retired from the stage and dedicated herself to teaching. Her notable pupils included the Duchess Stephanie of Mannheim, Rita Gabussi, and Balbina Steffanone, who later sang Leonora in the American premiere of Verdi's "Il Trovatore."

Legacy and Impact

Teresa Bertinotti's exceptional voice and stage presence left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Her compositions, including her collaboration with Vincenzo Federici on the operas "Zaira" and "Virginia," showcase her versatility as an artist. Portraits by renowned painters and a marble bust by Antonio Canova immortalize her beauty and talent. Bertinotti's legacy lives on as one of the most celebrated Italian sopranos of all time.