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Titta RuffoItalian singer (baritone)
Date of Birth: 09.06.1877
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Biography of Titta Ruffo
Titta Ruffo (1877-1953) was an Italian baritone and one of the most outstanding singers of the 20th century. He made his debut in 1898 in Rome, playing the role of the Herald in the opera "Lohengrin". Throughout his career, Ruffo performed on the leading stages around the world.
Early Career and International Success
In 1903, Ruffo began singing at Covent Garden, where he performed roles such as Enrico in "Lucia di Lammermoor" and Figaro. The following year, he made his first appearance at La Scala in Milan, singing the role of Rigoletto. Ruffo also toured Russia multiple times between 1904 and 1907, performing in cities like St. Petersburg, Moscow, Odessa, and Kharkov.
One of Ruffo's greatest achievements was his portrayal of Hamlet in the opera of the same name by Thomas. He first performed this role in 1906 and received tremendous acclaim. In 1908, he performed as Hamlet at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, which further solidified his reputation as a world-renowned singer.
Later Years and Retirement
In 1912, Ruffo made his debut in the United States and went on to become a soloist at the Metropolitan Opera from 1921 to 1929. During his time there, he performed various roles, including Tonio in "Pagliacci", Amonasro, Iago, Count di Luna, Barnaba in "La Gioconda" by Ponchielli, Scarpia, Falstaff, and many others.
Ruffo's last concert took place in 1935 in Cannes, after which he retired from the stage in 1931. He continued his involvement in music by recording on phonograph records, beginning in 1904. Ruffo also authored a memoir titled "Parabola of My Life," which was published in 1937 and translated into Russian.
Titta Ruffo's contributions to the world of opera have solidified his status as one of the most outstanding singers of the 20th century. His powerful voice and memorable performances on the world's leading stages have left a lasting legacy in the opera world.
