Copyright

Massimo Zicari

Published On

2022-04-29

Page Range

pp. 99-128

Print Length

29 pages

5. Verdi’s Style

The End of Bel Canto?

This chapter elaborates on Verdi’s style and the end of bel canto. Tetrazzini’s impersonations of Violetta and Gilda were memorable and her recordings are testament to a performing tradition that continued despite Verdi’s dramatic treatment of the voice. In Tetrazzini’s recordings melodic modifications tend to remain confined to the final cadenza or, less often, to the central semicadenza, but can still be sparkling with pearly coloratura, as is the case with Violetta’s cabaletta.

Contributors

Massimo Zicari

(author)
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana