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Carlo Bergonzi
1924 - 2014
Carlo Bergonzi
1924 - 2014
Obituary
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BORN
1924
DIED
2014
Carlo Bergonzi Obituary
The Italian Auxologic Institute in Milan on Monday confirmed Bergonzi's death on Friday. No cause was given.
Born in the province of Parma not far from Verdi's hometown, Bergonzi started his studies at age 16 as a baritone, only to discover later that his musical gifts lay in the tenor range. Bergonzi served in World War II in an anti-aircraft artillery unit, and was interned in a German forced labor camp for three years.
Bergonzi's international career took off after his 1956 debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he sang the role of Radames in Verdi's Aida. His Met career spanned 32 years and 22 roles.
The Met recalled in a tribute that Bergonzi "was particularly praised for the beauty and warmth of his singing and for his elegant attention to style and phrasing."
He also sang nine seasons at La Scala in Milan and 21 seasons at the Arena open-air summer theater in Verona.
Bergonzi ended his artistic career in 1995, devoting himself to teaching singing. For his 90th birthday on July 12, the town of Giuseppe Verdi's birth dedicated a concert by the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra to Bergonzi.
He is survived by his wife Adele and the couple's two sons, Maurizio, born on the same day Bergonzi made his debut as a tenor, and Marco.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
34 Entries
Lena Williams
February 1, 2015
Rest in peace.
Marc Nicholson
August 3, 2014
My condolences to Mr. Bergonzi's family. I grew up in the 50s through the 70s with his opera recordings which reflected the man's impeccable taste as a vocal artist. Those recordings remain as an enduring legacy by which future generations will be able to look into the soul and good heart of Mr. Bergonzi.
A Friend
July 31, 2014
Condolences to the Bergonzi Family.
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michelle plakas-kaiser
July 31, 2014
rip
July 31, 2014
My condolences to the family and friends
Robert Caravaggi
July 31, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the family. My family had the honor of hosting the Bergonzi's at our home many years ago. He truly was among the greatest singers of all time. A very kind gentleman as well.
Robert Caravaggi and family, New York.
July 31, 2014
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with your family and friends. Isaiah 61:2
July 30, 2014
May the holy spirit of our Heavenly Father, Jehovah, be with you and your family.
Carolyn
July 30, 2014
Dear Bergonzi Family,
I'm sending you something comforting to read as I know that at this time it's very grievous for your family. However, God offers us a promise that you will find comforting. Please find out by reading the following:
July 30, 2014
Please accept my condolences for the loss of such a talented man. May your loving memories sustain you at this time.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
July 29, 2014
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE BERGONZI FAMLIY.FRIMEDS,FANS&ALL WHO KNEW MR. BERGONZI.
July 29, 2014
"Sorry for your loss. Psalm 90:10 said: The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; They quickly pass by, and away we fly.
B Lucas
July 29, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy for you loss. may you find peace in knowing God will provide.
July 29, 2014
Soon death will be no more.
G F
July 29, 2014
May the love of family and friends comfort you as you grieve, John 6:40.
July 29, 2014
July 29
To the friends and family. I am sorry for your loss. I pray you have the support you need at this time of sorrow. 1Thes 5:17
Carol
July 29, 2014
Carlo Bergonzi - perfection!! Rest in peace.
Raffaelo Lott
July 28, 2014
It is almost impossible to think of Carlo Bergonzi without smiling.
His jovial nature, heart-melting voice, and consummate attention to artistic detail are tributes not only to his era and his roots, but to the human condition.
We shall never see his like again.
We can be thankful for the legacy of splendid recordings and captivating stories he left behind. But still, if we only could see glimpses of his early life - his childhood performances, his wartime trials, his early roles as a baritone, his conversion to the most musical of tenors....
Grazie tanto, Carlo Bergonzi! Your legacy of joy in life and song will continue to grow.
RA
July 28, 2014
I feel your pain. Please accept my condolences.
joaquim-r-redeemer barbosa
July 28, 2014
condolences-peace
July 28, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort (2 Cor. 1:3) hear your prayers and give you a measure of his peace during this time.
July 28, 2014
RIP Maestro. Saw you many times at the Met but I will never forget your Chenier performance which was glorious. Let us not forget that the Boheme recording used in the movie Moonstruck was the best with you and Tebaldi. Now you join your Mimi in heaven. God bless you on your new journey.
Addio
Joanne B.
DS
July 28, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
S. Hill
July 28, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares. (1Peter5:6,7)
Morgan Grey
July 28, 2014
Sorry for your loss. May God provide your family and friends with peace of mind and comfort during this time. (Romans15:33)
~ Brenda C
July 28, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Mr. Bergonzi. May you allow the God of all comfort to strengthen you during this difficult time. Because He knows the depth of the pain in each of your hearts, look to Him in prayer and He will give you the support you need - Psalms 145:14-18.
S. Hill
July 28, 2014
To the family, Luke 20:38 assures us that your loved one is in God's memory. Please find comfort in that hope.
July 28, 2014
The first tenor I heard at the Met,with Anna Moffo,in Traviata in 1970.My opera life started at the top.Bravo Carlo and thanks.David W-P
July 28, 2014
My most sincere condolences go out to the Bergonzi family and friends. May our loving God give you strength through these difficult times. Philippians 4:13
Stacy
July 28, 2014
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
John Rowe
July 28, 2014
One of the greatest tenors of all time! His performances of Puccini's La Boheme are among my favorites. His voice was truly a gift to the world from God!
JC
July 28, 2014
My condolences to the family. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times that you shared with your loved one Mr Bergonzi, and may God comfort you in this difficult time. Matthew 5:4.
Brian Gibson
July 28, 2014
Bravo, Signor Bergonzi! You gave us so many wonderful performances. We will miss you but treasure our memories of your elegant, glorious singing.
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