Renata Tebaldi

Renata Tebaldi , 1922-2004, Italian lyric soprano. She received early musical training at home and at the Boito Conservatory, Parma. In 1944 she made her professional debut and in 1946 sang at the reopening of La Scala in Milan. She was one of the most acclaimed members of the Metropolitan Opera company from 1955 to 1973, and retired from singing in 1976. Legendary for her superb musicianship and lustrously beautiful voice, Tebaldi sang and recorded in many countries and was particularly admired for her interpretations of the title roles in Tosca, Aïda, and Madama Butterfly.

Bibliography: See biographies by V. I. Seroff (1970), K. Harris (1975), and C. Casanova (1995).

Tebaldi, Renata (b Pesaro, 1922; d 2004). It. soprano. Opera début Rovigo 1944 (Elena in Boito's Mefistofele). Chosen by Toscanini for re-opening concert at La Scala 1946, and sang there 1946–7 (début as Mimì in La bohème), 1949–54, and 1959. San Carlo, Naples, 1948–9; Florence 1948–53; CG début 1950 (with Scala co.); Royal Opera début 1955; Amer. début (S. Francisco) 1950; NY Met 1955–73; Chicago 1955–69. V. of power and beauty, esp. in Verdi and Puccini roles. Retired from opera 1973, concerts 1976.