Italy amazes with an abundance of talented artists and cultural figures, moreover, the country itself has more than once been an inspiration for creators from all over the world who, having visited its amazing expanses, gave birth to new works full of love and hope. The passionate temperament of the Italians distinguishes the manner of holding on to the stage and performing the works of famous composers, making a special contribution to art.
Today we will plunge into the enchanting world of music and singing: to your attention the stories of the best Italian singers of the twentieth century, their photos and videos from performances. We hope this article will open up something new for you in music and you will have some favorite Italian artists.
Let's start our story with the legendary Cecilia Bartoli (Cecilia Bartoli) - performs musical works with a coloratura mezzo-soprano. She was born on June 4, 1966 in Rome, Italy.
Her parents were professional singers, and the girl followed in their footsteps: already at the age of 9, Cecilia took the stage in the opera Tosca. The girl was taught vocals by her mother, although Cecilia studied at the Rome Conservatory, but not singing, but playing the trombone. As you can see, the future singer was in no hurry to declare herself as an opera performer for a long time, and she got to the La Scala theater quite by accident and unusually: taking part in a television show, the girl performed an excerpt from The Barber of Seville.
After that, Cecilia Bartoli received a lot of rave reviews from experts, and Riccardo Muti, having seen her performance in the program, invited the young girl to work in the best opera house in the world. The singer has published more than 16 music albums with works by Mozart, Rossini, Vivaldi, Gluck, Handel, Caldaru and many rarely performed composers.
At the moment, the Italian opera singer creates her own projects that look like television films with beautiful interiors, images and costumes.
One of the magnificent and complex creations of the singer was a project called "Sacrificium" - "Sacrifice". The album is dedicated to the castrati, their tragedy and sacrifice for the sake of art. Cecilia Bartoli performed works created especially for the high voices of castrati in memory of their contribution to art and admiration for their lives.
Cecilia received world recognition for her performance of baroque works, as well as Rossini and Mozart. The most famous roles are: Cinderella from Rossini's opera performed by the singer, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Despina in Everyone Does It, Cleopatra in Julius Caesar. The famous Italian singer Cecilia Bartoli was awarded the Gremy award in 2002, and several times the ECHO-Classic award, she is a holder of the Order of Merit for the Italian Republic and the Order of Arts and Literature (France).
Italian opera singer Anna Caterina Antonacci
Anna Caterina Antonacci was born on April 5, 1961 in Ferrara. Voice - mezzo soprano. The timbre of her voice is in great demand when performing Rossini's operas. The singer studied vocals in Bologna, and her first debut took place in 1986 in the city of Arezzo - the part of Rosina.
She takes part not only in opera projects, as a singer, but also acts in films: King for an hour or Imaginary Stanislav (TV, 2010), Medea (TV, 2008), Carmen (TV, 2007), Trojans (TV, 2003), Don Giovanni (TV, 1999) Rodelinda (TV, 1998), Don Juan (TV, 1997), Macbeth (1987), Proms (TV series, 2010) plays herself.
In 2009, she was awarded the highest award for an artist in France, becoming a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Italian opera singer Barbara Frittoli
Barbara Frittoli - the soft timbre of the Italian silk soprano enchants and elevates to heaven. The singer was born on April 19, 1967 in Milan, where she graduated from the conservatory. Performs leading roles in theaters in Europe and the United States, debuted as Michaela (Carmen) in 1995.
Critics say that the singer would have achieved great results in Italy if it were not for her manner of performance: only her voice conveys passions and emotions, and outwardly the performer is not emotional enough. Films with the participation of: Don Juan (2011) Don Turandot in the Forbidden City of Beijing (TV, 2000), Journey to Reims (TV, 1992), Great Performances (TV series, 1970 - 2011) and others.
Italian singers of the 80s
Under these songs, our moms and dads got to know each other on the dance floors, got married, and had a rest. Italian singers of the 80s were imitated by performers from other countries, their songs sounded in films, girls wanted to be like them, men admired them. These were the times and the songs were sung more and more about love and hope, there was no doom, sarcasm and resentment in them, except perhaps a light sadness. Listening to modern songs, you miss those times when the speakers did not pour negativity and it seemed that life was easier. They say that the song helps us to build and live, so let's remember those women who were at the origins of the modern stage and gave the world so many wonderful hits.
Mina Anna Mazzini
Stage name Mina. Italian singer of the 70s, 80s, born in Busto Arsizio on March 25, 1940. She made her television debut in 1959. She started performing very young, when she was barely 15 years old. She became famous after a concert at the famous Compass Club, where Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra performed at that time.
Since 1960, the singer has starred in 11 films and her songs have been featured in 20 more films. In 1978, she stopped performing at concerts, but still releases music albums almost every year. The first album was called "Tintarella di luna" (1960). In 2012, the CD "12 American Song Book" was released. In total, during this time, the singer released about 100 albums.
Marina Fiordaliso (Marina Fiordaliso)
Italian singer with a unique slightly hoarse voice. She was born on February 19, 1956. She sang in the style of pop and rock, but now she has switched to performing works in the style of soul (soul): critics believe that this particular direction suits her deep vocals. She studied at the conservatory in the class of vocal and piano. She began her career in 1981 and was immediately invited to the competition in San Remo, but she managed to become its laureate only in 1983 (6th place). The song that won the following year at the same festival and won 5th place - Non voglio mica la luna - brought her worldwide fame.
Italian actress and singer Giorgia Moll
Georgia Mule was born in Italy, the city of Prata di Pordenone on January 14, 1938. She began her career as a model - starred in commercials on television. Then she became an actress. Films with her participation: the comedy "Unscrewed", directed by Carlo Lizani (1955); The Quiet American, directed by Joseph Mankiewicz (1958), as well as works in the films of French directors: Jean-Luc Godard, Steno, Alberto Sordi and others. As a singer of songs, she became known in the 60s, releasing several records. In the 1970s, she retired from cinema and took up photography. In 1984, she again appeared in the film directed by Alberto Sordi called "All Behind Bars".
Raffaella Carr? (Raffaella Cara)
Italian singer, actress, TV presenter. She was born in Bologna on June 18, 1943. Since childhood, she participated in television productions and at the age of 8 she was sent to Rome to study theatrical skills. The beginning of a career on television took place in the 60s with participation in television programs, filming in TV shows and musicals. Partners on the site were Frank Sinatra, Marcello Mastroianni. In the early 70s, Kara recorded the song: “What music is the maestro” for the opening screensaver of the program “Canzonissima-70”. The melody was so fond of the audience that the singer's career began with Raffaella by itself.
In those days, the song "What kind of music is the maestro" took the top steps of the charts. The combination of professionalism, acting skills and vocals attracted the attention of viewers, critics and show business organizers to Raffaella. Kara was known all over the world, took part in many programs, was a TV presenter of reality shows, competitions, concerts, several times held Eurovision. Her songs were performed by many singers from all over the world. During her stage career, Rafaella Cara has released about 70 albums and currently continues to work on television as a TV presenter of the best music shows in the world.
Contemporary Italian singers
The youth famously picked up the musical baton and show business was filled with new songs in Italian. Here is a list of modern Italian singers:
- Giorgia - Georgia Todrani. The author and performer of songs, known throughout the world, thanks to her vocal abilities. As a child, she listened to jazz, which later influenced the creation of her unique style of performance. Popularity came to Georgia in 1993 at the Sanremo festival, where her song Nasceremo took first place. In 1994 he released his first album called Giorgia, which became double platinum. A duet with Luciano Povarotti helps her become famous in Italy, after which Georgia will be invited several times to sing in front of the Pope. The singer's albums contain many star duets, which makes her work even more diverse. Georgia is loved for her courage to do the difficult and the unknown, and the result is several more victories at the Sanremo festival, the work of the host of the radio program and the presentation of the Wind Music Awards for the song Salvami.
- Giusy Ferreri is a beautiful woman, a peculiar voice typical of Italian women. She writes the lyrics and music for her songs herself. She gained popularity after participating in the Italian version of the X Factor show. The singer's grand achievement is the 2008 album "Gaetana", which received the title of platinum 4 times in a row and sold 300,000 copies. This is a must see, so watch the clip of Giuzy Ferreri Non Ti Scordar Mai Di Me at the end of our article.
- Arisa - first appeared on stage at the Sanremo festival and won a special prize from critics and first place in the nomination "Best New Artist". We advise you to watch her video "Meraviglioso amore mio" and you will forever remain a fan of this incredible performer.
- Laura Pausini is a popular singer far beyond Italy in the Middle East and Latin America. Among her awards - Grammy in 2006 for the album "Escucha", and her other disc "Primavera In Anticipo" in 2008 sold 1,800,000 copies. Laura Pausini performs songs in 5 languages in the style of ballads, pop and soul. The singer sang a duet with many famous performers of our time and won popular love.
We wish you pleasant listening, amazing discoveries and inspiration, because each performer is able to show you his own unique world of enchanting melodies, which you did not know about before.
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At one time, Italy conquered the world with its singers and singers. The first, however, was and is more. The Italian singers revered by all, despite some cooling of the world public, are still quite popular. But here it is worth understanding the difference between opera and pop music, although there are also such unique performers who can combine this, not to mention the influence on Italian performers of such an ambitious trend as hard rock, where for some reason the generally recognized leaders are Americans and Germans.
Italian singers: performance specifics
It is impossible not to touch on the question of why Italian performers have become so popular. It may seem strange, but it is among them that the largest number of tenors are present.
Even the world-famous opera La Scala is located in Italy. But at the same time, not only opera stars can perform in grandiose productions, but also all those whom many disparagingly call “pop music”. So why then did Italian singers become so popular?
The answer is simple! Originally an opera. The second is the festival in San Remo, which has become a kind of alternative to Eurovision. And the voices that sounded in the resort town of Italy were too good to be recognized as the first performers every year. But! There are some nuances.
Italian opera singers: where does the start come from?
As already mentioned, La Scala is a world stage, where almost all tenors with even the slightest respect for themselves strive to get into.
In the world of operatic vocals, it is this scene that gives, as they say, a start in life. But Luciano Pavarotti once sang with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. Perhaps, no one will surpass them in performance in the next fifty years.
By the way, if anyone remembers the soundtrack of one of the versions of The Three Musketeers, Sting, Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart sang there. And with Adams at a meeting of friends, Pavarotti sang this song, although in an opera performance, but no worse than well-deserved rockers.
Italian bandstand 80s
In 1981-1982 the rise of the Italian stage, which is now commonly called Italo Disco, began. The pioneers, at least known to our listeners, were the Italian singers Adriano Celentano, Al Bano, Umberto Tozzi, Pupo, Toto Cutugno, Riccardo Foli, Andrea Bocelli and others. one of his hits paired with mega-star Tina Turner. And today the songs of Italian singers are known to any listener of that generation.
But first, the hearts of the world were won by the compositions of L'Italiano, Soli, Storie di tutti giorni, Felicita, etc. What is most interesting, as it turned out later, the "family" duet of Al Bano and Romina Power turned out to be a purely commercial project in which he invested money Romina's father (watch the video, you can even ignore the vocals). And Al Bano is still successfully touring as an opera singer, visiting the stage only occasionally.
Unfortunately, the Italian pop singers of the 80s no longer gather such audiences as they used to. They are more invited to concerts in the countries of the post-Soviet space, but subject to the performance of hits 20 years ago. And there is nothing new to note, alas, and it is impossible.
Contemporary performers
Italian singers who have established themselves in the opera or disco scene have felt competition since the late 80s. This was due not only to a drop in demand for disco, but also to the activated direction of music, today called Metal.
One of the most famous and influential bands of our time, performing a completely technical Power Metal, can be called the Italian band Rhapsody. There is not only a technique of performance, but also musical material, mostly based on epic sagas, tales or legends.
Instead of a conclusion
What to add? Disco is a thing of the past, although memories of it still linger in many hearts that beat in unison with popular compositions at that time. We must also give credit to the fact that the development of music continues, and I really want to hope that modern Italian music will eventually be replaced by something else, no less fascinating and conquering the world.
But if you look a little into the future, there is nothing special to create here. Judge for yourself, because in the musical canons there is already the concept of the “Italian square” in different interpretations and with different sequences of chord changes with the same key. However, who knows...
Opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was born on October 12, 1935. He is called one of the superstars of the twentieth century opera scene. We decided to recall other famous lyric tenors from Italy
Enrico Caruso
When Enrico came to study at a music school, his teacher was sure that the boy had neither hearing nor voice. Now it is customary to say that Caruso is a symbol of bel canto, which made Naples famous all over the world. His debut is considered to be the part of Enzo from the opera La Gioconda. Enrico performed with tours around the world, worked for 17 years at the Metropolitan Opera. During performances in America, world fame and fame came to him. He was the highest paid opera singer of his time. When Caruso participated in the performance, the directorate raised ticket prices at their own discretion. After the death of the opera singer in 1921, a wax candle was made at the expense of fans, which for 500 years should be lit once a year in front of the face of the Madonna in memory of the singer.
Beniamino Gigli
Italian opera singer and film actor, considered the "heir" of Enrico Caruso. As a boy, he studied singing in the cathedral, then performed in church masses, and later played the saxophone as part of the city orchestra. In 1914, his debut performance took place - it was the part of Enzo from the opera La Gioconda. Gigli was invited to work in many theaters in Italy. Like Enrico Caruso, Gigli worked at the Metropolitan Opera. He acted in many films. They were mostly about music: Ave Maria, Giuseppe Verdi, Pages from operas.
Franco Corelli
He made his debut in 1951, 2 years later he performed at the Florentine Spring festival, where he performed the part of Pierre Bezukhov in the Italian premiere of Prokofiev's War and Peace. On his account, the best roles in the operas "The Pirate" by Bellini, "The Huguenots" by Meyerbeer. In 1967, at the Metropolitan Opera, he performed the title role in Gounod's Romeo and Juliet. About Franco Corelli, you can hear that "... this voice rises above everything: the voice of thunder, lightning, fire and blood ...".
Andrea Bocelli
Andrea began learning to play the piano at the age of 6, then mastered the flute and saxophone. At 12 years old after an accident, he became completely blind. At first, music was just a hobby for him. Even when he was studying to be a lawyer, he worked part-time in restaurants, performing songs by Piaf and Aznavour. But one day he plucked up the courage and came to an audition for Franco Corelli when he was passing through Turin. Corelli took the young man as an apprentice. On this, Andrea ended his career as a lawyer. In 1994, Andrea made his debut at the San Remo Music Festival - he performed the song "Il mare calmo della sera". In the same year, Luciano Pavarotti invited Andrea to participate in the Pavarotti International concert in Modena. They say about Andrea Bocelli that this is the only singer who managed to merge pop music and opera together: "He sings songs like opera and opera like songs."
Alessandro Safina
Alessandro began to build his career as a classical opera singer: he studied at the conservatory, performed parts in the operas The Barber of Seville, Mermaid, Eugene Onegin, Capuleti and Montechi. And then he began to perform in a new genre, which he calls "opera rock". It is not for nothing that he names U2, Genesis, Depeche Mode and The Clash as his favorite performers. Now Alessandro has several albums to his credit. Safina constantly tours. Almost every year he travels with solo concerts in the cities of Russia. In addition, the singer acts in films. He played himself in the Brazilian TV series "Clone" and played the role of the artist Mario Cavaradossi in a free adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Tosca".
The music of Italian performers in Russia has always been and remains popular. The voices of singers from this sunny country attract listeners from all over the world with their unique timbres. Their songs are filled with a special melody.
Popular Italians of the 20th century
The most beloved 80s are representatives of the pop genre in music. They were so popular that they have not lost their fans even today, although few of them have changed their repertoire since then. Most continue to perform songs that were loved by the public at the peak of their popularity. Many representatives of the younger generation inherited love for these artists from their parents.
The most popular Italian artists of the 80s:
- "Ricky and Believe";
- Sabrina Salerno;
- Adriano Celentano;
- Raffaella Cara;
- Sydney Rom;
- Umberto Tozzi;
- Gianna Nannini;
- Marina Feordaliso;
- Zucchero;
- Toto Cutugno;
- Paolo Conte;
- Pupo;
- Antonella Ruggiero;
- Al Bano and Romina Power;
- Angela Cavagna;
- Ricardo Foli.
In the last decade of the twentieth century, the favorites of the public were still the stars of the 80s. But besides them, new interesting artists appeared.
The most popular Italian artists of the 90s:
- Biagio Antonacci;
- Claude Barzotti;
- Gianni Bella;
- Orietta Berti;
- Angelo Branduardi;
- Miguel Bose;
- Ornella Vanoni;
- Ennerly Gordon;
- Giovanotti;
- Roberto Zanetti.
Popular Italians in the 11th century
Today and the 90s are no longer at the peak of their popularity. They continue to be loved by a large number of listeners, but the modern generation has its own idols.
The most popular contemporary Italian artists (list):
- Ingrid;
- Andrea Bocelli;
- Eros Ramazzotti;
- Michelangelo Loconte;
- Violante Placido;
- Christina Scabbia;
- Alex Britty;
- Emma Marone;
- Georgia Gelo;
- Anna Tatangelo;
- Tiziano Ferro;
- Simone Molinari;
- Nina Zilli;
- Alessandro Safina;
- Noemi;
- Juzy Ferreri.
Toto Cutugno
Many Italian artists sang songs that Toto Cutugno wrote for them. For example, Adriano Celentano, Dalida, "Ricky and Believe", Joe Dassin. Toto himself performed very often and continues to perform as a singer. His real name is Salvatore. Music T. Cutugno began to study in early childhood. He mastered percussion instruments, as well as playing the trumpet and accordion. Toto became famous thanks to his victory at the competition in San Remo. The song-winner was the famous Solo noi. Since then, his career has taken off. The singer's calling card is the song L'italiano. She brought Toto another victory in San Remo.
Al Bano and Romina Power
Italian performers Al Bano were a family duet. The peak of their popularity came in the 80s of the twentieth century. The real name of the duet soloist is Albano Corrisi. His father was in the military. During WWII he fought in Albania. The name Albano was given to the boy by his father. This word means "Albanian". And there really is no such name. Later, the artist came up with a pseudonym for himself. He split his name into two words and began to act as Al Bano. A. Corrisi performs songs that he writes himself. His creative path was long and difficult. At 16, he left his hometown to pursue a singing career. To earn his living, Al Bano worked as a waiter and even a worker. Everything changed after he won the contest for vocalists "New Voices", which was organized by Adriano Celentano. He began working in a duet with Romina Power in 1970, after he married her. The duo's popularity peaked in the 1980s. In the early 90s, the couple experienced a tragedy - their eldest daughter disappeared without a trace, and there is still nothing about her. After this sad event, Al Bano and Romina broke up. The artist began to perform solo. Romina left her career as a singer. Only in 2013 did she again take the stage, and again with Al Bano. Former spouses began to perform a duet.
"Ricky and Believe"
The Italian performers of "Ricky and Believe" were at the peak of their popularity in the 80s of the twentieth century. The group's name translates as "Rich and Poor". The ensemble originally consisted of four performers: Angelo Sotju, Marina Okkiena, Angela Brambati and Franco Gati. In the 70s of the twentieth century, "Ricky and Believe" repeatedly became members of the "San Remo" and several times took second place. In 1981, "Ricky and Believe" again performed at this song contest. But a scandal broke out between the members of the ensemble, Marina refused to perform and left the team. The group had to go on stage in three. They performed the song Sara Perché Ti Amo. Which translates to "Probably because I love you." The song took only fifth place in the competition. But despite this, she became very popular and for ten weeks she took first place in the Italian charts. She became popular in other countries, including Russia, and is loved to this day. Today, these Italian performers are actively touring all over the world.
Michelangelo Loconte
The real name of the artist is Michele. He is one of the most popular Italian singers of our time. This is a multifaceted personality. He is a singer, composer, musician, actor, and artistic director. Fame came to the young Italian when he played the role of W. A. Mozart in the French musical Mozart, l'Opéra rock. For this work, he was awarded two prestigious music awards. The artist was born in 1973 in the city of Cerignola. The artist's parents were teachers. Michele from early childhood played in the theater and took part in television programs. The artist plays the guitar, piano and percussion instruments. Works as a composer and arranger. Now Michelangelo is busy working on a new solo album. The artist takes an active part in charitable projects. At Eurovision 2013, Michele acted as one of the judges from France.
juzy ferreri
This young Italian singer has an unusual and unique voice. She works in several genres: pop, rock and blues. The very first album that Juzy recorded in 2008 became incredibly popular and brought her worldwide fame. According to the results of sales, this album was declared multi-platinum. The artist is also distinguished by incredible plasticity and artistry.
Ah, those Italian singers! Passionate, emotional, bewitching... Due to the fact that the Italian language sounds like music (and this is an absolute axiom), any singer from the Apennines already falls into the category of favorite and desired. Therefore, we decided to dedicate a whole post to Italian singers, because without them our Guide would be incomplete, like the journey through Italy itself.
Italian singer of all time
We gave the first place to Adriano Celentano. And if someone thinks that this is not the most charismatic and gifted Italian singer, let him be the first to throw a stone at our Guide. Celentano burst into the music world in 1957 with the rock and roll song "Ciao ti dirò", written specifically for participation in the "First Italian Rock and Roll Festival", and immediately gained immense popularity among young people. Three times in different years, Adriano Celentano participated in the Sanremo Music Festival. But only the last time, in 1970, he managed to win. Then he sang a duet with his wife Caludia Mori song "La coppia più bella del mondo" (it. "The most beautiful couple in the world"). It is noteworthy that all the competitive songs of Celentano for a long time occupied the highest levels of the Italian hit parades.
Top 10 Italian singers according to our Guide:
1. Adriano Celentano
2. Biagio Antonacci
3. Bruno Ferrara
4. Eros Ramazzotti
5. Tiziano Ferro
6. Rafael Gualazzi
7. Ricardo Foli
8 Gigi D'Alessio
9. Alessandro Safina
10. Toto Cutugno
Adriano has a huge number of albums, of which at least five are platinum. He has his own record label, several television projects in which acute political and social topics were raised. Moreover, Celentano is still one of the active oppositionists and at the opening of the festival in San Remo in 2012 he spoke for about an hour, talking about the problems of Italy and the global crisis, about censorship on Italian television and the referendum, about the technical government and about the Catholic magazine " Famiglia Cristina.
Singing god of love
Speaking of Italian singers, one cannot fail to mention the performer named after the Greek god of love - Eros Ramazzotti. This is the first Italian who managed to collect a full house at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. Eros is very popular in Europe and USA. True, in Europe it is still more. Ramazzotti is an ardent fan of football and an avid fan (his favorite team is Juventus). Several times he even played in the National Football Team of the Italian Singers.
111 kg of happiness
Now it's hard to believe that the idol of many teenage girls, the romantic Tiziano Ferro, weighed 111 kg in childhood. He will dedicate his second album, which is distinguished by a deep philosophical meaning, to his youth and will call it "111". The songs from this collection, imbued with reflections and personal experiences, will become close in spirit to many Italian teenagers. Ferro actively works and studies. He has released several solo albums, voiced the cartoon "Shark Tale" in London, writes music for films, graduated from the University of Los Angeles with a degree in Spanish and English translation. Tiziano Ferro released his next album in 2011 and again became the No. 1 performer in Italy.
opera rock
Alessandro Safina, the owner of an excellent tenor, started out as an opera singer. But then he became interested in the modern genre, which he calls "opera rock." This hobby became so successful that Alessandro brought worldwide fame. Performing with other opera celebrities, he gathers huge concert halls in the USA and Latin America, and performs before the royalty of Europe.
Obviously, this is not a complete list of Italian singers. And as true fans of Italian music, we could list the names of performers almost indefinitely. But, as paraphrased folk wisdom says, it is better to hear once than read 100 times.
