Death of a famous Fanciulla, 93
mainThe international Italian soprano Gigliola Frazzoni has died in her home town, Bologna, at a great age.
She made her debut there as Mimi in 1953 and was soon appearing at all major houses. In 1955 she replaced Callas in Andrea Chenier at La Scala. In 1957 she sang Mère Marie in the La Scala world premiere of Poulenc’ Dialogues des Carmélites.
Her signature role was Minnie in Puccini’s La fanciulla del West, which she recorded with Tito Gobbi and Franco Corelli at La Scala in 1956.
Her “Vissi d’arte” is quite outstanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQpIMW4mRnM
In a blind listening test, I might mistake her for Tebaldi.