Death of a prominent Italian bass, 85
mainThe death has been announced of Bonaldo Giaiotti, one of the foremost bass singers of his time.
In 1960, three years after his Milan debut, he sang for the first time at the Met, returning annually for 25 years. He was a summer fixture at the Arena di Verona for three decades. Like many of his generation, he kept his repertoire small – just 30 roles.
He was often cast as Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Ramfis in Aida, Timur in Turandot, and he was extensively recorded.
His wife, Alice Weinberger, predeceased him by a matter of months.
Ah, Padre Guardiano!
Padre Guardiano Indeed. I sang in his recording of it, with the great unmentionable conductor. “Venite fidente alla croce”. Goosebumps, from 41 years ago. The rest of the cast, Domingo, Milnes, Price (L!), Cossotto, Bacquier were hardly shabby either. One of thos I heard singing Macbeth in Berlin on Monday (Dress Rehearsals). Still totally phenomenal. As was Maestro Giaiotti. RIP.
one of the best a true bass he was rip
So sad to hear this. His portrayal of Timur was so moving. His buffo characters crackles. He was a real force.
I had the pleasure of hearing him during the Spring tour of 1969.Sparafucile in “Rigoletto.”A truly stellar interpretation. I heard him in a number of broadcasts, several telecasts, and a number of recordings.I was always disappointed that he never returned on tour. He will be missed genuinely.