14 June 2012 —
Marcello Giordani sang Cavaradossi for the first time in the "G B Pergolesi Theater" of Jesi, Italy next to the much acclaimed Tosca of the renowned soprano bulgaro Raina Kabaivanska. If was the year 1987, only one year after winning the singing competition of Spoleto, Italy, and making his professional debut as the Duke in Rigoletto at the Teatro Sperimentale of Spoleto. Thirteen years later, in 2000, he made his American debut as Cavaradossi in the Michigan Opera Theatre of Detroit where his performance was acclaimed enthusiastically by the audience and the press. The critic of Detroit’s daily “The Free Press” wrote:
“Giordani is making his debut in the role in Michigan Opera Theatre's current production, and years from now, long after he has sung the part in the world's leading opera houses, those fortunate enough to have been in attendance at Saturday's opening night will be able to say they heard it first in Detroit. Giordani brings everything one could ask for to the part ... The voice is brashly confident, secure of pitch, even and expressive through all registers and all dynamic levels, from a feathery pianissimo to an earth-shaking forte."
Since then, Giordani has performed the role in all the major opera houses of the U.S. and Europe, as well China and Japan. Nearly 10 years after his American debut, his performance of the role at The Royal Opera House of London was defined as “exemplary” by the press:
“... tenors of his caliber are few and far between. He has a robust voice with easy, thrilling top notes, but he was also capable of some beautiful pianissimo phrases in Act III, making for a complete and satisfying performance of this great tenor role.” (“Musical Criticism.com”
Giordani returns to the role in June 2012 at the Wiener Staatsoper. For additional information, go to the “Engagements” page of this website, or click on the link to access the Staatsoper’s website.
