The Verdi Soprano: Live Recordings 1954-1960 (14-CD BOX SET) – Anita Cerquetti

Composer: Giuseppi Verdi
Artists: Anita Cerquetti, et al
Conductors: Various
Number of Discs: 14
Label: Pan Classics
Release Date: February 21, 2025

The Italian soprano Anita Cerquetti was a phenomenon. Her operatic career began in 1951 in Spoleto, debuting as Aida, and took her to the world’s great opera houses before ending in Holland in 1960. After just nine seasons, the then 29-year-old singer retired from the stage. There are only two commercial records of her (on Decca); the record companies at the time filled the major soprano roles with Callas or Tebaldi.

But thanks to numerous live recordings which circulated on the black market from the very beginning, Anita Cerquetti is still held in honor today. Her voice is one of the most beautiful that opera has ever heard: never aggressive, sharp or shrill, but round, soft, lyrical and emphatic.

This special priced box set, which honors Anita Cerquetti as the leading Verdi interpreter of her time, is now being released on the 10th anniversary of her death.

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