Muzio, Claudia (1889–1936)
Muzio, Claudia (1889–1936)
Italian soprano. Born Claudina Muzio on February 7, 1889, in Pavia, Italy; died on May 24, 1936, in Rome; daughter of a stage director and a singer; studied with Annetta Casaloni in Turin and Viviani in Milan.
Made debut at Teatro alla Scala as Desdemona (1913–14), Covent Garden (1914), and Metropolitan Opera (1916), remaining there until 1922; appeared in Chicago (1922–32) and at Teatro alla Scala (1926–27).
Claudia Muzio was born in Pavia, Italy, in 1889, into an operatic family. Her father was a stage director at the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden, while her mother was a chorus singer. Muzio's recording career spanned many years, from 1911 until 1935, during which she made more than 30 recordings for EMI. Muzio appeared frequently on the stage and was the first Turandot of Buenos Aries; she also shared nine seasons in Chicago with Rosa Raisa . Many feel that Muzio's recorded works are infused with melancholy, and she has often been portrayed as a tragic figure. Poor health plagued the singer and led to her early death. Her striking voice, however, has given her legendary status.
suggested reading:
Arnosi, E. Claudia Muzio. Buenos Aires, 1987.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia