Births on February 10

Adelina Patti, Italian-French opera singer (d. 1919)

Adelina Patti, born on February 19, 1843, and passing on September 27, 1919, stands as an iconic figure among 19th-century Italian opera singers. Renowned for her extraordinary talent, she commanded immense fees, cementing her status as one of the highest-paid performers of her era across the major music capitals of Europe and America. Her career spanned an impressive six decades, from her public debut as a child prodigy in 1851 to her final performance before an audience in 1914. Patti's name is inextricably linked with operatic greatness, often mentioned alongside esteemed contemporaries like Jenny Lind and Thérèse Tietjens, thanks to the pristine purity and exquisite beauty of her lyrical voice and her unmatched mastery of bel canto technique.

Adelina Patti: A Legendary Voice of the 19th Century Opera

Born in Madrid to Italian opera-singing parents, Caterina Barili and Salvatore Patti, Adelina’s musical destiny was apparent from an early age. Her family moved to New York when she was a child, where her prodigious talent quickly blossomed. She made her astonishing public debut at just eight years old in New York City in 1851, captivating audiences with a voice far beyond her years.

As her career flourished, Patti became synonymous with unparalleled financial success in the performing arts. At the height of her fame, she consistently earned staggering sums, often reported to be as much as £5,000 per performance or $5,000 for a single engagement – a phenomenal amount for the time, placing her among the wealthiest artists globally. This financial prowess underscored her immense popularity and drawing power, making her a true superstar of the operatic stage.

Her mesmerizing performances graced the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls across the globe. She was a regular star at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London, captivating British audiences for decades. In the United States, she was a celebrated fixture, performing extensively in New York and other major cities. Her illustrious career also took her to the grand stages of Paris, Vienna, St. Petersburg, and other cultural epicenters, where she consistently sold out houses and received rapturous acclaim.

The Unparalleled Artistry of Adelina Patti

A Lyrical Voice of Purity and Beauty

Adelina Patti’s voice was widely celebrated for its exceptional attributes. Classified as a lyrical coloratura soprano, her instrument possessed a rare combination of innate beauty, remarkable purity, and incredible flexibility. Critics and audiences alike were enchanted by her seamless legato, effortless command of intricate ornamentation, and perfectly placed high notes, which she executed with a seemingly divine ease. Her voice, described as silvery and bell-like, retained its fresh quality throughout her long career, a testament to her impeccable vocal health and technique.

Mastery of Bel Canto Technique

What truly set Patti apart was her extraordinary command of the bel canto style, literally meaning "beautiful singing." This 19th-century Italian operatic tradition emphasized vocal virtuosity, perfect tone production, agility, and absolute control. Patti’s interpretation of bel canto was considered unrivaled; she could execute the most demanding coloratura passages with breathtaking precision, speed, and expressiveness, making even the most complex vocal pyrotechnics sound natural and integral to the musical narrative. Her signature roles, such as Lucia in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, Amina in Bellini's La sonnambula, and Rosina in Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia, perfectly showcased her impeccable technique and dramatic flair.

While celebrated figures like Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale," and Thérèse Tietjens also shone brightly during the same era, Patti’s consistent brilliance, enduring popularity, and remarkable vocal preservation for over 60 years ensured her enduring legacy as one of history's most revered sopranos.

The Enduring Legacy and Verdi's Acclaim

The esteem in which Adelina Patti was held is perhaps best encapsulated by the powerful endorsement from one of opera's greatest composers, Giuseppe Verdi. In 1877, Verdi unequivocally described her as "perhaps the finest singer who had ever lived" and a "stupendous artist." Coming from such a towering figure in music, this commendation was not merely flattery but a profound acknowledgment of her unparalleled vocal artistry and technical perfection, affirming her unique place in operatic history.

Verdi’s admiration for Patti's talent was by no means isolated. Her artistic prowess garnered widespread praise from countless music critics, discerning social commentators, and a adoring public across continents. Her performances were cultural events, attracting royalty, aristocrats, and common people alike, all eager to witness her vocal magic. Her exceptional career longevity, from her debut in 1851 to her farewell in 1914, speaks volumes about her sustained appeal and ability to maintain her vocal instrument and artistic integrity across multiple generations of opera lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adelina Patti

When was Adelina Patti born and when did she die?

Adelina Patti was born on February 19, 1843, and passed away on September 27, 1919.

Why was Adelina Patti considered one of the greatest singers in history?

Patti’s exceptional status stemmed from the unparalleled purity and beauty of her lyrical voice, coupled with her flawless bel canto technique. Her vocal agility, perfect intonation, and expressive interpretations captivated audiences and critics alike, including Giuseppe Verdi, who hailed her as "perhaps the finest singer who had ever lived."

What made Adelina Patti's bel canto technique so remarkable?

Her bel canto technique was celebrated for its absolute mastery of vocal control, breath support, and seamless transitions across her extensive range. She could execute the most challenging coloratura passages with seemingly effortless grace, making complex vocal pyrotechnics sound natural and beautiful, showcasing an ideal balance of technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Which famous composer admired Adelina Patti's talent?

The celebrated Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi held Adelina Patti in exceptionally high regard. In 1877, he famously described her as "perhaps the finest singer who had ever lived" and a "stupendous artist," acknowledging her unique place in operatic history.

Where did Adelina Patti perform during her career?

Patti graced the stages of the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls in the major music capitals of Europe and America. Her performances enchanted audiences in cities such as London (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Paris, Vienna, and St. Petersburg.