The 1954 film of Mozart's Don Giovanni captured Cesare Siepi in the title role, directed by Paul Czinner and conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. As a leading operatic bass of the post-war era, his career spanned over four decades, marked by a deep, warm vocal timbre and a resonant lower register that solidified his status on international stages.
Early Development and War
Born in Milan in 1923, Siepi began his musical life in a madrigal group and received brief instruction at the local music conservatory, though he often identified as self-taught. His professional debut occurred in 1941 at Schio, near Vicenza, as Sparafucile in Rigoletto. Following his opposition to the fascist regime, he moved to Switzerland before returning to Italy to perform at La Fenice in Venice and La Scala in Milan, where he appeared in works such as Mefistofele and La bohème.
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In 1947, Siepi made his international debut at the Liceu in Barcelona for Donizetti's Anna Bolena. His reputation expanded significantly in 1950, when Sir Rudolf Bing engaged him for the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Serving as a principal bass at the Met until 1974, he performed a diverse repertoire, including Boris Godunov and Gurnemanz in Parsifal. His association with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, also commenced in 1950 and continued through the mid-1970s.
Vienna and Signature Roles
Siepi became a frequent guest at the Vienna State Opera, where he sang the title role in Don Giovanni 43 times. His 1967 portrayal of the character in a production by Otto Schenk and Luciano Damiani became particularly notable for its ironic, commedia dell'arte influence. In Vienna, his performances included Fiesco in Simon Boccanegra and Padre Guardiano in La forza del destino under Riccardo Muti. His final appearance in that city occurred in 1994 at the Austria Center Vienna as Oroveso in Norma.
Final Years and Legacy
Beyond traditional opera, Siepi performed as a recital artist and interpreted German Lieder. He transitioned to Broadway for roles in Bravo Giovanni and Carmelina. His final studio recording featured the role of King Archibaldo in the 1976 taping of L'amore dei tre re. He retired from the operatic stage at the Teatro Carani in Sassuolo on 21 April 1989. Married to Met ballerina Louellen Sibley, with whom he had two children, Siepi died in Atlanta on 5 July 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Milan
- Died: 5 July 2010, Atlanta
- Citizenship: Italy
- Operatic Debut: 1941, Schio
- Metropolitan Opera Tenure: 1950–1974
- Spouse: Louellen Sibley
Questions readers ask
What was Cesare Siepi's most famous role?
He was widely recognized for his portrayal of the title character in Mozart's Don Giovanni.
When did Siepi retire from opera?
His formal farewell to the operatic stage took place on 21 April 1989 at the Teatro Carani in Sassuolo.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera
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