Raffaele Attilio Amedeo Schipa, known professionally as Tito Schipa, was an Italian tenor whose career spanned from his 1910 debut in Vercelli to his final concert performance in 1962. His influence extended through decades of operatic performances in Italy, Argentina, and the United States, as well as an extensive catalog of early sound recordings that captured his distinct vocal artistry.
Early Career and International Rise
Born in Lecce in 1889, Schipa pursued musical studies in Milan before beginning his operatic trajectory in 1910. He performed across Italy and expanded his presence to Buenos Aires, Argentina. By 1917, he participated in the creation of the role of Ruggiero in the opera La rondine. His transition to the United States occurred in 1919 when he joined the Chicago Opera Company, where he remained until 1932.
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Schipa initially tackled a diverse array of works by Verdi and Puccini. Over time, his stage focus narrowed to approximately 20 French and Italian roles, featuring Massenet's Werther, Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, and Cilea's L'arlesiana. Beyond the stage, he maintained a commitment to concert performances that showcased lyrical arias alongside Neapolitan and Spanish popular songs, frequently performing at the Metropolitan Opera between 1932 and 1941.
Recordings and Compositions
Beginning in 1913, Schipa built a substantial recorded legacy, including a notable 1932 set of Donizetti's Don Pasquale. He explored film as a medium for his music, appearing in 1929 Vitaphone shorts and subsequent motion pictures such as Three Lucky Fools and Mad About Opera. As a composer, he wrote Spanish tangos and an operetta titled La Principessa Liana, which premiered in 1929.
Political Associations and Later Years
Schipa faced public scrutiny for his ties to the Benito Mussolini regime in Italy during the 1930s and 1940s. He declined invitations to perform at fundraising events for anti-fascist causes in 1939, citing his connections to authorities in Italy. After 1957, he performed in the Soviet Union and eventually shifted his focus to teaching voice in Budapest. He died in New York City in 1965 due to complications from diabetes.
Fast facts
- Born: 1889, Lecce, Italy
- Died: 1965, New York City
- Primary Field: Opera
- Initiated into Freemasonry: 1919, Buenos Aires
- Final concert: 1962
- Member of: Scottish Rite Freemasonry
Questions readers ask
What was the range of Tito Schipa's career?
He debuted in 1910 and remained active in music through his final concert performance in 1962.
Did Schipa compose any music?
Yes, he composed Spanish tangos and an operetta titled La Principessa Liana, which premiered in 1929.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera
