FORGOTTEN OPERA SINGERS

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May 10, 2026

RUSSIAN TENOR ALESSANDRO ROSANOFF (1870-1912) CDR

Hermann

Jose

ALESSANDRO ROSANOFF (ALEXANDER ROZANOV) (MOSCOW, 1870 – ? 1912)

His real name was Alexander Rozenof, and he was born into a Jewish family. He began his musical career as a chorus singer before studying with E. Brogi in Milan. His professional debut came in 1895, and he performed in various cities including Kiev, Kharkov (with impresario Tsereteli), Tiflis (1899, 1900, 1902), Moscow (1899-1900, private opera with impresario Maksakova), Vilnius, Kazan (1901), St. Petersburg (at the Akvarium), Novgorod (1904), and Saratov (1905/6, with the Russian opera under Vronsky’s control).

From 1903 to 1905, Rosanov was a soloist at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre, where he performed roles such as Sobinin, Gregori, German, Manrico, José, Raoul, and Turiddu. He made his debut as Radames at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in 1905. He continued his career with engagements at the conservatory in 1908, the Moscow Sergievsky House in 1909-1910, and the Odessa Opera (with impresario Bagrova) from 1910 to 1912.

His guest appearances included Helsinki, Berlin (1907), Milan (for two seasons), Florence (one season), Genoa (one season), Trieste (one season), Lisbon (1909, Teatro San Carlo), London, Buenos Aires (1909, Teatro Coliseo and Teatro Colón), and the USA.

Rosanov was known for his pleasant and powerful voice, fitting the tenor di forza category. He was particularly noted for his interpretations of Wagner’s repertoire and performed alongside notable singers such as Titta Ruffo, Hariclea Darclée, and Mario Ancona.

Chronology of some appearances

1909 Buenos Aires Teatro Colon Pagliacci (Canio)

1909 Buenos Aires Teatro Colon Tannhauser (Tannhauser)

1909 Buenos Aires Teatro Coliseo Pagliacci (Canio)

1909 Lisbon Teatro San Carlo Un ballo in maschera (Riccardo)

TRACKLIST

Africana (Meyerbeer) O Paradiso Anker 14038

Aida (Verdi) Celeste Aida Beka 8514

Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Whither, whither have you gone Beka 8532

Faust (Gounod) Salut! demeure Beka 8527

Gioconda (Ponchielli) Cielo e mar Anker 14040

Halka (Moniuszko) Aria Anker 14042

La Juive (Halévy) Rachel, quand du Seigneur Beka 8538

Lohengrin (Wagner) Nun sei bedankt Beka 8515

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Un tal gioco Beka 8516

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba Beka 8513

Profeta (Meyerbeer) Pastorale Anker 14039

Profeta (Meyerbeer) Pastorale Beka 8531

Rusalka (Dargomyzhsky) Cavatine Beka 8526

Ugonotti (Meyerbeer) Bianca al par Beka 8511

ROMANIAN TENOR TRAIAN GROZAVESCU (1895-1927) CDR

Cavaradossi

Cavaradossi

TRAIAN GROZAVESCU (LUGOJ, ROMANIA, 21 NOVEMBER, 1895 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA, 15 FEBRUARY, 1927)

He was a leading Romanian tenor of his day, famous in Europe for his exceptional career. He was born on November 21st.,1895 in Lugoj (Romania). He studied with Maestro Ion Vidu. During the First World War Grozavescu was artillery officer in the Austro-Hungarian army. He made his debut in Cluj as Pinkerton in ”Madama Butterfly”. In 1922, he made a sensational debut at the Viennese Volksoper. He sang there until 1923. There he take vocal lessons from Franz Steiner. He performed under such conductors as Richard Strauss and Arturo Toscanini. He successfully went on tour to Berlin 1923-25, and Prague (1924). In 1926, he made a successful debut at the Vienna Staatsoper as Rodolfo with Lotte Lehmann. His repertory included “The Magic Flute”, “Der Meistersinger”, “Aida”, “Carmen”, and “Tosca”. He was renowned for his good looks as well as his voice, and had a number of affairs. One night, while boarding a train for a concert date in Berlin, Grozavescu was shot and killed by his wife in a fit of jealous rage. His career reached the top when he was asked to concert at Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1927. In Romania there are several streets and monuments named for him, as well as the Municipal Theatre of Lugoj.

TRACKLIST

Tosca (Puccini): E lucevan le stelle Rxx 80889 xxB 69282 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-03

Meistersinger von Nurnberg (Wagner): Morgendlich leuchtend Rxx 80892 xzB 69352 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-03

Carmen (Bizet): Il fior Rxx 80893 Rxx 69362 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-03

Madama Butterfly (Puccini):Addio, fiorito asil Rxx 80885 xxB 69372 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-03

Rigoletto (Verdi): Ella mi fu rapita…Parmi veder le lagrime Rxx 80645 xxB 69295 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Rigoletto (Verdi): La donna e mobile Rxx 80890 xxB 69302 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Die Zauberflote (Mozart): Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon Rxx 80891 xxB 69313 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo): Un tal gioco Rxx 80887 xxB69322 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo): Vesti la giubba Rxx 80888 xxB 69332 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Tosca (Puccini): Recondita Armonia Rxx 80886 xxB69392 Odeon, Berlin 1924-03-05

Die Zauberflote (Mozart): Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon A 161206a Be 9766-0 Odeon, Berlin 1924?

Carmen (Bizet): Il fior A 161206b Be 9768-0 Odeon, Berlin 1924?

Madama Butterfly (Puccini):Addio, fiorito asil A 161204a Be 97693-0 Odeon, Berlin 1924?

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo): Un tal gioco A 161205a Be 9922-0 Odeon, Berlin 1924?

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo): Vesti la giubba A161205b Be 9923-0 Odeon, Berlin 1924?

Tosca (Puccini): Recondita Armonia A 161204b Odeon, Berlin 1924?

ITALIAN TENOR EGIDIO CUNEGO (1882-1952) VOL. 2 CDR

EGIDIO CUNEGO (VERONA, 1882 – MILAN, 1952)

He began his opera career in the early 20th century and was a respected singer in numerous Italian provincial theaters. He made his debut in 1906 at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan in Carmen. In 1912, he sang at the Hippodrome in London in R. Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and in the premiere of the composer’s opera Gli Zingari. In 1914, he appeared at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome as Ernani, and in 1916 at the Teatro Liceo in Barcelona as Canio in Pagliacci. In 1920, he performed at the Teatro Khediviale in Cairo, and in 1929, he sang at the Teatro Sociale of Rovigo as De Grieux in Manon Lescaut. He retired from the stage around 1934 and then lived in the Casa di Riposo G. Verdi in Milan.

Chronology of some appearances

1906 Milano Teatro Dal Verme Carmen (Don Jose)

1912 Londra Hyppodrome Zingari (Radu)

1914 Roma Teatro Costanzi Ernani (Ernani)

1916 Barcellona Teatro Liceo Pagliacci (Canio)

1919 Cairo Teatro Khedivialein Stagione

1929 Rovigo Teatro Sociale Manon Lescaut (De Grieux)

TRACKLIST

Fedora (Giordano) Vedi, io piango, pt 1 pt 2 (w. Maroli) 168371 Mo2913, 168371 Mo2921 Fonotipia, Milano 1930-03-22

Carmen (Bizet) Romanza del fiore 3588 Phonotype, Napoli 1923/1924?

Inno a Tripoli italiana 11349 E1643 Columbia

Jana (Virgilio) Geddu alla triste casa (w. Santamarina) 054292 1908c Gramophone, Milano 1909-12-10

Manon Lescaut (Puccini) Ah! Manon mi tradisce 11380 E2051 Columbia

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) O Colombina (Serenata d’Arlecchino) 11382 E2064 Columbia

Tosca (Puccini) Amaro sol per te… Trionfai di nuovo speme (w. Ruszkowska) 054270 1867c, 54413 13830b Gramophone, Milano 1909-11-02

Tosca (Puccini) Amaro sol per te & Recondita armonia test, unpubl 44930 Edison 2-min cylinders

Tosca (Puccini) Mia gelosa (w. De Perez) D 9288 11425 Columbia

Tosca (Puccini) Non la sospiri (w. Ruszkowska) 054268 1868c Gramophone, Milano 1909-11-02

Tosca (Puccini) Qual occhio al mondo (w. Ruszkowska) 054269 1866c Gramophone, Milano 1909-11-02

Tosca (Puccini) Vittoria! Vittoria! (w. Santoliva-Villani & Badini) 054379 02330v Gramophone, Milano 1912-03-04

Tripolitana bella (Carosio) 11351 E1571 Columbia

ITALIAN TENOR EGIDIO CUNEGO (1882-1952) VOL. 1 CDR

EGIDIO CUNEGO (VERONA, 1882 – MILAN, 1952)

Chronology of some appearances

1906 Milano Teatro Dal Verme Carmen (Don Jose)

1912 Londra Hyppodrome Zingari (Radu)

1914 Roma Teatro Costanzi Ernani (Ernani)

1916 Barcellona Teatro Liceo Pagliacci (Canio)

1919 Cairo Teatro Khedivialein Stagione

1929 Rovigo Teatro Sociale Manon Lescaut (De Grieux)

TRACKLIST

Aida (Verdi) Concertante final, 2o acto, part 1 (w. Formichi, Frau, Martino & Moglia) 11494 E1992 Columbia

Aida (Verdi) Di Napata le gole (w. Formichi & Moglia) 11498 E2028 Columbia

Aida (Verdi) Gia i sacerdoti adunansi… Misero appien mi festi (w. Anitua) D5572 11426, D5572 11427 Columbia

Aida (Verdi) Gran concertanto finale, part 2 (Verdi) (w. Formichi, Frau, Martino & Moglia) 11495 E1992 Columbia

Aida (Verdi) Ohimè di guerra (w. Lavin de Casas & Ruszkowska) 054274 1863c Gramophone, Milano 1909-11-01

Aida (Verdi) Pur ti riveggo… Fuggiam gli ardori (w. De Perez) D5570 11423, D5570 41837 Columbia

Aida (Verdi) Quale insolita fiamma (w. Lavin de Casas) 054277 1869c Gramophone, Milano 1909-11-03

Aida (Verdi) Quest’assisa (w. Lavin de Casas, Fabris, Badini, Sant-Elia & chorus) 88264 Victor, USA 1909-11-12

Ballo in maschera (Verdi) La rivedrò nell’estasi C2331 11381 Columbia

Boheme (Leoncavallo) Io non ho che una povera 2-52786 183ah Gramophone, Milano 1910-04-23

Ernani (Verdi) Tu sei Ernani (w. Formichi & Dorini) 41735 Columbia

Eva (Lehár) Ah! che affar, che soffrir (w. d’Oria) 11352 C2295 Columbia

Eva (Lehár) Cigano, dolce cigano (w. d’Oria) 11350 C2295 Columbia

ICELANDIC TENOR PÉTUR Á. JÓNSSON (1884-1956) CDR

PÉTUR Á. JÓNSSON (REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND 21-12-1884 – REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND 14-04-1956)

He first received an education as a teacher at the University of Copenhagen. In 1911, he studied singing in Berlin and made his debut in 1912 at the Kurfürsten-Oper in Berlin. During the 1914-1918 seasons, Jonsson appeared at the Municipal Theatre in Kiel, and from 1918 to 1922, he was with the Landestheater in Darmstadt. In Darmstadt, he sang in the premieres of the operas Sonnenflammen by Siegfried Wagner (1918) and Scirocco by Eugene d’Albert (1922). From 1922 to 1924, he was a member of the Deutschen Oper in Berlin, and from 1924 to 1929, he performed at the Municipal Theatre in Bremen. He continued to perform as a guest artist in Berlin until 1931, after which he returned to his native Iceland, where he focused primarily on education. He made successful guest appearances in Holland, Poland, and Switzerland. His repertoire included roles such as Florestan in Fidelio, Siegmund in Die Walküre, Walther von Stolzing in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Tristan, Tannhäuser, Parsifal, the Emperor in Die Frau ohne Schatten by R. Strauss, Francesco in Don Juans letztes Abenteuer by P. Graener, Admetus in Alkestis by E. Wellesz, Samson in Samson et Dalila by C. Saint-Saëns, Don José in Carmen, the Duke in Rigoletto, Riccardo in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, Alvaro in La forza del destino, Ernani, Canio in Pagliacci, and Cavaradossi in Tosca.

Chronology of some appearances

1912 Berlin Kurfürsten-Oper

1914-1918 Kiel Municipal Theatre

1918-1922 Darmstadt Landestheater

1922-1924 Berlin Deutschen Oper

1924-1929 Bremen Municipal Theatre

TRACKLIST

Lohengrin (Wagner): Gralsöngurinn (In fernem Land) Z183 CS2743 HMV, København 1928-08-27

Carmen (Bizet): Blómarian (La fleur) Z182 CS2757

Tannhäuser (Wagner): Stets soll nur dir mein Lied ertönen P1343 2-5779 Parlophon, Berlin 1922-03-21

Tannhäuser (Wagner): Sängerstreit P1343 2-5780 Parlophon, Berlin 1922-03-21

Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Wagner) Selig wie die Sonne (w. Bettendorf, Mancke, Engel & Werner) Parlophon P1504 2-6355 Parlophon, Berlin 1923-05-23

Á hendur fel Ϸú honum (Haydn) X3262 BE2005 HMV, København 1929-09-24

Augun bláu (Einarsson) X916 621Am Gramophone, København 1920-08-24

Eldgamla Ísafold (trad) X918 624Am Gramophone, København 1920-08-24

Gissur riður góðum fáki (Thorsteinsson) X3618 BT5155 HMV, København 1930-09-15

Lofið vorn Drottin (-) X3263 BE2002 HMV, København 1929-09-24

Lofsöngur (Die Ehre Gottes aus der Natur) (Beethoven) X2816 BS2747 HMV, København 1928-08-27

Ó, Ϸá náð eiga Jesú (Converze) X3262 BE2000 HMV, København 1929-09-24

O. guð vors lands (Sveinbjörnsson) X2816 BS2749 HMV, København 1928-08-27

Sólskrikjan (Laxdal) X2637 Bk2403 HMV, København 1927-10-11

Systkinin (Thorsteinsson) X2637 Bk2404 HMV, København 1927-10-11

Vor guð er borg á bjargi traust (Ein feste Burg) (Luther) X3263 BE2001 HMV, København 1929-09-24

Sólskrikjan (Laxdal) 282581 13762L Gramophone, Berlin 1912-04-16

Vorgydjan kemur (Thorsteinsson) 282580 13761L Gramophone, Berlin 1912-04-16

GERMAN TENOR JOSEF SCHÖFFEL (1881-1952) CDR

Lohengrin

JOSEF SCHÖFFEL (1881 – 1952)

He made his debut in 1907 at the Court Opera in Dresden as Walther in Tannhäuser. From 1909 to 1912, he was engaged by the Berlin Court Opera, and from 1912 to 1915, he appeared at the Municipal Theatre in Lübeck. He then performed at the Court Theatre in Karlsruhe from 1915 to 1921. During the 1921-1923 seasons, Schöffel sang at the Municipal Theatre in Elberfeld-Barmen, and finally, from 1923 to 1924, he was at the Opera House in Brno (Brünn). His repertoire included roles such as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Florestan in Fidelio, Faust, Tannhäuser, Erik in Der fliegende Holländer, Tristan, Siegfried, and Parsifal.

Chronology of some appearances

1907 Dresden Court Opera

1909-1912 Berlin Court Opera

1912-1915 Lübeck Municipal Theatre

1915-1921 Karlsruhe Court Theatre

1921-1923 Elberfeld-Barmen Municipal Theatre

1923-1924 Brno Opera House

TRACKLIST

Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni) Trinklied 50078 Homokord, Berlin 1911

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Wagner) Am stillen Herd 50087 Homokord, Berlin 1911

Die Walküre (Wagner) Winterstürme 50087 Homokord, Berlin 1911

Evangelimann (Kienzl) Selig sind, die Verfolgung leiden 942936, 14013 Grammophon, Berlin 1921-02

Freischütz (Weber) Durch die Wälder 942937, 14013 Grammophon, Berlin 1921-02

Lohengrin (Wagner) Lohengrins Ankunft 50047 Homokord, Berlin 1911

Oberon (Weber) Vater! Hör’ mich fleh’n zu dir! (Gebet) B62027 19019 Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Otello (Verdi) Othellos Tod B62028 19019 Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Siegfried (Wagner) Schmiedelied 15989 (B62013) Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Siegfried (Wagner) Schwertlied 15989 (B62014) Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Erbarm’ dich mein! (w. Rains, Vogelstrom, Weil, Kirchhoff, Armster & Neudahm & chorus) 80053 Odeon, Berlin 1910-09

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Ich fleh’ für ihn (w. Rains, Vogelstrom, Weil, Kirchhoff, Armster, Neudahm, Krull & chorus) 50708 Odeon, Berlin 1910-09

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Ihr habt’s gehört (w. Weil, Kirchhoff, Armster, Neudahm, Krull & chorus) 50706 Odeon, Berlin 1910-09

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Inbrunst im Herzen (Romerzählung, pt 1) 15974 (B62009) Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Nach Rom gelangte ich (Romerzählung, pt 2) 15974 (B62010) Grammophon, Berlin 1922

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Mit ihnen sollst du wallen (w. Rains, Vogelstrom, Weil, Kirchhoff, Armster, Neudahm, Krull & chorus) 50710 Odeon, Berlin 1910-09

Zar und Zimmermann (Lortzing) Lebe wohl, mein flandrisch Mädchen 50079 Homokord, Berlin 1911

GERMAN TENOR ADOLF WALLNÖFER (1854-1946) CDR

ADOLF WALLNÖFER (24 APRIL 1854 VIENNA – 9 JUNE 1946 MUNICH)

His father, Franz Wallnöfer, was a jeweler and also a concert and Lieder singer, well-versed in the works of Franz Schubert, Gioacchino Rossini, Carl Maria von Weber, and Frédéric Chopin. Wallnöfer grew up in this musically rich environment and studied singing under Luigi Lablache. He was particularly renowned as an interpreter of Schubert’s Lieder. Wallnöfer also studied composition and singing with O. Desoff and Krenn, followed by training with Hans von Rokitansky. He began his career as a Lieder singer in 1875 and likely made his stage debut in 1878 as a baritone at the Stadttheater in Olmütz (Olomouc), performing as Luna.

After this, Wallnöfer moved to Bayreuth, where he studied Wagnerian singing. By 1880, he transitioned to tenor roles and became one of the most prominent Wagnerian tenors of his era. Alongside his operatic career, he was a respected Lieder singer and even premiered several Lieder composed for him by Johannes Brahms. Wallnöfer was also a prolific composer, creating over 400 Lieder and ballads, choral works, piano pieces, chamber music, and an opera titled Eddystone, which premiered on September 22, 1899, at the German Theatre in Prague.

In 1908, Wallnöfer settled in Munich. He published a book, Resonanztonlehre (Berlin, 1911), and was married to the actress Marie Walter.

Chronology of some appearances

1881-82: Olmütz 1882-85: Stadttheater in Bremen1885-95: German Theatre in Prag 1882-83: Tour with Angelo Neumanns’s wanderndem Wagner- Theater through several European nations. In 1888, Wallnöfer took part in Prag in the premiere of Die drei Pintos in the Mahler’s version. 1895-96: MET 1896: Tour through Russiaafter he first appeared in 1889 with great succes in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. 1895-97: Stadttheater in Stettin. 1897-99: Opernhaus in Breslau. 1899-1905: Stadttheater in Nürnberg. 1905-06: Direktor of the Stadttheater in Rostock. 1906-07 and 1909-10: Wiener Volskoper. 1907-09: Graz. Until 1914, he appeared only as guest: Hofoper in Wien (1904-09, Radames (February 2, 1907), Eléazar (January 30, 1907), Otello May 3, 1907, total 3 times), Loge (March 14, 1904), Siegmund (November 7, 1906), Siegfried (S)( March 20, 1904), Siegfried (G)( December 7, 1909, total 2), Samson (May 24, 1907) , Tannhäuser (March 8, 1904), Tristan (February 23, 1907)), Hamburg (1898), Riga (1896, 1909) and Brünn (Brno, 1907).

TRACKLIST

Als ich noch jung war Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

An die Sterne (Wallnöfer) Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

Der Mond (Mendelssohn) Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

Du starbst dahin Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

Es blinkt der Tau (Rubinstein) 7592 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Ich grolle nicht (Schumann) 7593 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Komm, falsches Lieb’ (Wallnöfer) 1-25290 326-t- Favorite, Wien 1908-06

Komm, falsches Lieb’ (Wallnöfer) 7362 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Leid uns Lust (Wallnöfer) Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

Lohengrin (Wagner) Abschied, pt 1 and pt 2 1-25289 1-25282 324-t- 325-t- Favorite, Wien 1908-06

Lohengrin (Wagner) Höchstes Vertrauen 7596 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Wagner) Morgenlich leuchtend 1-25294 378-t Favorite, Wien 1908-06-1823

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Jetzt spielen 1-25288 323-t- Favorite, Wien 1908-06

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Jetzt spielen 7591 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Prophète (Meyerbeer) Herr, dich in den Sternenkreisen 1-25295 Favorite, Wien 1908-06-1823

Romanze vom kleinen Däumling (Wallnöfer) Musica Anima, München-Gern, 1933-04

Siegfried (Wagner) Nothung! Nothung! 7600 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Tannhäuser (Wagner) Dir töne Lob 1-25299 376-t Favorite, Wien 1908-06-1823

Walküre (Wagner) Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond 7590 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

Woher die Liebe (Wallnöfer) 7594 Beka, Nürnberg 1905

FINNISH TENOR WÄINÖ SOLA (1883-1961) CDR

WÄINÖ SOLA (HELSINKI, FINLAND JANUARY 8, 1883 – HELSINKI, FINLAND OCTOBER 12, 1961)

Sola was also one of the founder of the innish Opera. Sola had his first stage experience at he age of 15 in the choir and drama club of the Kilpi Temperance Society. Sola was soon invited to participate in other stage activities in a semi-professional activity capacity. In 1903 the author Jalmari Finne asked him to join a theatrical company, he was founding in Viborg. This company presented plays, operettas and operas. After a near fiasco as Canio with John Forsell as Tonio, Sola decided he needed more training. Sola studied with Ettore Gandolfi in Berlin in1908. Sola debuted in a concert in Helsinki on December 9th 1908 with Oskar Merikanto at the piano. Sola continued his studies in Berlin (1909-10), Paris (1910) and Milano (1911). In 1911, Sola founded with Merikanto, Eino Rautavaara, and William Hammar the first regular Opera Company in Finland. The opening night was on October 2nd 1911 with Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana. Sola sang both tenor roles. In 1916, Sola spent time in prison for his role in the underground independence movement. The Russian revolution got him out of jail. From 1920, Sola held with the company regular positions both as tenor and stage director until his retirement in 1949. Sola appeared in more than 100 operas and operettas. Sola also continued his career as concert singer, promoting the songs of Merikanto, Kuula and Sibelius. Sola appeared in hundreds of recitals and made four tours of the United States. Sola started recording in 1909 with Pathé. In 1919, Sola recorded with the Gramophone Company. He made close to 100 sides with them. During his visits in the US, Sola recorded with Columbia and Victor. In 1944, Sola recorded for the last time with the Rytmi label. Sola recorded an aria of the opera Nummisuutarit by Emil Kauppi. The premiere of that work in was of a fiasco. Apparently Kauppi disappeared forever as a result. He is thought to have drowned himself.

TRACKLIST

Bygatan utför (Merikanto) 27023 Pathé, Helsinki 1909

Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni) Juomalaulu (Viva il vino) 2-282271 4745ab Gramophone, Helsinki 1913-01-24

Kullanmurunen (Merikanto) 2-282950 19764b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-07

Kullanmurunen (Merikanto) X2805 Bw1693 HMV, Helsinki 1928-06-01

Laps’ Suomen älä vaihda pois (O Hellas barn) (Pacius) X2811 Bw1670 HMV, Helsinki 1928-05-30

Ma elän 27025 Pathé, Helsinki 1909

Maamme (Vårt land) (Pacius) 2-282977 19742b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-06

Miksi laulan (Merikanto) X2805 Bw1693 HMV, Helsinki 1928-06-01

Miksi laulan (Merikanto) 2-282950 19764b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-07

Milloin raukka onnen saan (Kauppi) 2-282951 19763b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-07

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba 2-282270 4743ab Gramophone, Helsinki 1913-01-24

Regina von Emmeritz (Söderman) Juomalaulu (Dryckessång) 2-282972 19755b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-06

Sä kasvoit neito kaunoinen (trad, arr Merikanto) X2376 Bw125 HMV, Berlin 1926-07-15

Se qvisten skälfver (Merikanto) 27022 Pathé, Helsinki 1909

Se rakkaus 3016-F W106003 Columbia, New York 1925-11

Sotilaspoika (Soldatgossen) (Pacius) 2-282969 19756b Gramophone, Stockholm 1915-11-06

Suomalainen kansanlalu 27021 Pathé, Helsinki 1909

Suutelo (Kuula) 282789 4370ab Gramophone, Helsinki 1912-09-25

Syystunnelma (Kuula) X2376 Bw111 HMV, Berlin 1926-07-14

Ties Luoja ken sua suutelee (I wonder who’s kissing her now) (Howard) Victor 78258

MALTESE TENOR ICILIO CALLEJA (1882-1941) CDR

ICILIO CALLEJA (CORFU, GREECE, 25 JUNE 1882 – ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT, 18 NOVEMBER 1941)

He was born in Corfù but was raised by his banker father in Alexandria. Initially studying law at the Paris Sorbonne, he ultimately turned to singing. He took vocal lessons from M. Foà in Milan and made his debut in 1906 at the Teatro Verdi in Firenze as Canio in Pagliacci. In 1907, he performed at La Scala in La Wally under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. The following year, in 1908, he returned to La Scala as Don Alvaro in La Forza del Destino and came back again in 1913 to perform as Otello.

In 1914, he repeated the role of Otello at the Teatro Regio in Parma. He also guested at the Teatro Comunale in Bologna as Radames in Aida in 1908, and at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. His international career included appearances in Chicago in 1912, where he performed in Aida, I Gioielli della Madonna, and Pagliacci. In 1913, he sang in the Italian premiere of I Gioielli della Madonna at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa. He guested at the Teatro Liceo in Barcelona in 1914, and at the Teatro Real in Madrid as Otello in 1915. In 1914, he performed at La Scala in the premiere of A. Smareglia’s opera Abisso.

In 1916, he returned to La Scala to sing in G. Spontini’s opera Fernando Cortez. His favorite role, Otello, was performed again in 1915 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome and the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. For a brief period in 1917, he transitioned to baritone roles, singing Tonio in Pagliacci and Gérard in Andrea Chénier at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome, but soon returned to his tenor repertoire. During the 1922-23 season at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, he appeared as Tristan in Tristano e Isotta. In 1923, he performed as Siegfried in the première of the opera at the Teatro Donizetti in Bergamo and later appeared in Walkiria at the Teatro Comunale in Bologna.

His final role was Siegfried, which he sang in 1929 at the Teatro Regio in Parma. After retiring, he returned to Alexandria, where he spent his final years with his family, passing away peacefully in his sleep. Notably, Calleja was the first to sing Otello at La Scala since Tamagno had performed the role 26 years earlier.

Chronology of some appearances

1908 Ferrara Teatro Comunale Siberia (Vassili)

1908 Palermo Teatro Massimo Ballo in maschera (Riccardo)

1910 Bari Teatro Petruzzelli Ballo in maschera (Riccardo)

1910 Firenze Teatro Verdi Loreley (Walter)

1911 Genova Teatro Carlo Felice Germania (Federico)

1912 Chicago Civic Opera House Pagliacci (Canio)

1912 Philadelphia Teatro Metropolitan Pagliacci (Canio)

1913 Milano Teatro La Scala Otello (Otello)

1914 Madrid Teatro Reale Norma (Pollione)

1914 Parma Teatro Regio Otello (Otello)

1915 Brescia Teatro Grande Otello (Otello)

1915 Barcellona Teatro Liceo Otello (Otello)

1916 Napoli Teatro San Carlo Otello (Otello)

1917 Roma Teatro Costanzi Otello (Otello)

1917 Brescia Teatro Sociale Pagliacci (Canio)

1919 Catania Teatro Bellini Otello (Otello)

1921 Reggio Emilia Teatro Municipale Tristano e Isotta (Tristano)

1922 Firenze Politeama Fiorentino Tristano e Isotta (Tristano)

1923 Napoli Teatro San Carlo Otello (Otello)

1923 Bergamo Teatro Donizetti Tristano e Isotta (Tristano)

1923 La Valletta/Malta Teatro Reale Otello (Otello)

1924 Trieste Teatro Verdi Tristano e Isotta (Tristano)

TRACKLIST

Aida (Verdi) Di Napata Le gole with Domenico Viglione Borghese, Ester Mazzoleni and Laura del Lungo 92673 XPh 4366 Fonotipia, Milano 1910-10-10

Aida (Verdi) Già i sacerdoti, pt 1 and pt 2 (w. Frascani) 12564, 5287, 12564, 5287 Pathé, Milano 1918

Aida (Verdi): Gran Concertato Finale Atto II with Armida Parsi-Pettinella, Lina Pasini-Vitale, Antonio Magini-Coletti, Ferruccio Corradetti and Oreste Luppi 69022 XXXPh 4036 Fonotipia, Milano 1909-07-02

Andrea Chénier (Giordano) Come un bel dì S60 41919 Columbia, Milano 1913

Andrea Chénier (Giordano) Improvviso S60 41917 Columbia, Milano 1913

Germania (Franchetti) Non chiuder S57 41915 Columbia, Milano 1913

Germania (Franchetti) Studenti udite S57 41918 Columbia, Milano 1913

Isabeau (Mascagni) Canzone del Falco D9328 41925 Columbia, Milano 1913

La Fanciulla del West (Puccini) My father died D9710 91923 Columbia, Milano 1913

La Fanciulla del West (Puccini) Let her believe D9710 91920 Columbia, Milano 1913

La Fanciulla di West (Puccini) Or son sei mesi 42188 D9345 Columbia, Milano

Otello (Verdi) Ora e per sempre addio 92674 XPh 4124 Fonotipia, Milano 1909-10-30

Otello (Verdi) Ora e per sempre addio D9329 41916 Columbia, Milano 1913

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) No Pagliaccio non sono D9328 41922 Columbia, Milano 1913

ITALIAN TENOR TINO BORELLI CDR

TINO BORELLI

He studied singing with Giuseppe Borgatti and likely made his debut in 1917. By 1919, Borelli was already performing in concert at the Teatro Nazionale of Bucharest. In 1928, he made a guest appearance in Vienna, where he performed at the Volksoper in La Bohème and Tosca. He retired from the stage around 1933.

Chronology of some appearances

1919 Bucarest Teatro Nazionale Concerto

1920 Novara Teatro Coccia Pagliacci (Canio)

1921 Palermo Teatro Biondo Isabeau (Folco)

1922 Tortona Teatro Sociale Pagliacci (Canio)

1924 Vicenza Teatro Eretenio Tosca (Cavaradossi)

1927 Asti Teatro Alfieri Andrea Chenier (Chenier)

1928 Vienna Volksoper Boheme (Rodolfo)

1929 Parma Politeama Reinach Andrea Chenier (Chenier)

1930 Lucca Teatro Del Giglio Amico Fritz (Fritz)

1931 Milano Teatro Carcano Tosca (Cavaradossi)

1932 Lugo Teatro Rossini Boheme (Rodolfo)

1933 Vicenza Teatro Eretenio Tosca (Cavaradossi)

TRACKLIST

Mefistofele (Boito) Giunto sul passo estremo Odeon 172106 xxPh 6572

Otello (Verdi) Si pel ciel (w. Formichi) Columbia D17549 74842

Tosca (Puccini) Recondita armonia Odeon 168228 Pho 6526

Werther (Massenet) Pourquoi me réveiller Odeon 120215 xxPho 6536

Manon (Massenet) En fermant les yeux (Le rêve) Odeon 168370 MO 2902

Andrea Chénier (Giordano) Come un bel dì di maggio Odeon 120215 xxPho 6556

Fedora (Giordano) Amor ti vieta di non amar Odeon 168370 MO 2899

La Bohème (Puccini) Che gelida manina Odeon 120208 xxPho 6498

L’amico Fritz (Mascagni) O amore, o bella luce del core Odeon 172106 xxPh 6575

Martha (Flotow) Ach so fromm, ach so traut Odeon 120208 xxPho 6515

Puritani (Bellini) A te o cara, amor talora Odeon 168920 MO 2925

Tosca (Puccini) E lucevan le stelle Odeon 168228 Pho 6525

La Bohème (Puccini) Sono andati with Anna Maria Marcangeli Odeon 172086 xxPh 6582

ITALIAN TENOR DANTE DEL PAPA (1854-1923) CDR

DANTE DEL PAPA (PISA, MARCH 12, 1854 – NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 22, 1923)

He first studied in Lucca, then continued his training at the Milan Conservatory under A. Mazzucato. He made his stage debut in 1879 at the Teatro Mariani in Ravenna as the Duke in Rigoletto. In 1882, he performed at the Teatro Politeama Genovese in Genoa as Faust in Gounod’s Faust and went on to sing in many Italian theaters, including those in Livorno, Florence, Ferrara, Bologna, and Pisa.

In 1883, he made a guest appearance at the Teatro della Pergola in Florence in Ponchielli’s I Promessi Sposi. The following year, he appeared with great success at the Teatro Comunale in Ferrara as Faust in Boito’s Mefistofele, and he also performed in Zagreb, Croatia. In 1885, Del Papa sang at the Teatro Rossini in Livorno as Don José in Carmen. He appeared in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1886, and in 1887, he returned to the Teatro Regio in Turin to sing José once again, as well as Nadir in Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles. In 1888, he performed as Don José at the Teatro Liceo in Barcelona.

Impresario Strakosch engaged him for the 1891-92 season for performances in Spain. In 1894, he traveled to the United States, appearing on opera stages in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Around 1895, he retired from performing and began teaching singing in New York.

Chronology of some appearances

1879 Ravenna Teatro Mariani Rigoletto (Duca)

1882 Genoa Teatro Politeama Genovese Faust (Faust)

1883 Firenze Teatro Della Pergola I Promessi Sposi (Renzo)

1884 Ferrara Teatro Comunale Faust (Faust)

1885 Livorno Teatro Rossini Mignon (Guglielmo)

1887 Turin Teatro Regio Carmen (Don Jose)

1888 Barcelona Teatro Liceo Carmen (Don Jose)

1890 Milano Teatro Manzoni Beatrice di Tenda (Orombello)

1892 Malaga Teatro Cervantes Cavalleria Rusticana (Turiddu)

1894 New York Grand Opera House Carmen (Don Jose)

1895 Boston Opera House Cavalleria Rusticana (Turiddu)

1897 New York Weber Hall Concerto

1900 New York Carnegie Hall Concerto

1903 New York Princess Theater Concerto

1915 New York Century Opera House Concerto

TRACKLIST

Aida (Verdi) Morir si pura e bella (w. Morale) Bettini cylinder

Aida (Verdi) Morir si pura e bella… O terra addio (w. Ciaparelli) Bettini cylinder

Aida (VerdI) Nel fiero anelito (w. Ciaparelli) Bettini Cylinder

Ballo in maschera (Verdi) Non sai tu… O qual soave brivido (w. Ciaparelli) 16

Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini) Duo, act 1 (w. De Bassini) Bettini cylinder 3

Carmen (Bizet) Ti baciava mia madre (w. Ciaparelli) Bettini cylinder 11

Faust (Gounod) Trio finale (w. Chalia & De Bassini) Bettini cylinder 1

Guglielmo Tell (Rossini) Troncar suoi di (w. De Bassini & Girardi) Bettini cylinder 4

La Forza del Destino (Verdi) Ah! per sempre (w. Ciaparelli) Bettini Cylinder

Lucrezia Borgia (Donizetti) Guai se ti sfugge un moto (w. Chalia & De Bassini) Bettini Cylinder

Martha (Flotow) Perche, sola vergine rosa (w. Chalia) Bettini cylinder

Mignon (Thomas) Ah! Non credevi tu Bettini Cylinder 5

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba Bettini cylinder 20

Traviata (Verdi) Parigi, o cara (w. Ciaparelli) Bettini cylinder 10

POLISH TENOR IGNACY DYGAS (1881-1947) VOL. 2 CDR

Lohengrin

IGNACY DYGAS (IGNAZIO DIGAS) (29 JULY 1881 WARSAW – 17 MAY 1947 WARSAW)

He began studying voice at the Warsaw Conservatory under Y. Shepkovsky, initially training as a baritone. Later, his voice was retrained from baritone to tenor by V. Aleksandrovich. In 1907, he continued his studies in Milan with Vincenzo Lombardi. He made his debut in 1905 as Valentin in Gounod’s Faust at the Warsaw Opera. That same year, under the name Ignacy Gorszynski, he made his second debut at the same theater as Jontek in Moniuszko’s Halka. He performed at the Warsaw Opera until 1907.

From 1907 to 1913, under the name Ignacio Digas, he appeared in many major Italian opera houses, including performances in Turin, Padua, Teatro Lirico (Milan), Teatro San Carlo (Naples), Teatro Massimo (Palermo), Genoa (Teatro Carlo Felice, 1909), Rome (Teatro Costanzi, as Lohengrin and Pollione in Norma, 1910), and Bologna (Teatro Comunale, again as Lohengrin, 1913). He also achieved great success in Madrid, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Between 1910 and 1914, he performed in Poland, where he also served as the director of the Warsaw Opera from 1913. In the 1913-1914 season, he appeared at the National House in St. Petersburg, and from 1914 to 1916, he sang at S. Zimin’s Opera House. From 1916 to 1917, he was engaged at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre, and he also performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg as Hermann in Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame.

Starting in 1917, he resumed his appearances at the Warsaw Opera. In 1918, he founded his own opera troupe, which toured various cities in Poland. As a principal soloist, he performed at the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw from 1919 to 1924. In 1924, he moved to the United States, where he performed in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Detroit. He also made guest appearances in Romania, Yugoslavia, and the Czech Republic between 1927 and 1928.

In 1937, he sang for the last time in Warsaw as Eleazar in La Juive. Until his death, he continued to occasionally perform on stage and taught singing at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. He was known for possessing a beautiful, strong chest voice with a wide range and a dense middle register.

TRACKLIST

Mattianata (Leoncavallo) 3316 20147 Syrena

Mattianata (Leoncavallo) 10785 Syrena

Mattianata (Leoncavallo) 21070 29658 Pathé, Warszawa

Mowc do mnoe jeszcze Rutkoeski Favorite 1-75651 5942-0

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba 10781 Syrena, Warszawa 1906

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba 29663 Pathé, Warszawa 1906

Pod krucyfiksem (Faure) 26482 Pathé, Warszawa

Pojdz skarbie moj (Leoncavallo) 8434 Syrena

Rigoletto (Verdi) La donna e mobile 3358 20378 Syrena

Rigoletto (Verdi) Questa o quella 1270 13324 Syrena

Straszny dwor (Moniuszko) Aria z kurantem 842 10782 Syrena

The sweet scent of lilac, Romance (Plotnikov) 18338 Syrena

Tosca (Puccini) E lucevan le stele 13326 1271 Syrena

Trovatore (Verdi) Di quella pira (with orchestra) 912 8432 Syrena

Trovatore (Verdi) Di quella pira (with piano) 4-22494 1771ae Gramophone, Warszawa 1910-09

Werther (Massenet) Ah! non mi ridestar 1272 13328 Syrena

Wesoly nam dzis dzien nastal 3179 19132 Syrena

Z dymem pozarow Hymn narodowy (Nikorowicz) 3004 18617 Syrena

Zasmuconej (Karlowicz) 10793 Syrena

FORGOTTEN OPERA SINGERS

May 10, 2026

RUSSIAN TENOR ALESSANDRO ROSANOFF (1870-1912) CDR

ROMANIAN TENOR TRAIAN GROZAVESCU (1895-1927) CDR

ITALIAN TENOR EGIDIO CUNEGO (1882-1952) VOL. 2 CDR

ITALIAN TENOR EGIDIO CUNEGO (1882-1952) VOL. 1 CDR

ICELANDIC TENOR PÉTUR Á. JÓNSSON (1884-1956) CDR

GERMAN TENOR JOSEF SCHÖFFEL (1881-1952) CDR

GERMAN TENOR ADOLF WALLNÖFER (1854-1946) CDR

FINNISH TENOR WÄINÖ SOLA (1883-1961) CDR

MALTESE TENOR ICILIO CALLEJA (1882-1941) CDR

ITALIAN TENOR TINO BORELLI CDR

ITALIAN TENOR DANTE DEL PAPA (1854-1923) CDR

POLISH TENOR IGNACY DYGAS (1881-1947) VOL. 2 CDR

Forgotten Opera Singers

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