Mattia Battistini, baritone

Mattia Battistini was born in 1856, in Rome. His father was a professor in anatomy and hoped that Mattia would take to medicine as a career. However, from his early years Mattia was in love with music and showed a talent for singing.

He studied with a singing teacher called Venceslao Persichini, who also had taught some famous singers. Mattia first opera singing was "La Favorita" by Donizetti, in 1878. He became a great success in Italy and started to tour around singing a variety of operas. In 1881 he went to South America to sing. Then came to London, in 1883, to sing at Covent Garden.

His first recording were done in 1902, in Russia. He sang for nearly 50 years throughout the world, in operas and concerts. He died in 1928.

Here is a recording of his voice singing an aria from "Dom Sebastien" by Donizetti. Click Me

Thank you to Historical Opera Singers for the audio sample.