Leo Nucci
- Born:
- April 16, 1942, Castiglione dei Pepoli, Italy
- Nationality:
- Italian
- Profession(s):
- Operatic Baritone
Early Life and Education
- Began studying singing with Giuseppe Marchesi in Bologna.
- Further studies with Ottavio Bizzarri in Milan.
- Won the Viotti Competition in Vercelli in 1967.
Career and Major Achievements
- Made his operatic debut as Figaro in The Barber of Seville in 1967.
- International breakthrough at La Scala in 1975 as Riccardo in I puritani.
- Performed at all major opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and Vienna State Opera.
- Renowned for his interpretations of Verdi roles, particularly Rigoletto.
- Highly praised for his comedic timing and vocal agility, essential for interpreting roles like "leo nucci largo al factotum" in The Barber of Seville.
- Maintained a performance career for over five decades.
Notable Works
Selected Discography
| Opera | Role | Conductor | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigoletto | Rigoletto | Riccardo Chailly | Decca |
| Il trovatore | Conte di Luna | James Levine | Sony Classical |
| Un ballo in maschera | Renato | Claudio Abbado | Deutsche Grammophon |
| Nabucco | Nabucco | Riccardo Muti | EMI Classics |
Legacy and Impact
Leo Nucci is considered one of the most important baritones of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and long-lasting career have established him as a leading interpreter of the Italian operatic repertoire.