Known for her interpretations of the operas of Mozart and Rossini, mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza was also one of the most celebrated Carmens of her generation. With a career that spanned four decades, Berganza was also an avid recitalist, especially championing Spanish art song. Oliver Camacho pays tribute to the beloved Spanish artist, who died May 13 at the age of 89.
Remembering Teresa Berganza
Teresa Berganza (Indeciso42, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Playlist
All selections featuring mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza.
Georges Bizet: Carmen
Chanson bohème,”Les tringles des sistres tintaient”
Yvonne Kenny, soprano
Alicia Nafé, mezzo-soprano
London Symphony Orchestra
Claudio Abbado, conductor
Carmen
Deutsche Grammophon 4838570
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro
Aria, “Voi che sapete”
Philharmonia Orchestra
Carlo Maria Giulini, conductor
A BBC Recording: Le nozze di Figaro
Live performance, February 6, 1961
ICA Classics ICAC5157
Mozart: Don Giovanni
Duet, “Là ci darem la mano”
Ruggero Raimondi, bass-baritone
Paris Opera Orchestra
Lorin Maazel, conductor
Don Giovanni
CBS Masterworks M3K-35192
Gioacchino Rossini: La Cenerentola
Act I Finale, “Sprezzo quei don”
Margherita Guglielmi, soprano
Laura Zannini, mezzo-soprano
Luigi Alva, tenor
Renato Capecchi, baritone
Ugo Trama, bass
Scottish Opera Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra
Claudio Abbado, conductor
La Cenerentola
Deutsche Grammophon 415698-2
George Frideric Handel: Alcina
Aria, “Stà nell’Ircana”
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Stig Westerberg, conductor
Live performance, February 20, 1969
Available through WFMT’s association with the European Broadcasting Union
Hugo Wolf: Spanisches Liederbuch
2. In dem Schatten meiner Locken
12. Sagt, seid Ihr es, feiner Herr
Felix Lavilla, piano
Teresa Berganza Recital
Live performance, June 3, 1975
Gala GL-338
Jesús Guridi: Seis Canciones Castellanas
5. Cómo quieres que adivine
Felix Lavilla, piano
Teresa Berganza Recital
Live performance, June 3, 1975
Gala GL-338
Xavier Montsalvatge: Cinco Canciones Negras
4. Canción de cuna para dormir un negrito
5. Canto negro
Felix Lavilla, piano
Teresa Berganza Recital
Live performance, June 3, 1975
Gala GL-338
Rossini: L’italiana in Algeri
Aria, “Pensa alla patria”
Chorus and Orchestra of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Silvio Varviso, conductor
L’italiana in Algeri
Decca 4758275