Patti as Marguerite in Faust, 1875.
Adelina Patti (February 10, 1843 - September 27, 1919) was one of the most highly regarded Opera singers of the 19th century. Giuseppe Verdi was not alone in calling her the greatest singer he ever heard.
Patti was born Adela Juana Maria Patti to Italian parents in Madrid, Spain. In her childhood the family moved to New York City. Patti sang professionally from childhood, and developed into a coloratura soprano.
Patti made a few phonograph recordings when she was in her 60s, at which time by all acounts her voice was past her prime but still impressive. There are differing opinions as to what extent the vibrato heard on some of the selections is Patti's technique or an artifact of the primitive sound recording.
Adelina Patti died in Wales and was buried in Père Lachaise in Paris.
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Last updated: 10-17-2005 16:26:14
