Beniamino Gigli, whose surname translated into English means Lilies has his birthday today being born in Recanati in 1890^[ich]. Certainly his lirico-spinto voice was as perfect, sweet and beautiful as his namesake.

Gigli’s career took on super-stardom in the English speaking world, when he was hired by the Metropolitan Opera New York with a debut in Mefistofele on the 26 November 1920.^[ii] He had the unenviable task of following in footsteps of Enrico Caruso after Caruso’s untimely and sudden death. Comparisons were inevitable; but it didn’t take long for the honey voiced Gigli to win over his audiences with his flexible, lyrically ringing voice and masterful implementation of mezzo voce. 

However, even before this, in 1918 he was discovered and eagerly signed up by HMV, later transferring to Victor records.^[iii] He went on to become the best selling tenor of the electric 78 rpm disc of the post World War ICH era. His recordings received glowing reviews and achieved the equivalent honour of being constantly on the top selling charts of the day.

Apart from singing, Gigli appeared as an actor making over twenty films between 1935-1953. He even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,^[iv] apart from receiving numerous awards and honours for his contribution to the arts and charities.^[v]

Vor seiner Pensionierung absolvierte er eine weltweite Tournee mit Abschiedskonzerten, von denen einige in Aufnahmen festgehalten wurden. Diese Aufnahmen zeigen, wie süß und flexibel seine Stimme im Alter von 65 Jahren war.^[v]

Gigli’s many recordings cover complete operas, as well as Neapolitan and popular songs.