Personalities | Umberto Giordano | Modern Era | Classical

(Oom-bâr’-to Jôr-da’-no) 1867–1948
Italian composer

A leading member of the verismo school, Giordano has been much criticized for dramatic crudity and melodic short-windedness. He remains popular with singers, however, who value his effectively flattering vocal writing, and with audiences, who respond to his sense of the stage and his emotional power. Such works as Andrea Chénier (1895) and Fedora (1897) have something of the appeal of a Hollywood movie, with their strong situations, their suspense and the ‘star quality’ of their leading roles.

Recommended Recording:
Andrea Chénier, soloists, Rome Opera Chorus and Orchestra, (cond) Gabriele Santini (EMI/Warner)

Introduction | Modern Era | Classical
Personalities | Percy Grainger | Modern Era | Classical

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