Opera Chic

Ferruccio Furlanetto on Cesare Siepi: "The Most Luminous Model To Follow"

Ferruccio Furlanetto has always considered Cesare Siepi as his idol and mentor: upon learning of Siepi's passing, Mr. Furlanetto shared his admiration for the late singer with Opera Chic:  

"Cesare Siepi has been the greatest inspiration of my career, not only when I was at the beginning but throughout my 36 years so far, and it will be for the rest of my time.

He will be the most luminous model to follow for the future generations of basses and singers in general, from the vocal point of view and as a singing actor.

He had a splendid long life and a wonderful family. This is life, but it is always terribly sad to say goodbye to such a human being and artist".

Cesare Siepi, 1923-2010

Corriere della Sera is reporting in its print edition that Cesare Siepi passed away at the age of 87.

One has to wonder, what are we going to miss the most? His graceful musicality; his amazing, sculpted diction; his ability to sustain an unusually long career; the sheer variety of his talent -- for comedy, for drama, and the many layers of expression in between?

We mourn the passing of one of the 20th century's great singers, a bass of pure unadulterated talent. Opera lovers have truly been blessed by his presence.