Tito Gobbi Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Tito Gobbi (October 24, 1913 - March 5, 1984) was a celebrated Italian baritone, known for his remarkable contributions to the operatic realm. Born in Bassano del Grappa, he gained prominence as one of the most distinguished baritones of the 20th century, marked by his powerful voice and commendable acting abilities.

Gobbi’s career commenced after he graduated from the Rome Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of Giulio Crimi. He made his professional debut in 1935 as Count Rodolfo in Vincenzo Bellini's "La sonnambula." His international breakthrough followed in 1942 with a performance at La Scala in Milan, solidifying his status within Italy's elite circle of performers. Among his most memorable roles, Gobbi's interpretation of Scarpia in Puccini's "Tosca" stands out. His mastery over the role's complex dynamics and emotionally charged nuances left a lasting impact. Other notable roles included Rigoletto in Verdi's "Rigoletto," Falstaff in "Falstaff," and Simon Boccanegra in "Simon Boccanegra." He further broadened his repertoire by taking on French and Russian opera roles, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. Besides performing, Gobbi showed immense talent in directing. He directed productions of "Tosca" and "The Barber of Seville" in Chicago and London. His expertise extended to the written word with his book "Tito Gobbi on His World of Italian Opera" (1976), offering an insightful perspective into the art form he so skillfully championed.