5 Essential Verdi Roles Michael Fabiano Has Performed

By Francisco Salazar

Michael Fabiano has steadily grown into one of the most sought after tenors in the world. From the first time, he appeared at the Metropolitan Opera’s Met National Council Auditions to his fiery Met debut, the young singer has shown so much passion on stage that reminds one of the golden age. But there is one composer that he has dominated and has really championed, Verdi.

As we celebrate the tenor’s birthday let’s take a look at some of his memorable Verdi roles that he has sung up to this point in his stirring young career.

Cassio 

This role is small and it may not be the biggest showstopper in Verdi’s”Otello” but the Fabiano used his stage time wisely to convey a fully-fleshed character and stole the show when he appeared at the Met in 2012. Critics raved and said, “Michael Fabiano, poured his gleaming tenor into the minor role of Cassio. A handsome star in the making, he’s a magnetic presence that draws the eye whatever the visual distraction.”

Alfredo

Fabiano has dominated the role of Alfredo in “La Traviata” for years and there is a reason for it. He is a highly committed singer who pours all his emotions into the role. When he sang it in Willy Decker’s production Operawire noted, “Fabiano’s work on this evening was a reminder that he needs to be doing more Verdi repertoire at the Met, his voice’s power, squillo coupled with his musical intelligence making him a perfect fit.” For those who have not heard him sing this role so ardently, there is a production from Glyndebourne that shows him as a star in the making.

Rodolfo

How many tenors can actually sing the role of Rodolfo in “Luisa Miller?” The answer is not many with the vocal power and emotional depth as Fabiano. The tenor made his debut in the role at the San Francisco Opera and he impressed. Opera News noted that his Rodolfo “was distinguished by athletic grace and seemingly inexhaustible vocal reserves.” The magazine also noted that his aria “Quando le sere al Placido” was “an authoritative performance that was the evening’s vocal and dramatic high point.” Let’s hope for more Rodolfos in the coming years.

Oronte 

Fabiano showed promise the role back in 2013 when he sang a concert performance of “I Lombardi” with Angela Mead. Critics noted that “he  conveyed bliss and dread through countenance and bearing as much as he did with his soaring, thrilling singing.” Fabiano is now scheduled to sing the role at the Metropolitan Opera and on the Met’s 50th Anniversary, he was able to preview it, showing off his power and vigor in the famous trio.

Il Duca 

No lyric tenor can get away from this character as it is one of the most iconic and contains some of Verdi’s most infectious melodies. And Fabiano has dominated this role for years, singing it all over the world. He will reprise his interpretation at the Royal Opera and should give London audiences an ardent Duca who can easily seduce with swagger.

Fabiano has also sung “Il Corsaro,” “Don Carlo,” the Requiem and “I Due Foscari” to great acclaim.

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