(Credit: Leo Nucci/Facebook)

As the decade ends, 2020 begins and that means new works and new chapters. The same could be said of Leo Nucci, who reportedly stepped away from the stage saying goodbye to his iconic Rigoletto. However, before the year ends the legendary baritone is adding another role to his repertoire in a piece that will celebrate Beethoven’s 250th anniversary and pay homage to him.

Nucci will lead a production of the world premiere of “Il Sordo – Sogno d’amore in una notte di San Silvestro” at the Teatro di Piacenza in Italy. The baritone, who wrote the libretto to the new opera, will portray Beethoven and according to Nucci, this work will show another side to the composer that is filled with love and emotion. The production will be even more special as it will be done on New Year’ Eve celebrating the start of Beethoven’s 250th year and the end of a decade.

As for Nucci it will also show his other abilities as he transitions from the stage into more directing and other behind-the-scenes work.

Looking ahead into 2020, Nucci will direct “Un Ballo in Maschera” at the Teatro Carlo Felice and the Teatro Filarmonico. He is still scheduled to sing two performances of “Nabucco” at the Teatro Regio di Torino.

Recordings 

Nucci is one of the most important singers of his generations and one who created many iconic roles and recordings. For the uninitiated, any of his Rigoletto recordings is a must listen or watch. Nucci has made the opera his own and it is undeniably the work for which he will be forever remembered.

The baritone also made incredible recordings of numerous Verdi roles and he was acclaimed for “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” throughout his entire career.

Here he is in his signature role.

Here is a preview of “Il Sordo.”