FRANCISCA SOLARI da soprano a contessa by Livia Brillarelli

ISBN 978-88-548-7380-3

318 pp, July 2014, 25 Euro

www.aracneeditrice.it

This book reconstructs the fascinating artistic and private life of the once famous soprano Francisca Solari (1880 - 1969) , who had a career from 1905 (debut Amica) to 1926 (good-bye at the Petruzelli with Fanciulla)   with a succession of triumphs in the most important theaters in Italy. She interpreted a vast repertoire , which ranged from the 19th century to contemporary works. Among its warhorses were Aida , Amica , La Fanciulla del West , Fedora, Isabeau , Madama Butterfly , Mefistofele , Parisina , Tosca and La Wally . In her interpretations Solari brought to light not only  her singing talent and innate musicality  but also her unique ability to interpret , not unusal  for the time, yet which made her still emerge as a leading singing actress.

Click here to listen to her voice on our youtube channel


This is an excellent singer’s biography.  Mrs Brillarelli reconstructs the career in a well-researched narrative. One chapter deals with the facts of  the soprano’s life another one deals with her artistic triumphs including a chronology of her career. The author also puts the record straight concerning Fidelia Solari. Contrary to internet sources and the Kutsch-Riemens lexicon - which claim that she was the sister of Francisca - Mrs Brillarelli proves there was absolutely no relation at all between the two singers.
Another chapter has a survey of reviews of her main roles and creations. A bibliography is included but an index is missing.  The book is printed on high quality paper and illustrated with numerous black and white and colour photos of the highest quality


With a CD included the 25 euro price is a real bargain. Get the book now before it becomes a 40 euro (or even more) rarity on ebay.


Rudi van den Bulck