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Beniamino Gigli

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Vocalist

The Resume

    (March 20, 1890-November 30, 1957)
    Born in Recantai, Italy
    Tenor
    Performed with the Metropolitan Opera (1920-32)
    Notable roles include Edgardo in ‘Lucia di Lammermoor,’ Rodolfo in ‘La Boheme,’ Enzo in ‘La Giocanda’ and Faust in ‘Mefistofele’

Why he might be annoying:

    His last name is also the title of a famously godawful Ben Affleck-Jennifer Lopez film.
    Critics complained of his tendency to inject sobs into his vocals at dramatic moments.
    In his memoirs, he lied about the date of his wedding to cover up the fact that his bride was pregnant at the altar.
    He fathered at least six children out of wedlock.
    He was the favorite singer of Mussolini and recorded the Fascist Party anthem ‘Giovinezza.’
    He wrote, ‘Hitler and Ministers Goebbels and Goering have honored me with their friendship’ and collaborated with the Germans when they occupied Rome.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He came to prominence when he won an international singing contest in Parma, Italy (1914), with one of the judges declaring, ‘Finally, we have found the tenor.’
    Fred Gaisberg of HMV Records said his voice was more flexible than Enrico Caruso’s.
    He took 34 curtain calls at his Metropolitan Opera debut.
    He performed at nearly a thousand benefit concerts and raised more money for charities than any previous singer.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 88.89% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying