Hilde Reggiani adds top E-flats to Dinorah's coloratura

THE SONGBIRD: Hilde Reggiani (1911 - 1996) is occasionally referred to as an Argentinian soprano, but was born in Modena (perhaps her parents were Argentinian?). She made her operatic debut in Modena as Gilda in 1933. She sang Adina opposite Gigli in Rome in 1935 and made her U.S. debut in Chicago in 1938 as Lucia and Gilda. Gilda was also her debut role at The Met, where she logged 16 performances in roles and galas between 1939 and 1943. She did appear at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires from 1938 to 1947, so that likely also contributes to her association with Argentina. She married tenor Bruno Landi in 1945 and they frequently sang together, mostly in Italy. She sang only once at La Scala, as Rosina in 1948. Other roles included Nedda, Nannetta, and Mimi.

THE MUSIC: Meyerbeer's 1859 opera-comique "Dinorah," originally titled "Le pardon de Ploërmel," premiered in Paris with Marie Cabel in the title role of a country girl who has already gone mad before the start of the opera! Why? Her bridegroom disappeared following a storm that interrupted their wedding. "Dinorah" was a popular success for 50 years, partly for the quaint music but also out of the novelty of having a live goat and running water on stage. It was kept in the repertory as a favorite showcase role for starry coloratura sopranos including Adelina Patti, Nellie Melba, Caroline Miolan-Carvalho, Marie Van Zandt (the first to sing it at The Met, in 1892), Amelita Galli-Curci, Ilma de Murska, Luisa Tetrazzini, Maria Barrientos, and Lily Pons. Rightly deemed old-fashioned with the rise of verismo, it faded from opera stages and is rarely revived today. However, its most famous aria "Ombre legere" is still a go-to showpiece programmed in recitals and concerts due to its charming tune and coloratura echo effects as Dinorah sings and dances with her shadow.