MARIO BINCI Una meteora nel firmamento della lyrica
Biografia fotografica di un grande tenore fidardense by Beniamino Bugiolacchi

If today Mario Binci (1914 – 2008) still rings a bell with a few older record collectors it is mainly because of his fine incarnation of Ismaele in the 1951 RAI/Cetra Nabucco recording under Previtali.

Now Beniamino Bugiolacchi saves him from oblivion with his large hard cover coffee table book on the tenor : biografia fotografica di un grande tenore fidardense.

“Fotografica” indeed. The first part of the book does contain a concise biography of the tenor but the main bulk of the book is filled with fascinating photographs including of course photos of the tenor (rare as they are) but also programs, contracts, playbills, reviews etc. There’s also a list of the theatres in which he appeared and a list of the 27 roles he sang.

Binci made his debut in 1943 and towards the very early sixties it was all over.

He then worked for many years as a goldsmith in his own shop in Rome. Binci passed away at the age of 94.

Luckily there’s also a CD included with all his complete solo recordings for La Voce del Padrone (1948) and HMV (1946). These include arias from Bohème, Cavalleria, Gioconda, Rigoletto, Fanciulla and the two tenor solos from Turandot.

Binci has an excellent warm lyric tenor voice which he uses with great taste. His vibrant eloquent phrasing and fine legato is totally devoid of mannerisms. Binci’s singing is always polished and elegant in style. The well-focused Italianate timbre is attractive and highly distinctive.

The book is still available at a very economical price, for those interested send us a mail through the contact form and all details of how to order will be forwarded.

Rudi van den Bulck, May 2021