Raffaele Lipparini

Italian opera singer (tenor) (b. July 11, 1878 in Bologna, Italy - d. 1958). Lipparini studied voice with Professor Alessandro Vezzani at the Liceo Musicale di Bologna. His debut on the stage was in 1903 in Ravenna. In November 1912, Lipparini and his wife Gemma fist came to the United States. In 1918, he lists the Metropolitan Opera as his employer. His first credited role, as the Student Writer in "Louise", dates to January 1921. Between 1922 and 1935, he sang the role of "Animal Vendor" in Johann Strauss' "Rosenkavalier" twenty-nine times. He recorded at least four sides with Italian songs for Columbia, two Easter and two Christmas songs. The Christmas songs, written by Italian composer Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and recorded with the Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera (Columbia 60030-F) made such an impression that later versions of them credit Lipparini as their author.