Gigli, De Luca, Schwarzkopf & Schipa - 12 x 12" Great Operatic Voices of the 20th Century - 78 RPM shellac record - 1913

This curated collection brings together twelve original 78 rpm shellac records featuring leading operatic and vocal artists of the early to mid-20th century, drawn from the core Italian, German, and British traditions. Issued on major UK labels including HMV and Columbia, the group focuses on recognised international singers in standard operatic and sacred repertoire.

The selection is anchored by celebrated operatic excerpts performed by Beniamino Gigli, Giuseppe De Luca, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Tito Schipa (with Mafalda Favero), Margherita Carosio, and Set Svanholm, covering music by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Wagner, and Rossini. Two early Edwardian sacred recordings by Dame Clara Butt add historical depth and represent an important strand of pre-war British vocal culture.

All items are original UK pressings and are offered as a coherent operatic and vocal collection, not a miscellaneous grouping. The lot is well suited to collectors seeking a solid foundation of classic vocal 78s, combining recognised names, familiar repertoire, and genuine historical recording interest. The records are in VG+ to EX condition.

Beniamino Gigli: Celeste Aida – Verdi / O soave fanciulla – Puccini (duet with Maria Caniglia)
HMV D.B. 3225 – UK – c.1936
A prime late-career Gigli disc pairing two of the most famous tenor arias in the repertoire, including a celebrated Bohème duet. One of his most desirable HMV couplings.

Giuseppe De Luca: Povero Rigoletto! / Cortigiani, vil razza dannata – Verdi
HMV D.B. 1371 – UK – c.1930
A definitive Verdian baritone recording by the legendary Metropolitan Opera star. Dramatically powerful and historically important.

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: Le nozze di Figaro: “Dove sono” (Act III) – Mozart
Columbia L.X. 1575 – UK – c.1950
Early post-war recording with the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan. A key document from the formative period of Schwarzkopf’s Mozart legacy.

Tito Schipa & Mafalda Favero: L’amico Fritz: “Suzel, buon dì” (Cherry Duet), Parts 1 & 2
HMV D.B. 3067 – UK – c.1935
The complete famous duet across both sides. Schipa’s refined lyric tenor and Favero’s warm soprano make this a highly collectible inter-war operatic set.

Margherita Carosio: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa / Io sono docile – Rossini
HMV D.B. 6379 – UK – c.1939
A brilliant late-1930s coloratura recording, prized for agility, clarity, and excellent pre-war HMV sound.

Set Svanholm: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Am stillen Herd / Morgenlich leuchtend – Wagner
HMV D.B. 6537 – UK – c.1939
A powerful Wagnerian tenor document, representing the heroic German style at its peak just before the war.

Beniamino Gigli: Notturno d’amore – Drigo / Serenade – Toselli
HMV D.B. 1002 – UK – c.1930
A lyrical recital disc showing Gigli’s softer, intimate style, contrasting beautifully with his operatic heroics.

Beniamino Gigli: Santa Lucia / Mamma, quel vino è generoso – Cottrau / Mascagni
HMV D.B. 1902 – UK – c.1932
A classic Gigli pairing combining Neapolitan song with verismo repertoire, emblematic of his enormous popular appeal.

Alessandro Valente & Emma Lattuada: Manon Lescaut duets – Puccini
HMV C.1503 – UK – c.1929
A dramatic La Scala duet recording, valued for its expressive intensity and early electrical recording quality.

Dame Clara Butt: The Lost Chord – Sullivan
Columbia 7301 – UK – c.1913
A classic Edwardian sacred recording by Britain’s most famous contralto, notable for vocal scale and early orchestral accompaniment.

Dame Clara Butt: The Holy City – Adams
Columbia 7301 – UK – c.1913
One of the most iconic British sacred recordings of the acoustic era, highly representative of pre-war vocal tradition.

Dame Clara Butt: God Shall Wipe Away All Tears / Abide with Me
Columbia 7302 – UK – c.1913
A solemn and moving sacred pairing, completing the Clara Butt group with strong historical and collector appeal.