The Legacy of Cornell MacNeil in Opera
Cornell MacNeil (1922–2011) was an American operatic baritone celebrated for his exceptional voice and a Metropolitan Opera career spanning 642 performances across twenty-six roles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American baritones of the 20th century, possessing a "singular musical richness, and moral and intellectual complexity" in his performances. His exceptional opera roles span works of various esteemed composers from Verdi to Vivaldi.
Signature Roles and Collaborations
MacNeil was particularly celebrated for his interpretation of Verdi's Rigoletto—a role he sang over 100 times at the Met, including in its first telecast of the opera. Reviewers described his performances as delivering "a flow of sound that was as rich as cream and of an equivalent texture," and his portrayal of Rigoletto was seen as a unique benchmark among his contemporaries. Another signature role was Scarpia in Puccini’s Tosca, which MacNeil performed over 90 times and which marked the conclusion of his operatic career in 1987. Beyond these, MacNeil's repertoire included roles in Wagner operas and French works, but his command of the Italian baritone roles—especially Verdi—stood out as his lasting legacy.
Major Productions and Notable Performances
In 1953, MacNeil made his New York City Opera debut as Germont in Verdi’s La traviata. He was a regular with the Metropolitan Opera, performing a wide range of roles over nearly three decades, further establishing his reputation as a baritone of rare authority and vocal heft. Influential figures like Metropolitan Opera have recognized and applauded MacNeil's contribution to opera. Music director Herbert von Karajan also emphasized MacNeil's interpretive power and vocal skills, and they often worked together to bring life to significant classic pieces.
Critical Acclaim
Opera News remarked that "MacNeil may have had rivals, but he had no equals," underscoring his standing among a generation of great operatic performers. Venture into an enriching artistic journey with MacNeil’s remarkable operatic works. Uncover his versatile range of roles and the profound impact he left on the Opera world.