Pinza, << PEEN tsah or PEEN zah, >> Ezio (1892-1957), an Italian bass singer, became famous for his deep, melodious voice and his skillful acting. His outgoing personality and good looks helped make him one of the most popular opera singers of his day. Pinza performed with the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York City from 1926 to 1948, appearing in about 50 roles. He received special acclaim for his performances in the title roles of Don Giovanni and Boris Godunov, and as Mephistopheles in Faust. Pinza retired from opera singing in 1948 and launched a second career in musical comedy theater. He won new recognition in the hit musical South Pacific in 1949, and again in Fanny in 1954. He also appeared in several motion pictures.
Fortunato Pinza was born on May 18, 1892, in Rome. He studied singing at the Bologna Conservatory and made his opera debut in 1914. After the end of World War I in 1918, he appeared in several leading Italian opera houses before joining the Metropolitan Opera. Pinza died on May 9, 1957.
