Martinelli, << `mahr` tih NEHL ee, >> Giovanni (1885-1969), sang as a leading tenor with the New York Metropolitan Opera Company in more than 50 opera. He was a dynamic actor. Much of his success resulted from his belief that an opera singer must also have dramatic ability. Martinelli made his debut at the Metropolitan in 1913 in La Boheme. A special concert at the Metropolitan in 1938 celebrated his 25th year with that institution.
Martinelli was born in Montagnana, Italy, and played the clarinet in an Italian regimental band. He studied voice in Rome, and made his concert debut in Rossini’s Stabat Mater in Milan in 1910. He sang at Covent Garden in London in 1912.
