Renata Scotto, known for her unique vocal coloration and dedication to conveying emotion, garnered praise from her fellow singers. Baritone Sherrill Milnes once commended her ability to make listeners feel the music, even if they didn’t understand the language. He also noted her willingness to prioritize conveying the meaning and intention of the words, even if it meant sacrificing vocal beauty.
Born on February 24, 1934, in the humble town of Savona, Italy, Renata Scotto’s parents were Giuseppe, a police officer, and Santina, a seamstress. During World War II, when Savona faced Allied bombings, Renata, her sister Luciana, and their mother sought refuge in Tovo San Giacomo, an Alpine village nearby.
Even as a child, Renata displayed her diva potential. In Tovo San Giacomo, she would stand by her bedroom window and captivate passers-by with songs popularized by renowned Italian tenor Beniamino Gigli. The villagers would applaud and shower her with candy, leading her to reflect later in her memoir that she had never sung for nothing in her life.
At the age of 12, Renata experienced her first opera, “Rigoletto” by Verdi, thanks to an invitation from her uncle. It was Tito Gobbi’s performance in the title role that truly inspired her to pursue a career in opera.
During her teenage years, Renata traveled to Milan for voice and piano lessons. Her family could only afford to have her stay at a Canossian convent, an austere environment that felt like a cross between jail and kindergarten. The mother superior disapproved of secular music and a nun even attempted to steal Renata’s music scores. However, outside the convent, her teachers, particularly soprano Mafalda Favero, recognized her talent and played a pivotal role in her career. Later on, Renata studied under former soprano Mercedes Llopart from Spain, who she credits with truly teaching her how to sing.
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