Tito Gobbi, as Scarpia in 'Tosca' by Puccini

Italian baritone Tito Gobbi (1913–1984) made his debut in Rome in 1935, and had his first major success as Berg's 'Wozzeck' at the Teatro Reale dell'Opera in 1942. An international star, he was well known in London and appeared regularly at Covent Garden from 1951 onwards, often in productions of Verdi.

Gobbi can be seen here as Scarpia in Puccini's 'Tosca', the role with which he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1956. Renowned for his acting ability and command of vocal colour, Tito Gobbi also had a highly successful career as a recording artist.