Bechi, Gino (1913–1993)

Italian baritone. He made his debut in Empoli, in 1936, as Germont. He sang at Rome and La Scala, Milan, from 1937, and created roles in operas by Rocca and Alfano. He appeared as a guest singer throughout Europe and South America, and was admired as Nabucco, Amonasro, Gérard, and Hamlet. He performed in London in 1950 and 1958, as Iago, Falstaff, and William Tell. He also sang in Chicago and San Francisco (1952) and appeared in films of Aïda, Un Ballo in Maschera/A Masked Ball, and Cavalleria Rusticana/Rustic Chivalry. He taught in Florence from 1965.