DEATH OF ERNESTO BREVIARIO

Opera specialist Juan Burgers pays tribute to one of Durban’s major musical figures who died earlier this week.

Ernesto Breviario was born in Bergamo in Italy, the only son of the world-renowned Italian dramatic tenor, Giovanni Breviario. Giovanni was the first tenor to record the first full-length version, along with the famed Gina Cigna, of Bellini's Norma, and Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana. He sang in most major operatic centres in South America and throughout Europe, such was his fame.

Giovanni Breviario retired to South Africa after the Second World War. Ernesto Breviario, also a tenor, was trained by his father, and being an able pianist, assisted his father in providing piano accompaniment at singing lessons.

After the death of his father Giovanni in 1982, Ernesto continued his father's work as a major force in singing coaching in Durban. In the apartheid years, Ernesto selflessly taught black singers in abundance, mostly free of charge. Raphael Vilakazi, Bongani Tembe and Linda Bukhosini were among his early protégés.

As a performer, Ernesto regularly sang with the Durban Symphony Orchestra as tenor soloist before the disbanding of that prestigious organisation in 1976. He also sang minor roles for Napac Opera in the 1970's and 80's - and graced the Ad Hoc Chorus with his presence in huge productions, especially Wagner's Lohengrin.

Ernesto Breviario will be remembered fondly for the invaluable service he rendered to the music lovers of Durban, not least as the creative force he engendered as the buyer for Recorded Music Specialists shop in central Durban during the 60's through to his retirement in the 90's.

He is survived by his wife Joan. – Juan Burgers