Performances of Slovenian Bass Julij Betett o (1885-1963) in Croatia

Abstract

Slovenian bass Julij Bete tt o (1885–1963) undoubtedly left a deep mark on Croatian opera and concert performance in the fi rst half of the 20th century. A cosmopolitan, but a patriot by heart, he interpreted around 175 roles in 140 operas and participated in more than 173 concerts. In total, he gave more than 3241 perfor- mances, from which more than 60 took place on Croatian opera and concert stages. The arti- cle deals with his important contribution in the artistic fi eld as well as indirectly in the peda- gogical fi eld – many of his students successfully enriched the 20th-century Croatian operatic scene with their roles. The article looks at a se-lection of Bete tt o’s opera and concert performances in Croatia and their critical responses, pointing out also some of his Slovenian students who famously characterized the Croatian opera scene in the 20th century, including bass and tenors and .