A Chat with Baritone Massimo Cavalletti
Here’s the interview with Massimo Cavalletti, conducted by Giulia Giusti from Radio Talking About on March 20, 2025:
Giulia Giusti:
Hello everyone, I’m Giulia Giusti, a speaker from Radio Talking About. Today, we are at the regional choral festival, and we have a special guest with us, Massimo Cavalletti. Hi Massimo, thanks for being here with us!
Massimo Cavalletti:
Hi Giulia, thank you for having me.
Giulia Giusti:
So Massimo, let’s dive right in. Could you tell us a bit about your role today and how you got involved with music?
Massimo Cavalletti:
I’m very happy to be here today. I was invited to talk about my career, specifically my experience as a baritone. I’ve had the privilege of working in various theaters, but today I’m here to try and contribute to the young people, helping them pursue their own path in music. Music is a world that opens doors and hearts, and I want to share a bit of my experience with them.
Giulia Giusti:
Speaking of your career, how did your passion for music begin?
Massimo Cavalletti:
My passion for music started when I was very young. Since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to music, starting with singing in church. Over time, I deepened my studies, and at twenty, I moved to Milan to study at the Teatro La Scala Academy. That’s when my journey into classical music started, and it took me around the world.
Giulia Giusti:
Is there any teacher or figure in music history who particularly inspired you?
Massimo Cavalletti:
Absolutely. A teacher who deeply inspired me was Ettore Bastianini, a talented Italian baritone. Unfortunately, he passed away prematurely, but he left an indelible mark on opera. His voice, his musicality, and his sensitivity inspired not only me but many generations of singers.
Giulia Giusti:
What would you advise young people, especially the younger ones, on how to approach music?
Massimo Cavalletti:
Music is a universal language that connects people. It doesn’t matter where we come from, music unites us. It’s a language that goes beyond words and cultural barriers. I advise all young people not to be afraid to take risks, to explore music, because it’s something that can enrich anyone’s life.
Giulia Giusti:
What message would you like to give to today’s youth?
Massimo Cavalletti:
The message I want to convey is: try to be, not to appear. It’s important to be authentic, to be real, both as musicians and as people. We shouldn’t worry about how others see us, but rather about who we truly are. The value of people is measured with the heart and soul, not by external appearances.
Giulia Giusti:
Could you share a funny or curious anecdote that happened to you during a performance?
Massimo Cavalletti:
Let me tell you this: a few years ago, I was in a forest near Zurich, where I had worked a lot. I got a phone call from the theater: a colleague had fallen ill, and I had to substitute him. They didn’t even tell me which opera it was. I arrived at the theater, and they told me I was singing Don Pasquale without having studied it. I had to improvise, but in the end, it went well! This is the beauty of our job: if you’re prepared, you can handle any situation.
Giulia Giusti:
Wow, that must have been an exciting moment! And for a young person preparing to step on stage for the first time, what mindset should they have?
Massimo Cavalletti:
The right mindset is to be open and ready to learn. A musician must be adaptable, open to receiving advice and constructive criticism. Music is an art that has many interpretations, and one must always be ready to explore new ways of expressing it.
Giulia Giusti:
Great advice, Massimo. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us.
Massimo Cavalletti:
Thank you for having me. If anyone wants to follow me, I’m on Instagram as Max Cavalletti, with the blue check!
Giulia Giusti:
Thank you so much, Massimo! And thanks to all the listeners. Have a great day!
(Audio interview in Italian)