Giuseppe di Stefano (1921-2008) was an Italian tenor, one of the most famous lyric tenors of the twentieth century. His voice was celebrated for its beauty, warmth and immediately recognisable Italianate ardour.

Di Stefano was closely associated with Maria Callas, with whom he made many of his most famous recordings. In the Pristine catalogue he appears in Bellini, Donizetti, Puccini, Verdi and other Italian repertory.

His singing could be impulsive, generous and thrillingly direct, with a golden tone and an unusually intimate way with words. Technical caution was not always his calling card, but communicative fire certainly was.

At his best, di Stefano remains irresistible. The voice steps forward with sunlight on its shoulders and theatre in its blood.