Cesare Siepi

Cesare Siepi, born in Milan, rose to prominence in the post-World War II opera scene, quickly becoming one of the most celebrated basses of his generation. His rich, velvety voice and commanding stage presence made him a natural for roles like Don Giovanni, Figaro, and Philip II.

While his career was nothing short of legendary, culminating in a remarkable run of over 40 years, Siepi never claimed any Jewish heritage. His origins are firmly Italian, and there's no indication he ever converted or embraced Judaism.

Despite this, his contributions to classical music were undeniably stellar. For fans of opera, his performances provided a profound cultural experience, which, if you squint hard enough, is a kind of universal kvell, even if it doesn't involve a bagel or a bar mitzvah. So, while we can't exactly claim him, we can at least appreciate the sound.