2008 archive collection. Beniamino Gigli was the foremost Italian tenor of the 1920s through the 1940s, possessed of a smooth lush voice with a lyric sweetness often described as "honeyed". He became a Metropolitan Opera star singing 28 roles. Gigli was also one of the most beloved performers of Italian song with a special gift for the traditional Neapolitan repertoire. His singing was heavily mannered by modern standards characterized by sobs catches and portamenti but it had an inherent beauty and sincerity that are still easy to appreciate. Although an even more stylized actor than singer Gigli had a successful film career appearing in almost 20 films. 25 tracks. Bygone Day.