Italian soprano and one of the best-known opera singers of the late 19th century. Real name is Matilda Cesira. She had a particular affinity with the verismo repertoire and was renowned more for her charismatic acting than for the quality of her voice. Italy's leading composer, Giuseppe Verdi, admired Bellincioni's acting ability. On 17 May 1890, she created the role of Santuzza in Pietro Mascagni's landmark verismo work Cavalleria Rusticana when it premiered in Rome.
