Graziani has been called the first modern baritone[1] because his vocal attributes were well suited to the high-lying operatic parts composed by Giuseppe Verdi, with whom he worked.

[2] He studied with Cellini and made his debut In Italy in 1851 at Ascoli Piceno in Donizetti's Gemma di Vergy.

[4] In the summer of 1854, he performed with Max Maretzek's Italian opera company at Castle Garden in New York City.

[6] At St Petersburg, on 10 November 1862, he had cemented a spot in operatic history by creating the role of Don Carlos in the first performance of Verdi's La forza del destino.

[7] The range of Graziani's voice extended up to A4[8] and it was much praised by contemporary critics for its smoothness, beauty and ease of production, but his histrionic skills were said to be of a less compelling standard.