Full Description
The German mezzo-soprano and celebrated singing teacher Mathilde Marchesi (1821-1913) presents an illuminating account of her life in these memoirs. First published in 1897, the book reflects the significant role that Marchesi played in vocal education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Having begun her career as a performer, from 1854 she devoted herself to teaching at the Vienna Conservatory and also in Paris and Cologne. She instructed many of the pre-eminent female singers of the age, including Nellie Melba, Mary Garden and Emma Calvé. Also renowned for bringing the Italian bel canto vocal technique into the twentieth century, Marchesi occupied a prominent position in musical history. Featuring musical excerpts and a number of other illustrations, these memoirs record her outstanding achievements and strong opinions. The work also includes a brief introduction by the French composer Jules Massenet.
Contents
Preface; 1. Madame Marchsi's youth and early studies; 2. Fräulein Graumann returns to her native town; 3. Our heroine's arrival in Milan; 4. Beginning of her artistic career in London; 5. She goes to Weimar; 6. A third visit to London; 7. Debut at Berlin; 8. A souvenir of Rossini; 9. In the Austrian capital; 10. From the Blue Danube to the River Seine; 11. An artistic tour through Switzerland; 12. An indescribably dull city; 13. In Vienna for the third time; 14. Musical matinées in Vienna; 15. Absence of love of music in Vienna; 16. On the Lido and among lagoons; 17. From sunny Italy back to the Austrian capital; 18. Madame Marchesi's silver wedding; 19. Once more in Austria's capital; 20. Ill-health of a favourite daughter; 21. A cosmopolitan and hospitable capital; 22. Praise of two American singers; 23. Verdi's visit to Marchesi's singing school; 24. Burning of the Opéra comique at Paris; 25. Graceful praises of different pupils; 26. Opposition to Wagner's music in Paris; 27. Presentation of Miss Sybil Sanderson.
