Opera Singers

Question 1

Enrico Caruso

Answer 1

1873-1921 Italian operatic tenor from Naples - One of the most famous personalities of his day, thanks in part to his tremendously popular phonograph records - Made approximately 260 commercially released recordings from 1902 to 1920 - Toured widely both with the Metropolitan Opera touring company and on his own

Question 2

Jenny Lind (Johanna Maria Lind)

Answer 2

1820-1887 Swedish soprano opera singer - Aka the “Swedish Nightingale” - One of most highly regarded singers of 19th cent. - Associated with Mendelssohn - Toured US at invitation of PT Barnum - Married German composer Otto Goldschmidt

Question 3

Marian Anderson

Answer 3

1897-1993 American contralto singer from Philadelphia - One of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century - In 1939 she was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall, so sang on the steps of Lincoln Memorial - 1st African-American to sing at Metropolitan Opera - Worked for years as a delegate to the UN Human Rights Committee and as a “goodwill ambassadress”

Question 4

Nellie Melba

Answer 4

1861-1931 Australian soprano opera singer - Born Helen Mitchell, took name Melba from hometown of Melbourne - Achieved success in Paris, later returning to Australia - Raised much money for war charities during WWI - Namesake of Peach Melba y Melba Toast

Question 5

Maria Callas

Answer 5

1923-1977 Greek-American soprano - One of the most renowned y influential opera singers of the 20th century - Praised for her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, y dramatic interpretations - Notorious for her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi, y her love affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis

Question 6

Renata Tebaldi

Answer 6

1922-2004 Italian lirico-spinto soprano singer - Said to have possessed one of the most beautiful voices of the 20th century - Worked with Toscanini, y toured with the La Scala ensemble - Rivalry with singer Maria Callas