Birth

:

August 13, 1865 in Shanghai, China

Death

:

June 13, 1952 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Emma Eames was an American soprano who was born on August 13, 1865, in Shanghai, China. Her parents were American missionaries who were living in China at the time of her birth. Eames spent her early years in China before her family moved to the United States when she was six years old. Eames showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at a young age. She also sang in her church choir and performed in local concerts. Her talent was recognized by her music teacher, who encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Eames began her formal music training at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She studied voice with Clara Munger and piano with Carl Baermann. She made her professional debut in 1889 at the Academy of Music in New York City, where she sang the role of Juliette in Gounod's opera "Roméo et Juliette." Eames quickly established herself as one of the leading sopranos of her time. She was known for her beautiful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence. She performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Covent Garden in London, and La Scala in Milan. One of Eames's most famous roles was Marguerite in Gounod's "Faust." She performed this role many times throughout her career and was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of the role. She also performed in many other operas, including Verdi's "Aida," Puccini's "La Bohème," and Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde." Eames was also known for her collaborations with other famous musicians of her time. She performed with the great Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, and she was a close friend of the composer Giacomo Puccini. She also worked with the conductor Arturo Toscanini, who was known for his demanding standards and attention to detail. Eames received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1909, she was awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French government for her contributions to music. She was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in London, and she was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1927. Eames retired from the stage in 1916, but she continued to be involved in music throughout her life. She taught voice at the Juilliard School in New York City, and she was a mentor to many young singers. She also wrote a book about her life and career, titled "Some Memories and Reflections." Emma Eames died on June 13, 1952, at the age of 86. She was remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

More....