Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

1863

Death

:

1940

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Blanche Marchesi was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of opera and vocal music. Born on April 10, 1863, in Paris, France, she was the daughter of Mathilde Marchesi, a famous singing teacher, and Salvatore Marchesi, an Italian baritone. Blanche grew up in a musical family and received her early training in singing from her mother. Blanche Marchesi made her debut as a singer in 1883 at the age of 20, performing in a concert in Paris. She soon gained recognition for her exceptional vocal abilities and began performing in various operas and concerts across Europe. In 1885, she made her debut at the Royal Opera House in London, where she performed the role of Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. Her performance was highly acclaimed, and she soon became a popular figure in the London music scene. Over the next few years, Blanche Marchesi continued to perform in various operas and concerts across Europe, including in Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. In 1890, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she performed the role of Elsa in Wagner's Lohengrin. Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera. Blanche Marchesi was known for her exceptional vocal range and her ability to perform a wide range of roles. She was particularly renowned for her performances in Wagnerian operas, including Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre. She was also known for her performances in Italian operas, including Verdi's Aida and Puccini's La Bohème. In addition to her performances as a singer, Blanche Marchesi was also a renowned singing teacher. She had studied under her mother, Mathilde Marchesi, and had also received training from other famous singing teachers, including Francesco Lamperti and Manuel García. She began teaching singing in the early 1900s and soon gained a reputation as one of the best singing teachers in Europe. Her students included many famous singers, including Maggie Teyte, Lotte Lehmann, and Elisabeth Schumann. Blanche Marchesi was also a prolific composer and arranger. She composed several songs and operas, including the opera La Légende de Sainte Cécile, which was performed in Paris in 1906. She also arranged several pieces of music for voice and piano, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. Throughout her career, Blanche Marchesi received several awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 1907, she was awarded the Order of the Crown of Italy for her services to Italian music. In 1913, she was awarded the Gold Medal of the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire in Paris. She was also awarded the title of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1920. Blanche Marchesi continued to perform and teach singing until her death on December 17, 1940, in London, England. She was 77 years old at the time of her death. Her legacy as a singer, teacher, and composer continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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