Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Marie Delna was a French mezzo-soprano who was born on December 14, 1875, in Marseille, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began her musical training at a young age. Her father recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Delna made her debut at the Marseille Opera in 1895, at the age of 20, in the role of Azucena in Verdi's Il trovatore. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented singer. She went on to perform in several other operas in Marseille, including Carmen, Samson et Dalila, and Les Huguenots. In 1898, Delna made her debut at the Paris Opera in the role of Amneris in Verdi's Aida. Her performance was a great success, and she became a regular performer at the Paris Opera. She also performed in other major opera houses in Europe, including the Royal Opera House in London and La Scala in Milan. Delna was known for her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. She was particularly renowned for her performances in the roles of Carmen and Dalila. Her interpretation of these roles was considered to be among the best of her time. In addition to her opera performances, Delna also gave recitals and concerts. She was a popular performer in France and other European countries. She also toured in the United States, where she performed in several major cities, including New York and Chicago. Delna's career was not without controversy. In 1903, she was involved in a scandal when she was accused of having an affair with the composer Jules Massenet. The scandal caused a sensation in the press, and Delna's reputation was tarnished. However, she continued to perform and remained a popular singer. Delna's career reached its peak in the early 1900s. She was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1908, in recognition of her contributions to French culture. She also received several other awards and honors throughout her career. Delna's last performance was in 1925, in the role of Dalila in Samson et Dalila. She retired from the stage shortly thereafter, at the age of 50. She continued to teach singing and remained active in the music world until her death in 1932. Marie Delna was a talented and influential mezzo-soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence made her one of the most popular singers of her time. Despite the scandal that surrounded her, she remained a respected and admired performer throughout her career. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence singers and musicians today.

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