Birth

:

September 8, 1886 in Isere, France

Death

:

November 22, 1961 in France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Ninon Vallin was a French soprano who was born on December 14, 1886, in Montalieu-Vercieu, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began her musical training at a young age. Vallin studied at the Conservatoire de Lyon and later at the Paris Conservatoire, where she won first prize in singing in 1907. Vallin made her professional debut in 1908 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, where she sang the role of Micaëla in Georges Bizet's opera Carmen. She quickly gained recognition for her beautiful voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Vallin's career took off, and she became one of the most sought-after sopranos of her time. One of Vallin's most significant performances was in 1913 when she sang the role of Marguerite in Charles Gounod's opera Faust at the Paris Opera. Her performance was widely praised, and she became known for her interpretation of the role. Vallin went on to perform in many other operas, including La Bohème, Tosca, and Madame Butterfly. Vallin was also known for her performances of French art songs, or mélodies. She worked closely with composers such as Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Ravel, and Claude Debussy, and her interpretations of their works were highly regarded. Vallin's recordings of French art songs are still considered some of the best ever made. In addition to her performances, Vallin was also a respected teacher. She taught at the Paris Conservatoire and later at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Many of her students went on to have successful careers in music. Vallin received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1925, she was awarded the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors. She was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recordings of French art songs. In 1951, she was made a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in France. Vallin continued to perform well into her 70s, and she remained active in the music world until her death in 1961. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of her time and as a champion of French art song. Her recordings continue to be admired and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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