Marchesi and Music
Passages from the Life of a Famous Singing-Teacher

Published in 1897, these are the illustrated memoirs of Mathilde Marchesi (1821–1913), the German mezzo-soprano and celebrated singing teacher.

Mathilde Marchesi (Author), Jules Massenet (Introduction by)

9781108063722, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 June 2013

340 pages, 8 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.43 kg

The German mezzo-soprano and celebrated singing teacher Mathilde Marchesi (1821–1913) presents an illuminating account of her life in these memoirs. First published in 1897, the book reflects the significant role that Marchesi played in vocal education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Having begun her career as a performer, from 1854 she devoted herself to teaching at the Vienna Conservatory and also in Paris and Cologne. She instructed many of the pre-eminent female singers of the age, including Nellie Melba, Mary Garden and Emma Calvé. Also renowned for bringing the Italian bel canto vocal technique into the twentieth century, Marchesi occupied a prominent position in musical history. Featuring musical excerpts and a number of other illustrations, these memoirs record her outstanding achievements and strong opinions. The work also includes a brief introduction by the French composer Jules Massenet.

Preface
1. Madame Marchsi's youth and early studies
2. Fräulein Graumann returns to her native town
3. Our heroine's arrival in Milan
4. Beginning of her artistic career in London
5. She goes to Weimar
6. A third visit to London
7. Debut at Berlin
8. A souvenir of Rossini
9. In the Austrian capital
10. From the Blue Danube to the River Seine
11. An artistic tour through Switzerland
12. An indescribably dull city
13. In Vienna for the third time
14. Musical matinées in Vienna
15. Absence of love of music in Vienna
16. On the Lido and among lagoons
17. From sunny Italy back to the Austrian capital
18. Madame Marchesi's silver wedding
19. Once more in Austria's capital
20. Ill-health of a favourite daughter
21. A cosmopolitan and hospitable capital
22. Praise of two American singers
23. Verdi's visit to Marchesi's singing school
24. Burning of the Opéra comique at Paris
25. Graceful praises of different pupils
26. Opposition to Wagner's music in Paris
27. Presentation of Miss Sybil Sanderson.

Subject Areas: Music [AV]