Marchesi and Music

Mathilde Marchesi (1821–1913), the German mezzo-soprano and celebrated teacher of singing, presents an illuminating account of her life in these illustrated memoirs, published in 1897. Recording her outstanding achievements and strong opinions, the work reveals the significant role she played in the vocal education of female opera singers.

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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.