Nellie Melba as Lucia from Lucia di Lammermoor, c.1897

Nellie Melba as Lucia from Lucia di Lammermoor, c.1897

The title role of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor highlighted Melba’s vocal abilities, particularly in the ‘mad scene’ which showcased her remarkable trill. Her 1888 Covent Garden debut in the role received a lukewarm response from critics, but at the Paris Opéra the following year, her performance was reported to have ‘fairly electrified the whole house’.

Melba also sang Lucia for her debuts at La Scala in Milan and New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1893. In Milan, she received a series of anonymous letters threatening her safety. Despite her fears, Melba bravely performed and she received a highly enthusiastic response.

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne

Grainger Museum

c.1897

Arts Centre Melbourne

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
1979.015.002 | Purchased, 1979