Nellie Melba as Elizabeth from Tannhäuser, 1894
Dublin Core
Title
Nellie Melba as Elizabeth from Tannhäuser, 1894
Description
In January 1894, Melba read an unexpected announcement in the New York Herald that she was to perform as Elizabeth in Richard Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser at the Metropolitan Opera House. Rather than cancel the performance, she determinedly learnt the role in three days. Her singing was well received in New York, but she forgot her words in a performance soon after in Philadelphia.
In December 1896, also in New York, Melba unsuccessfully attempted to sing the role of Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Siegfried. After the performance she acknowledged the role was beyond her and she never sang it again. Melba later wrote of both experiences as salutary lessons in her career.
In December 1896, also in New York, Melba unsuccessfully attempted to sing the role of Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Siegfried. After the performance she acknowledged the role was beyond her and she never sang it again. Melba later wrote of both experiences as salutary lessons in her career.
Source
Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
Publisher
Grainger Museum
Date
1894
Rights
Arts Centre Melbourne
Identifier
Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
1999.018.001 | Purchased, 1999
1999.018.001 | Purchased, 1999