Maria Malibran, Mezzo-Soprano

At the age of 17, on June 7, 1825, mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran makes her debut in London. She studied with her father Manuel Garcia, whose harsh treatment prompted her to marry in order to escape. Her voice has been described with its range, power and flexibility as extraordinary. Malibran is closely associated with the operas of  Rossini. 

Brief Profile

Maria Malibran (March 24, 1808 – September 23, 1836), the older sister of Pauline Viardot, another well-known singer, was one of the most famous opera singers of the 19th century. Malibran was known for her stormy personality and dramatic intensity, becoming a legendary figure after her death at age 28.


She was born in Paris María Felicitas García Sitches into a famous Spanish musical family. Her father, Manuel Garcia, a composer and influential vocal instructor, was also a celebrated tenor much admired by Rossini.


Malibran's Career

Malibran first appeared on stage in Naples at the age of 8 with her father in Paer's Agnese. At 17, she was a singer in the choir of London's King's Theatre. When prima donna Giuditta Pasta became indisposed, García suggested that his daughter take over the role of Rosina in The Barber of Seville. the rest is history, as the audience loved the young mezzo. Malibran continued to sing this role until the end of the season. When the season closed, García immediately took his troupe to New York. Pauline, who would later become a famous singer in her own right under the name of Pauline Viardot, was then only four years old.

In 1834, Malibran moved to England and began to perform in London.

Last Years

In July 1836, Maria Malibran fell from her horse and suffered injuries from which she never recovered. After three months, she collapsed on stage while performing encores at the theatre in Manchester as she participated in a music festival, but insisted on performing in the church the following morning where she died. 

Her body was temporarily buried in the church after a public funeral before being moved to a mausoleum in Laeken Cemetery, near Brussels, Belgium.

Films and other prominent singers like the late Dame Joan Sutherland, and Cecilia Bartoli have honoured her with a tribute.

Bartoli Pays Tribute to Maria Malibran. 



Video Credit: 

Cecilia Bartoli - Maria Malibran Rediscovered. YouTube, uploaded by adbelleepoque. Retrieved June 7, 2014. 

Resources:

Internet Movie Databse.  IMDb.com. Accessed june 7, 2014.
Maria Malibran. www.harmonicorde.com.  Accessed June 7, 2014.
Sadie, Stanley, Ed. (1994). Grove Concise Dictionary of Music. London: Macmillan Publishers.

Image Credit:

Maria Malibran. en.wikipedia.org Public Domain.