Ponselle, Rosa. (1897-1981)

Signed Photograph

Signed doubleweight photograph of the great soprano, who is shown in a magnificent velvet gown and turban and has signed and inscribed at the left: "To Lorraine Wood / With sincere good wishes / Rosa Ponselle / Nov. 22, 1932." Photograph by Mishkin of New York, stamped on the verso by National Concerts, Inc. From the collection of pianist Helen Lorraine Wood (1900–1968). One horizontal tear at the right edge; corner creases and pin holes; overall very good. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm).

"Ponselle’s voice is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful of the century. She was universally lauded for opulence of tone, evenness of scale, breadth of range, perfection of technique and communicative warmth. Many of these attributes are convincingly documented on recordings. In 1954 she made a few private song recordings, later released commercially, revealing a still opulent voice of darkened timbre and more limited range." (Grove Online) (16861)
Signed Photograph
Opera