Viardot, Pauline. (1821–1910)
Carte de Visite Photograph
Carte de visite photograph of the important soprano, shown in a Grecian costume for Gluck's Alceste, holding a lyre. Photographed by Disdéri of Paris. Some notes and slight mounting remnants to verso; overall fine. 2 x 3.75 inches (5.5 x 9.7 cm).Pauline Viardot, one of the most important singers of the 19th century, was the dedicatee of Brahms’ Alto Rhapdody and Saint-Saens wrote that it was her voice he had in mind when composing the role of Dalila. Viardot created Meyerbeer's "Le Prophete" (Fides), Orphee in the Berlioz version of Gluck's "Orphee et Euridice," Gounod's "Sapho," and Massenet's "Marie Magdalene" among others. She starred in Gluck's Alceste at the Paris Opera in 1861 and 1865, which Berlioz altered for the production. (17617)
Unsigned Photo/Portrait Opera