Ema Pukšec facts for kids
Ema Pukšec (born February 6, 1834 – died January 14, 1889) was a famous soprano opera singer from Croatia. She was also known by her stage name, Ilma de Murska. She was one of the most exciting singers of her time.
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Early Life and Training
Ema Pukšec was born in Ogulin, which is now part of Croatia. Her father, Josip Pukšec, was a respected military officer. He was given a special title of nobility for his service. This is how the name Murski was added to his family name. Ema later used the feminine version, de Murska, as her stage name.
Ema started playing the piano when she was just five years old. In 1850, her family moved to Zagreb. There, she began to sing, hoping to become an opera star. She later moved to Graz in 1857 and then to Vienna in 1860. This allowed her to study singing at a special music school. She also studied for a short time in Paris. Her professional singing career began in 1862 and lasted for about 20 years.
A Star on Stage
Ilma de Murska was a coloratura soprano. This means she had a very high and flexible voice. She could sing a wide range of notes, covering three octaves! Her career as Ilma de Murska began in 1862 in Florence, Italy. Her first big role was Lady Harriet in the opera Martha.
After her debut, she toured all over Europe. She performed in cities like Budapest, in Spain, and in Italy. She had 42 successful shows before going to Vienna. In Vienna, she sang in Verdi's Il Trovatore. She also performed as Ophelia in the very first show of Ambroise Thomas' Hamlet at the Vienna Court Opera.
Some of her most famous roles included:
- The Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute
- The main character in Lucia di Lammermoor
- Dinorah
- Isabella in Robert le Diable
Performing in London
Ilma de Murska often performed in London from 1865 onwards. She made her London debut as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. Her performance as the Queen of the Night in 1865 was a huge success. The famous writer George Bernard Shaw praised her singing in this role. He said she sang with "delicate ring and inimitable precision."
She also toured in other places, including Dublin. After leaving Vienna in 1873, she performed in Hamburg, Berlin, and Paris. From 1873 to 1874, she toured the United States. She also traveled to Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. For a while, she even taught at a music school in New York City.
During her tour in Australia and New Zealand, she gave many concerts and opera performances. She earned a lot of money, sending much of it to her daughter.
Her Unique Companions
Ilma de Murska was known for being very sensitive. She also traveled everywhere with a large group of animals! Her most important companion was a huge black Newfoundland dog named Pluto. Pluto was so well-trained that he would eat from a plate at the dining table without making a mess. He even traveled in a first-class train car!
Her other constant travel buddies included two parrots, an Angora cat, and a monkey. The monkey and cat often played roughly, and the parrots sometimes caused mischief in the hotels. Ilma de Murska happily paid for any damages.
Her Amazing Voice
People called Ilma de Murska "The Croatian Nightingale." This was after her amazing performances in Vienna and London. She was known for her wild and free singing style. She would sometimes change the music with her own fantastic improvisations. This could be tricky for the conductor, who had to wait for her! But this powerful and unique style was exactly what audiences loved about her.
Later Years and Death
Ema Pukšec, also known as Ilma de Murska, passed away in Munich on January 14, 1889. She was 54 years old.
Images for kids
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Ilma de Murska
