Emma Calvé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emma Calvé
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Emma Calvé as Carmen
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| Born |
Rosa Emma Calvet
15 August 1858 Decazeville, Aveyron
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| Died | 6 January 1942 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Operatic dramatic soprano |
| Spouse(s) |
Galileo Gasparini
(m. 1911; div. 1921) |
| Signature | |
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Emma Calvé, born Rosa Emma Calvet (15 August 1858 – 6 January 1942), was a famous French opera singer. She was known for her powerful and expressive voice, especially as a dramatic soprano.
Emma Calvé was one of the most celebrated French female opera singers of her time, known as the Belle Époque. She performed all over the world, including at the famous Metropolitan Opera House in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Early Life and Training
Emma Calvé was born on August 15, 1858, in Decazeville, France. Her birth name was Rosa Emma Calvet. Her father, Justin Calvet, was an engineer. She spent her early childhood in Spain with her parents. Later, she attended different convent schools in France.
After her parents separated, Emma moved to Paris with her mother. There, she began to study singing. She learned from famous teachers like Mathilde Marchesi and Manuel García. She also learned a lot about acting on stage by watching the famous actress Eleonora Duse.
Opera Career Highlights
Emma Calvé made her first opera performance on September 23, 1881. She sang in Gounod's Faust in Brussels. After this, she sang in major opera houses in Italy, including La Scala in Milan.
In 1891, she returned to Paris. She became very famous for her role as Suzel in L'amico Fritz by Pietro Mascagni. Her success led her to play Santuzza in the French premiere of Cavalleria rusticana. This role became one of her most famous.
In 1892, Emma studied in Rome. She learned from Domenico Mustafà, who was the head of the Sistine Chapel Choir. This helped her extend her vocal range even higher.
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Her biggest triumph was playing Carmen in Bizet's Carmen. To prepare, she traveled to Spain. She learned Spanish dances and observed local people. This helped her create a very realistic character. In 1894, she performed as Carmen in Paris. Audiences and critics immediately called her the best Carmen ever.
Calvé first came to America in 1893. She performed regularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She sang there 261 times between 1893 and 1904. She also created the role of Anita in Massenet's La Navarraise in London in 1894. In 1897, she sang in Massenet's Sapho.
She performed in many other operas, like The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. However, she is best remembered for her amazing performances as Carmen.
Later Life and Influences
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Emma Calvé faced a very difficult time in her life. During this period, she met Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual leader from India. He helped her find peace and happiness again. Calvé traveled with Swami Vivekananda and his friends through Europe and Egypt.
Emma Calvé wrote about Swami Vivekananda in her autobiography. She said he was a "noble being, a saint, a philosopher and a true friend." She felt deep gratitude for his influence on her spiritual life. She also visited Belur Math, a special place in India. She described her time there as "pure, beautiful and remote."
Swami Vivekananda also spoke highly of Emma Calvé. He admired her talent and hard work. He noted how she overcame challenges to become a respected singer. He believed her experiences gave her a unique understanding of life.
Emma Calvé retired from the stage in 1925. She moved back to her home region in France to teach. She passed away on January 6, 1942, in Montpellier, France, at the age of 83. Her beautiful voice can still be heard today on recordings made between 1902 and 1920.
Images for kids
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Emma Calvé in 1895
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Poster for Emma Calvé in Massenet's Sapho
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Poster of Calvé as Anita in La Navarraise
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A song featuring Emma Calvé, published in 1903.
