The Mapleson Cylinder ~ AGAIN ! (1901-1902)

More than a century ago this live performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York was captured on cylinder by Met librarian Lionel Mapleson. When transferred to 78 rpm disc nearly four decades later, it was thought to have been Nellie Melba during a March 11, 1901 appearance in "Les Huguenots," though later research pointed to another date, January 3, 1902, and another soprano, Suzanne Adams, like Melba a pupil of Mathilde Marchessi. To this day the dispute -- it would not be incorrect to describe it as a raging battle -- continues over the identity of the singer (and it is often not pretty).

ITEM: (FAIR WARNING I) Although moderate filtering has been applied, this transfer can in no way qualify as a high fidelity (hi-fi) recording!

ITEM: (FAIR WARNING II) Be prepared to duck if / when disagreeing with Melba fans!

ITEM: (SPEED) 84 rpm (negotiable).

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mapleson
• Cylinder
• Melba
• Adams
• Opera
• Les
• Huguenots
• Phonograph
• Silhouette
• CurzonRoad

[operagodess78]

At 1:10, you can hear that high note (even through this cylinder), ringed throughout the operahouse. This soprano must have had a big voice.

[CurzonRoad]

The earlier file (see "video responses"), minus filtering thus even noisier, actually gives an even stronger "live" presence. Thank you by stopping by! Cheers, etc. Doug --

[merrihew]

There is a new Melba biography (by Ann Blainey) worth seeking out.

[CurzonRoad]

"Nellie Melba, a Contemporary Review" by William R. Moran (Greenwood Press, 1985) is very, very good.... but I'll be looking for the Blainey book here momentarily. THANK YOU!

[ginnykaren]

Doug, it gives me chills to think this was captured so many years ago. This transfer has quite an amazing quality and whoever the wonderful operatic soprano was had an awesome voice.

[CurzonRoad]

Hi Ginny: Thanks! For many it is clearly Melba.... and for others, well, it clearly isn't, thus fun & games. In any case, and no matter, quite an amazing document. Perhaps we could get the CIA & FBI to help in identifying our singer! ALL BEST. Cheers, etc. Doug --

[MrGer2295]

MOLTO BELLO!!! Thank you my friend for sharing this Wonderful and Rare Performance of Great Australian Operatic Soprano DAME NELLIE MELBA (1861 – 1931).

[sirdicaudore]

I believe it IS Melba. It sounds exactly like her. Adams was an excellent singer but with a lighter voice, and I don't think she had any reason that very day to imitate (so perfectly!) Melba's spirit and "maniere de chanter" in everything - tone production, trill, scales etc - Melba three years later still had an excellent high D in the recording of Se saran rose. I really believe it is her.

[AulicExclusiva]

But two of Melba's 1901 performances were on tour.